The care of the kids often drives many of the other decisions that need to be made, since they are considered a non-negotiable to both sides in most cases. The courts do their best to encourage that by establishing the “best interest of the child” standard for areas that touch those children.
One of the first things to do after hiring us for your divorce proceedings is to pull your credit report. This will help us get a better idea of exactly what liabilities will need to be split up.
Did you know that a contested divorce (where either spouse cannot reach an agreement) is the most complicated type of divorce? This process will typically involve hearings, settlement negotiations, and, in some cases, even a trial.
One of the major benefits of an uncontested divorce is that the paperwork process is significantly simplified. In addition, since the parties are essentially agreeing to all the terms of the divorce, this type of divorce takes much less time to complete.
Is it helpful for your marriage if you bond with the in-laws? A 2012 University of Michigan concluded that when men were close with their in-laws they decreased their divorce chances by 20 percent. Interestingly, when women are close to their in-laws that increases their chances of getting divorced by 20 percent.
Did you know that the duration of the marriage is generally the single most important factor the court will consider in determining whether alimony will be awarded, the amount that’s awarded, and the duration of the payments?
When you go to court for any legal matter, it's important to be represented by an expert. We have broad expertise in all areas of family law and can protect your legal rights.
Parental alienation syndrome describes a condition where one parent is relentlessly hostile to the other in front of the children, causing the child to express hatred toward the other parent. This syndrome sometimes become relevant in child custody cases.
Unfortunately, even amicable divorce proceedings can quickly sour. Whether there’s a dispute over spousal support or the division of assets, we’re always here to help you fight for a more equitable outcome for all parties involved.
Did you know that you don’t always have to go to a full blown divorce trial if you are willing to accept a no-fault divorce? It typically requires nothing more than a short hearing to get the decision approved, at least once the divisions of assets and other concerns have been worked out.
There’s a tendency for people to use the separation of assets in a divorce as a way for to get even with their spouse. A prenuptial agreement is an easy way to keep this from happening in the event you ever decide to divorce.
When a couple decides to divorce, money can be very tight as two individuals must adjust to living on a single income. But trying to save money on the cost of a lawyer could put you at a significant disadvantage, particularly if your spouse has a family lawyer.
Property division can be one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. It’s recommended that you don’t sell any major assets during your divorce process. Such actions will only complicate proceedings and may make it more difficult for you in the eyes of the judge.
Have you been the victim of domestic violence? Based on your situation we can offer advice on a variety of options. One may include a protective court order that makes any further contact with you illegal.
We recommend comprehensive documentation when undergoing any attempt at child support modifications. This includes anything related to your change in circumstances, as well as serious attempts to find new employment.
So what exactly qualifies as community property? This includes everything accumulated over the course of the marriage, including debts, property, savings, and investments.
No matter how fair a divorce decree may seem, things do inevitably change, and modifications to the court order (in terms of child custody, child support, and alimony) may end up being in your best interest.
There are actually several different custody options when it comes to divorce or separation. These include legal custody, physical custody, sole custody, joint custody, and birds nest custody (where the parents move in and out of the home).
Are you concerned that your spouse is going to get more spousal and child support during your divorce proceedings than you can reasonably afford? When you don’t want to risk an unfair settlement, we’re always here for you.
Family law is one of those areas that is ever green. Even when it was frowned upon and could result in social stigma, divorce was always a necessity for at least some. Because of that, a family lawyer could always hold his head high and know that he had provided a service that could help change lives.
So what is “alienation of affection” when it comes to family law? This refers to any intentional malicious interference with a marital relationship. Historically, under this, a third party could be brought to court, but such a suit is now rare.
Have you been considering legally adopting your spouse’s child as your own? Rest assured that we’re always available to advise you on the process and, when you’re ready to move forward, help you with every step along the way.
If your former spouse is an unstable force in your children’s lives, it may be necessary to limit the time they spend together. Let’s talk about your options for visitation.
If couples decide to separate, do they always have to go through a legal separation? Not if both parties agree to either a trial separation or a permanent separation. For some couples – and their circumstances – these types of separations are preferred over legal separations.