Recent Blog Posts
The Difference Between a No-Fault and an Uncontested Divorce
To many people, the thought of a divorce conjures up images of nasty courtroom battles, accusations of wrongdoing, and drawn out negotiations over the division of marital assets. While lingering acrimony might not be avoided completely, use of No Fault or Uncontested divorce options provide an opportunity to avoid some of the unpleasantness that often accompanies the end of a marriage.
To understand the benefits of each, it is important to know how the state defines each term.
- An “uncontested divorce” results when both parties are in full agreement of all the terms related to the divorce including, but not limited to alimony, child support, child custody, visitation, and division of property.
- A “no fault divorce” is a decree of divorce issued when neither party admits to marital misconduct. This is frequently referred to “irreconcilable differences.”
When to Seek Alimony Modification
Life is full of changes. New houses, new jobs, new children, new expenses and the list goes on. Even after a divorce is finalized changes occur for both former spouses, and those changes may allow one or the other to seek an alimony modification.
Yes, you read that right. An alimony modification may be made if either party experiences a change in circumstances that impact either the amount needed or amount available to be paid. A knowledgeable alimony modification attorney can help either the payor or payee seek the relief that allows each to continue managing their incomes and expenses.
Reasons to Seek an Alimony Modification
Sometimes the spouses can come to an agreement for support modification on their own, but any oral agreement is difficult to enforce should one party decide they no longer wish to honor it. With the assistance of an experienced alimony modification attorney, there are several options to consider when seeking a change in the amount of alimony paid.
Divorce Affects Dads Too
Much is written about divorce and the impact it has on the parties involved. A husband and wife who thought their marriage would last forever suddenly find themselves splitting marital assets, and creating schedules to see their children. It seems there is no shortage of articles addressing how wives and children are affected by divorce, and rightly. Just as important are the adjustments and coping skills the husband/dad must apply to his new, post-divorce life.
Tips and Tools for the Divorced Dad
Divorced dads must now navigate new and uncharted territory; helping raise children under very unique circumstances and with a whole new set of rules. While the divorce decree may establish certain details about support and visitation, there are things the divorced dad must come to realize on his own.
Divorce … There’s an App for That
Even for couples who see it coming and accept its inevitable result, a divorce is not an easy experience. Divorcing spouses need all the help they can get and, in addition to the support of family, friends and a competent divorce attorney, software developers have created applications or “apps” for personal devices to help individuals manage certain aspects of divorced life.
Find an App That Meets Your Needs
When it comes to meticulous and thorough representation, there is no substitute for an experienced divorce lawyer. During the divorce process, issues such as alimony, child custody, visitation and other details can be settled as part of the final divorce decree. However, certain apps are available for
Can We Avoid Divorce?
Marriage is not something that runs on autopilot. All couples, regardless if they are married for a few months or several years, will inevitably experience some trying times.
Whether through communication, counseling, or some other means, it is often possible to resolve conflicts, repair the relationship, and continue living a happy life together. Disagreements and fights do not need to result in divorce.
Head Off the Possibility of Divorce Before Getting Married
One way to reduce the chances of divorce is to make sure you have answers to important questions prior to walking down the aisle. Consider the following list of topics for discussion to have with any potential spouse.
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What do you want to change about me? Is there something about the other person that you really think needs work? Be open and honest with each other, even if it means the end of the relationship. Better to find out before an expensive wedding and even more expensive divorce.
When Divorced Couples Remarry … Each Other
When one or both partners in a marriage decide to pursue a divorce, the thought of remarriage is not usually among the matters under immediate consideration. However, over time, remarriage is something that many divorced individuals pursue, even remarrying the same person they previously divorced.
To some, the thought of remarrying the same person you just divorced may sound ridiculous. After all, whether the divorce process was amicable or hostile, so much time, energy, money, and emotion was spent settling issues such as alimony and support, custody and visitation, and division of marital assets. The reality is that some couples eventually realize, after time spent apart, that remarrying their “ex” is right for them.
Divorce and Your Credit Score
Divorce is often viewed by some as getting out of a bad situation. However, what many are unprepared for is the impact the divorce can have on their own credit score. Following a divorce, one can discover that his or her income, even with alimony or other support payments, is not enough to cover expenses.
Falling behind on monthly bills, running up large amounts of debt, or failing to curb your expenses to meet the new income restrictions a divorce often brings may all negatively impact your credit score.
Tips for Managing and Monitoring Your Credit Score During a Divorce
Consider implementing some or all of these tips to help monitor and maintain your credit history during and following your divorce.
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Get a copy of your credit report as soon as you know a divorce is looming. This helps you understand the bills and expenses that appear there, as well as those debts for you which you are responsible and those which are shared.
Financial Planning for a Divorce
Because many divorces end up in court and involve lawyers, it is commonly looked upon as a legal matter. However, the financial impact of a divorce has the influence to alter a person’s life in a number of ways. It is critical that those entering into a divorce have a firm grasp on their current financial situations, and initiate financial planning for their future, as well as that of their children, if necessary.
Get the Planning Started
Take steps early in the process so you are prepared when divorce proceedings get underway.
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Gather and copy all financial documents. Keep a record of shared accounts, expenses, income, savings, checking and investment accounts, bills, and other financial matters. Maintain a detailed and organized file of statements to which can be referred easily.
Divorce and Hiring a Private Investigator
When considering a divorce, or learning of a spouse’s intent to file for divorce, one usually looks to hire a skilled divorce attorney. This is a good first instinct. However, another hire you may wish to consider is that of a private investigator.
Even if you think the divorce might be amicable, the assistance of a professional and experienced investigator may be worth every bit of the expense.
How a Private Investigator Help
Depending on the issues surrounding your divorce, the information your private investigator uncovers may assist with matters related to alimony, child custody and visitation, asset allocation, and support payments.
Consider a summary of areas in which a private investigator may prove most helpful:
The Amicable Separation and Divorce
Going through a separation and divorce is difficult for everyone involved. Even the spouse who initiates the process probably feels some level of guilt, anxiety, or apprehension. After all, a marriage is intended to last forever.
But instead of family vacations and parties, thoughts turn to matters of alimony, custody, division of assets, and other unpleasantries.
However, it is not unheard of for a separation and eventual divorce to take on an amicable tone. When both parties are willing to work through the process, then things can proceed more quickly and with less animosity.
If an amicable process is something you desire be sure to make your divorce lawyer aware of your preference.
Tips for an Amicable Separation and Divorce