Family Law Archives - Page 5 of 6

October 19^th, 2011

Collaborative Practice (Malpractice?)

All too often the divorce process is destructive. Spouses emerge at the other end with almost half of what they had before and they like their spouse even less. Collaborative law seeks to avoid unnecessary adversarial conflict and find a solution that is best for all parties.… Read More

October 13^th, 2011

You can make your own will (just don’t type it)

Over 90% of Americans die without a will. This is mostly because it costs money to go see an attorney and have one drafted (usually around $1,500). This is something your lawyer doesn’t want you to know: you can make your own will.… Read More

October 8^th, 2011

Who gets the family dog upon divorce? (dogs are chairs)

Couples are increasingly treating dogs like their children. But what happens when couples divorce? Who gets to keep the family dog? A recent case in New York illustrates how hotly contested pet custody can be. Many times one spouse cares more about the dog than who gets to keep the house. … Read More

October 4^th, 2011

Why you need a will (intestacy sucks)

The majority of Americans do not have a will. Writing one requires confronting a stark reality. But do you really need a will anyway? 1. Live-in partners get nothing When you die intestate (without a will), the current scheme of where your property goes provides nothing for cohabiting couples, live-in partners, etc.… Read More

October 2^nd, 2011

Runaway bride: can I get that ring back?

Although the bride need not actually run away like Julia Roberts or Jennifer Wilbanks, couples get engaged and break it off all the time. Many times the bride will show her revocation by handing the ring back, but does the groom have a right to get the ring back?… Read More

October 1^st, 2011

Temporary marriage licenses: “Until [Insert Term Here] do us part”

The legislature in Mexico City (D.F.) is surprisingly progressive (for better or worse) compared to the United States. The local government recently made gay marriage legal, despite opposition from the Catholic Church. Now, they are debating the implementation of temporary marriage licenses.… Read More

September 30^th, 2011

How having sex with your (soon-to-be ex) spouse can cost you $25,000 (or more)

Let’s say that Mr. X and his spouse are splitting up and this is what transpires: Mrs. X sends her spouse packing, suitcase in hand out the door. Mr. X receives a large annual bonus from his employer of $50,000. A couple of months later Mr.… Read More

September 22^nd, 2011

Divorce-proof your business

So you have a business with your spouse and business is going well, but marital bliss is fleeting. Have you thought about the fact that post-dissolution; your business may have to be sold to raise cash? Anything you can do to divorce-proof your business?… Read More

September 21^st, 2011

Your children are going to testify at your divorce (maybe)

Elkins The Elkins Implementation Task Force is currently attempting to overhaul California’s family law court system to increase fairness and efficiency. The Elkins Task Force was created after the decision in Elkins v. Superior Court (2007) 41 Cal.4th 1337 found that current family law procedures were inadequate.… Read More

September 17^th, 2011

Children of divorce have less money for college

A recent study published in The Journal of Family Issues studied the impact of divorce on contributions to college costs. Divorce can take a substantial financial toll on the family. Is that impact limited to the lifestyle of the parents, or are the children of divorce just as negatively impacted?… Read More

Category: Family Law