What Does ‘Dissolution of Marriage’ Actually Mean?
As you go through the divorce process, you will likely hear the term “dissolution of marriage” used more than once. What exactly does this mean? In many cases, “dissolution of marriage” is just another way of saying divorce, referring to the process in which you and your spouse can permanently end your marriage. However, there… Read More »
Age at Time of Cohabitation Could Be Predictor of Divorce
For many years, it was commonly accepted that cohabitation before marriage increased a couple’s risk of getting divorced. However, research from the Council on Contemporary Families suggests cohabitation does not influence the likelihood of divorce—and never has. Instead, it is the age at the time of cohabitation that’s most likely to predict a divorce. Couples… Read More »
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Divorce?
Even if you and your spouse are on relatively good terms and believe you have come to a mutual agreement regarding child custody and the division of marital property as you head towards divorce, it’s still advisable to seek the assistance of a skilled family law attorney. A divorce decree is a legally binding court… Read More »
The Different Types of Adoptions
If you are looking into adoption, you have several different options depending on your current situation. Here are some of the various types of adoptions that you may consider: Adoptions through agencies. Agency adoptions involve placing a child with their adoptive parents through a public agency or a state-licensed private agency. Independent adoption. No agencies… Read More »
What Legal Requirements Must Be Fulfilled Before a Divorce?
Before a couple is able to file a divorce action in court and actually go through the divorce process, there are certain legal requirements that they must fulfill. These requirements include: Residency. A spouse that chooses to file for a divorce must have resided within the state they are filing for a certain period of… Read More »
Religion and Your Child Custody Arrangement
It’s somewhat common for one parent to change religions after going through a divorce. However, there are legal implications involving child custody and changing religion that must be considered. Religion is actually one of several considerations that courts will take into account when determining custody arrangements, alongside health care, residence, recreation and education. First, courts… Read More »
When Can You Modify a Child Support Agreement?
Whether you are paying or receiving child support, you may reach a point in the arrangement where you feel like it needs to be modified to reflect your current life situation. But when are the best times to attempt to modify your arrangement, and how do you go about doing so? Situations that may call… Read More »
Divorce Rate Has Dramatically Declined in Last Two Decades
You’ve likely heard the statistic that more than half of all marriages end in divorce. However, this is a common misconception. The fact is that divorce rates are currently the lowest they’ve been since the 1960s. A recent study published by the New York Times shows that the divorce rate hit its peak in the… Read More »
Child Support Deviations
Federal law mandates that all states create a uniform formulaic system for determining support obligations for children within their jurisdictions. While states are not required to adopt any particular formula, most choose one of two common systems. In New York, child support obligations are based on a fixed percentage of the payor’s income less certain… Read More »