Once your divorce is final, you'll have a detailed agreement or court order that outlines how every aspect of your split gets handled -- from taxes to child custody and everything in between.But what about before the divorce is finished? Life doesn't stop -- or even...
Fast. Fair. Thorough.
Year: 2019
What is forced drug abuse?
Substance abuse and domestic violence are often linked together. Drugs and alcohol can serve to incite fights and lower someone's impulse control. It's just recently, however, that researchers have started to realize that drugs and alcohol are also weapons that get...
Worried about international child abduction? Here’s what to do
If your spouse has strong ties to another country, you may worry that he or she will disappear with your children in tow to some far-off land where you will never see them again.It's a reasonable fear. When a marital relationship breaks down, strong feelings about the...
Do Christmas gifts count as child support?
The Christmas season is upon us again, which means that most people will be spending much more than normal -- especially on gifts for the kids. But don't make the mistake of thinking that your gifts are an adequate substitution for your usual support payments. Child...
Can you reduce the cost of your divorce?
With all the other stress you're under during a divorce, your finances can quickly become the biggest stressor in your life once you realize how costly divorce can be. Experts say that the average divorce in 2019 costs each spouse about $15,000. That's a lot to handle...
Going through a divorce? Here are some rules for Thanksgiving
Are you absolutely dreading facing your extended family members this Thanksgiving because of your contentious divorce? Coping with the disruption and trauma of divorce is always difficult, but it can be particularly hard to handle when relatives (well-meaning or not)...
What happens when a spouse gets caught hiding assets?
During a divorce, there's no time for secrets about money and resources. All of those things need to be sorted by owner, and joint assets must be divided. You know the rules. Your spouse knows the rules.But what if someone decides to cheat a little -- or a lot? What...
How do stay-away orders differ from restraining orders?
In California, a "stay-away" order is just what it sounds like: Also known as a Criminal Protective Order (CPO), it's a court order that obliges one person to keep away from another. However, California courts also use something known as a Civil Restraining Order...
Do the signs say you're on the road to a divorce?
There's no roadmap when it comes to life, so you're generally forced to watch for signs along your path that help you make good decisions. However, the signs that should be guiding you aren't always 100% obvious -- particularly in matters of the heart.Could all the...
Marriage, divorce and student loans: What you need to know
Are you ready to tie the knot but worried about how your student loans will affect your intended spouse? Does your intended have a lot of student loan debt that you're worried about taking on?You aren't alone. These days, a lot of younger people have significant...