Although marriage may be a matter of the heart, divorce is very much a legal matter. Like any legal matter, it involves lots of paperwork. The type and amount of paperwork depends on where you live, as divorce is a matter of state law. This means every state handles the particulars of divorce a little different....
According to 2013 census data, 22.1 children under 21 live with their custodial parent while the other parent lives elsewhere. Custody disputes are not uncommon following a separation or divorce. Even the most reasonable people may let the tension get the best of them, and this can often lead to long, drawn-out disputes. If you...
If you live in a different state from your child, it is natural to wonder how realistic or feasible long-distance co-parenting is. For example, can you really have a say in many matters when you only see your children during holidays and summers? The short answer is that if both parents are committed to making...
Simply put, spouses do not always share the dirty details of their purchases or finances with one another. Sometimes, an omission is a genuine oversight, and sometimes, it is done intentionally in an effort to avoid a fight over an expense one spouse may not consider worthwhile. While hiding assets is sometimes done innocently, it may be...
Divorce is generally a confusing and time-consuming process. You need to make choices regarding various elements such as dividing debt, marital assets and property. One thing some divorcing couples don’t realize is that debt is considered marital property, regardless of which person incurred it. Learn about what happens to debt during divorce and what you...
Even kids who don’t go through a divorce have a hard time adjusting to change. When parents split up, it disrupts a child’s routine. However, Scientific American reports that the majority of children do well after a divorce, even if the first couple of years are difficult. Parents can take steps to help a child...
Children who live with both parents at least one-third of the time do better in school and have better social skills. Research from the American Coalition for Fathers & Children clearly demonstrates that children benefit from shared residential custody, even when their parents aren’t on friendly terms. One way to minimize conflict after a divorce...
Social Security benefits are available to the vast majority of the American population. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 96 percent of workers qualify for these benefits. The term “workers” may cause concern for some individuals who are considering filing for or recently filed for divorce. In many cases, one spouse may have remained...