The term “equitable distribution” refers to a system of property division in which the court divides marital property in a fair, equitable manner—not necessarily one that is equal. Some of the considerations the court will take into account include: The length of the marriage The age and health of each spouse The amount of money… Read More »
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December 2017, changed the way alimony payments are taxed for some people. The way tax rules apply to your alimony depends on when you were divorced. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know. Changes to the system The legislation eliminated alimony tax deductions… Read More »
Divorce is an inherently difficult process just due to the emotions involved. However, it because even more difficult and complex if you have a spouse who refuses to cooperate. Matters will become difficult from the outset of the divorce if your spouse refuses to even sign the paperwork. What steps can you take in such… Read More »
If a court awards alimony to you or your spouse in your divorce, there are several types of alimony awards the court may choose. It is important to know the terms of your alimony arrangement so you can plan accordingly. Here are some examples of these types of alimony. Bridge the gap alimony: This is… Read More »
The Uniform Parentage Act was adopted into law by all 50 states in 1973. The Act introduced unified guidelines for establishing paternity for children of both married and unmarried couples, developing an easy way for courts to identify the legal parents of a child. Establishing legal parenthood is important for many court processes, including implementing… Read More »
You have likely heard of a prenuptial agreement—a contract people enter into before they get married that outlines many issues related to the marriage, including property division and responsibilities should the marriage end in divorce. However, not as many people are familiar with postnuptial agreements, which have similar benefits and functions but are created and… Read More »
Every state has laws that protect children from abandonment or neglect on the part of their parents. However, the definitions of “abandonment” or “neglect” are often left open to interpretation, which is beneficial in many cases involving child abuse or neglect, but can also result in some confusion in some circumstances for parents. For example:… Read More »
Every child has the right to financial support from his or her parents. When one person is assigned by the court to pay child support, they are legally required to keep up with thse payments. A failure to do so is a crime. Unfortunately, failure to pay court-ordered child support is an extremely common offense… Read More »
People filing for divorce in the United States no longer have to prove fault on the part of the other spouse to be able to proceed with a divorce. However, if your spouse had an affair, you may find it beneficial for your case to demonstrate fault anyway. Here’s what you should know. Proving fault… Read More »
Divorce can wreak havoc on your finances if you’re not careful. The good news is there are steps you can take to plan out your financial future and mitigate some of the potential effects divorce can have on your overall financial outlook. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you protect your… Read More »