1. Meet with an Attorney When facing a divorce, having the right support and guidance is crucial. A qualified attorney can help protect your rights and interests throughout the process. Before meeting with an attorney, gather all relevant documents, such as financial statements, tax returns, and prenuptial agreements. During the consultation, be prepared to share your concerns and goals for the ...
Everyone knows divorce is a difficult time. It puts you on an emotional rollercoaster. If that’s not enough, there are also many practical decisions to make and legal hurdles to jump. Ultimately, you must spend some money to finalize your divorce, but you don’t have to break the bank. Here are the various approaches to a divorce along with what you can expect to pay for each. The Cost of Doing It ...
If you are a single parent, you may have concerns about leaving your child with their other parent. Sometimes, these concerns spring from simple disagreements about parenting. You may have concerns about the other parent’s entertainment choices, what they feed the kids, and so on. Other times, you may be worried that the child is in danger with the other parent. In this article, we explore the ...
Divorce is never an easy process, but it can be particularly difficult when spouses share assets. Spouses can be particularly, understandably concerned about their real estate investments. Many don’t see the family home as a financial asset. Instead, they are emotionally tethered to it. If you are concerned about keeping your house in a divorce, here are some steps you can take. They could help ...
Child support orders are designed to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children. However, circumstances can change, and you may find that your current child support order no longer reflects your family's needs. If you're considering requesting a modification to your child support order, this step-by-step guide can help you navigate the process and ensure that your ...
Each state has its own rules on how to divide marital assets. Generally, they use one of two systems: equitable property division or community property division. In this article, we focus specifically on Iowa’s approach to dividing assets in a divorce. If you are an Iowa resident preparing to end your marriage, this information will help you understand what to expect. Equitable Distribution vs. ...
In our modern world, the word “family” has taken many new definitions. There are more possibilities for what makes someone your family than ever before. These days, it’s more common to see scenarios that were unheard of before. For instance, life could put you in a position where you need to adopt a child who is not a U.S. citizen. Perhaps you fell in love with their parent, and want to officially ...
Breaking up is hard enough, but when you have to figure out what to do with your pet, it can be even more challenging. If you're going through a divorce and hope to keep your pet, here are some things you'll need to consider. Pets Are Considered Property in a Marriage Under common and civil law, pets are classified as moveable property. In the event of a divorce, pets are subject to division like ...
Domestic abuse is not always about a direct, violent act. It can take many different forms, and it victimizes both men and women. You should stay aware of the various types of abuse, so you can get help escaping from an abusive situation. Defining Abuse It's Not Just Physical Violence Physical violence is, of course, a form of abuse, but the term is broader than just that. Abuse encompasses a much ...
Marriage annulment is a very specific process. It is not like a divorce, which ends a marriage. In an annulment, the state invalidates the marriage, making it “null.” It erases the marriage from your record as if the union never existed. Because of what an annulment does, it requires very specific parameters. In Iowa, the qualifications for a marriage annulment are: The union is somehow illegal. ...
These days, family dynamics are more complicated than ever. Spouses in same-sex marriages may raise a child parented by someone outside the marriage. More people are warming to the idea of polyamory, where more than two people have a relationship, and they have a child with someone other than their spouse. There are, of course, also situations of betrayal where someone has a child from an affair, ...
Even in our modern times, there is a lot of confusion around gender and divorce decisions. Most people assume that the system is biased toward women. They believe that women are overcompensated when it comes to support, child custody, and so on. Legally, gender should not affect any divorce decisions. The court should consider only the facts of the case and the individuals getting divorced. In ...
Parents often disagree on how to raise children, especially if they are divorced. In many cases, mismatched parenting styles are among the reasons for divorce. These disagreements can get heated and contentious, but ultimately, If you don’t like the other parent’s methods, there isn’t much legal recourse for resolving the issue. They may be unwilling to change their behavior, and the court grants ...
Being a biological father doesn’t necessarily mean you are a legal father. The government requires you to officially declare our parenthood. You can do this by signing the birth certificate or filing paperwork later. The legal term for fatherhood is “paternity.” If you wait too long, or if you discover a child later in life, you must officially declare your fatherhood. You may need to go through ...
Everyone knows that working with other people can be difficult, especially with the other person doesn’t meet their obligations. Bosses, coworkers, and other professionals can slow down progress. This problem is amplified when it involves your personal life. As a divorced parent, you must rely on your co-parent to obey the parenting plan, but some people simply won’t comply. This can include ...
It’s been almost a decade since the Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage should be recognized across. The country. Still, for many, the laws on the topic can feel “new.” There is still much vagueness and confusion about what, exactly your rights are. This can be especially true for same-sex parents. Many laws are still steeped in traditional, heterosexual marriages, and it’s taking time for ...
All divorces are complicated and require many decisions. Depending on your profession, those complications can multiply. For farm owners, those complications can go even further. Untangling the commingled property is the biggest issue in an agricultural divorce. Your farm may have been in your family for generations, but if your spouse contributed to its worth and welfare, they may be entitled to ...
Securing Your Place in Your Grandchild’s Life Grandparents are some of many adults that children look up to for wisdom, love, and guidance as they grow. While their place is sometimes protected by a grandchild’s parents, drastic life changes – such as separation, divorce, or death of the parents – could threaten a grandparent’s place in their grandchild’s life. Luckily, should this ever happen, ...
Guardianship is a difficult but necessary decision for parents to make. Life’s unpredictability could drastically change a family overnight. Be prepared for such an emergency by ensuring your children will be cared for by people you trust in the event that something happens to you. Consider these points when deciding who to appoint. Your Relationship with the Prospective Guardian Guardians are ...
If you are a separated or divorced parent, you are likely already acutely familiar with the challenges of co-parenting with your ex. However, now that we are in the middle of a pandemic, raising children with your former spouse may be considerably more difficult and your children are likely picking up on the increased tension and anxiety in your family. Although everyone’s schedules may have ...
Wasteful dissipation can have a profound impact on a divorce. If your spouse failed to protect certain marital assets or wasted marital assets in anticipation of the divorce, these acts may be considered wasteful dissipation. That said, such cases can be challenging to prove in court, so it is essential to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case. Continue reading to learn more about ...
Every divorce presents unique challenges, but for those with substantial assets, the obstacles are often greater and far more complex. To ensure you receive your rightful share of marital property and assets, it is crucial to hire an attorney with extensive experience in handling such cases, so you can avoid making costly mistakes that may impact your future for years to come. Why Are High Net ...
If you are no longer with your child’s parent and you are the primary caregiver, you should also be receiving child support from your ex. Unfortunately, if your former spouse fails to comply with the court order, this can put you in a financial predicament. Before you take the matter to court, reach out to your former spouse to discuss the matter. You may be able to negotiate a temporary ...
After a divorce, life can feel uncertain and unpredictable for your children, resulting in anxiety and stress. To ease their apprehensions in the aftermath of your split, it is crucial to create a set of consistent rules and routines across both households to make visitation less jarring. Fostering stability in their lives will help them feel safe, secure, and instill healthy habits. To get ...
If you are planning to get married and agreed to create a prenuptial agreement with your fiancé, you might have some questions about what to include in this essential legal document. After all, your prenuptial agreement will only be as effective as you make it. Continue reading to find out what you should consider including in your prenuptial agreement. Creating an Effective Prenuptial Agreement ...
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