Divorce is one of those issues that often brings people into the legal system for the first time, but it is also a time when the individuals involved are most vulnerable. Divorce is rough, and the complexities of the legal system tend to make things even more convoluted for couples seeking to end their marriage....

Divorce brings about a lot of change for families, and spouses often struggle to find equilibrium in the wake of this decision. One of biggest changes wrought by this experience is the private or court-ordered settlement agreement both parties are legally obligated to follow. Ideally, a couple crafts their own agreement, an approach that tends...

Deciding on the terms of a divorce settlement is not an easy process, and couples able to settle their issues without court intervention should be praised for their foresight and ability to compromise. Private divorce settlements are apt to represent the needs and desires of each spouse more fairly, and the contribution each spouse made...

High amounts of debt can weigh on a person every moment of the day. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an option that debtors can access to find relief from debt that is beyond their means, and many rules govern how the process works, which is separate from the regular federal court system, how the debtor qualifies,...

People are much less stationary and more willing to consider moving to a new city, state, or country in hopes of finding a better job and life. When parents share custody of a child, though, such decisions affect far more than just one individual. Assuming parents share parenting time, each is entitled to the opportunity...

When someone decides to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it is usually the result of unforeseen and overwhelming circumstances that impair his or her ability to meet financial obligations. Rarely does someone use bankruptcy as a means of eliminating a debt he or she could otherwise pay. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation process and...

Unmarried couples do not have the rights and obligations that come with a state-sanctioned union, and this gap in legal recognition is especially apparent in the area of paternity. A child’s parentage is a crucial issue that affects everything from inheritance rights to receiving proper medical screening. When unmarried parents separate or otherwise experience conflict...

Divorced parents often depend upon the regular payment of child support to provide for all their children’s needs. The cost of raising a child increases every year, and trying to meet these rising demands without financial support of the other parent is nearly impossible for many. The law grants children the right to financial support...

The basis for any relationship in which a person must reveal personal and potentially embarrassing information, a common necessity in divorce, is trust that the other party will not use this information against the person or tell third-parties what was said. This level of trust is a necessary component of an effective attorney-client relationship, which...

Thoughts of marriage and what is to come tend to produce heady emotions that can last a substantial amount of time after the wedding. This “honeymoon phase” allows couples to solidify their bond and get a clearer picture of building a life together. The average length of a marriage in the U.S. is eight years....