What do I do to get ready to divorce?
Over the years, one of the most frequently asked questions is always, “what is the first thing I should do to get ready to begin a divorce process?” In answer to that question, I always like to begin with establishing a healthy mindset so that all action and behaviors are consistent with one question: what […]
Equitable Distribution in Divorce – The Basics
We have two different types of Family Law in our country, “Equitable Distribution” and “Community Property.” These laws are the basis for which divorce financial settlements are settled, or ordered, so it is important to understand how the specific state law applies to the facts in your case. What is Equitable Distribution Law? When the court […]
3,142 counties equals 3,142 different flavors of divorce. This is your divorce – don’t let it happen to you
Everyone starts a legal consultation asking the same questions in a variety of ways, “How much will I get?” or “How much will I have to give?” “How can I keep the house ?” “What do we do about the debt?” or, “Well clearly since he/she (fill in the blank) drinks, uses drugs, is absentee, […]
Five Pathways to Divorce
Divorce is a trying time for every individual involved, and there are many misconceptions about the process and experience. It doesn’t help that the public portrayal of divorce is often as a knock-down, drag-out war between two angry people, centered in a courtroom. The reality, however, is often far different: the majority of divorces will […]
Divorce Mediation – The Basics
Of the five pathways to divorce, mediation is by far the most time and cost efficient path — especially if you want to solve your financial matters without having to go to court. But before you pursue mediation as a way to settle your divorce, it is very important to understand exactly what mediation is, […]
How to Successfully Navigate Mediation
In Mediation– The Basics we provided a high level overview of mediation, mediators, the role of lawyers and other essential information. In this article will go into more detail about the pros and cons of mediation, the process and most importantly, how to be successful. Get The Best Odds of Success with Preparation Remember, above all, […]
Child Support and Add-ons
If you Google “child support” you will read an impossibly cold, legal and truly heartless definition of what it is. When terms such as “obligor” and “obligee” are used, you have moved as far away from the heart and soul of family as is possible. That is just one example of the many problems with […]
Custody – Defined
The term custody is highly inflammatory when used in the context of divorce proceedings. It has come to be associated with a sense of ownership and court battles. The term visitation, can also be upsetting as no parent ever wants to be thought of as “visiting” their children. However, if we remove all of the […]
What is a Parenting Plan?
When a divorce involves children, there are many options for how to address shared parenting (we prefer to avoid the legal term “custody” since that implies ownership). As we discuss in the Custody – Defined overview, there are situations when a parent may choose to pursue sole legal and/or sole physical custody that require the […]
Parenting Plan: Agreements
A Parenting Plan consists of two components: Agreements between the parents as to how to care for the child and A detailed schedule In this article we will address the common types of Agreements found in parenting plans. Please see What is a Parenting Plan? for an overview, or for more information on schedules, see […]