Browse Tag by Divorce Lawyer
Family Law

Divorce and Child Custody – Who Should be Granted Custody of the Children?

When determining child custody, the court aims to make the best decision for the child’s welfare. It weighs several factors, including the child’s best interests, the wishes of both parents, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s educational needs, and the mental health of all parties.

Whether a grandparent should be granted custody or visitation depends on the circumstances. If the other parent does not spend enough time with the child, or if they are not actively involved in the child’s life, then the grandparent may be the best option. This option is known as “grandparent custody.” In California, the law governing this type of custody award is called 23 Pa.C.S. SS 5324. However, not everyone can obtain this legal standing.

The court can deny visitation rights if either parent is deemed to be dangerous to the child. For example, parents with substance abuse problems can be denied visitation. If the court believes that the noncustodial parent has been abusive to the child in the past or has a mental illness, the court will deny the parent visitation rights. However, a parent with a criminal history or a prison record will not be automatically denied visitation. Seek the help of an established child custody attorney in San Diego.

The court will also consider a non-biological parent if the biological parent is deemed unfit to care for the child. Oftentimes, this stepparent is a grandparent or a close relative. Because of these circumstances, the non-biological parent will be considered if living with them would be beneficial to the child.

In San Diego, a father and live-in girlfriend sought custody of a child with a diabetic condition. The woman claimed that she was the primary caregiver for the child during the couple’s relationship, and was responsible for taking care of the child during the relationship. When the couple broke up, the woman asked for custody. The trial court found that the girlfriend did not have the standing to claim custody. The California Court of Appeals took issue with this decision.

The other option is to seek joint custody. Joint custody allows both parents to make important decisions for the child. Joint custody is more common, but it’s not required. Oftentimes, parents will reach a compromise and agree on a custody arrangement that will work for the children. If the child lives with one parent more than the other, the non-custodial parent will be awarded visitation rights. The child’s health and safety are paramount in determining custody.

In California, the mother has the right to ask for custody of the child. If the father is legally the legal father, he will have to sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity and receive an Order of Filiation from the court. He must also be listed on the child’s birth certificate. If neither parent can prove that the father is the biological parent, the birth mother’s spouse is presumed to be the child’s parent.

In some cases, courts will grant joint managing conservatorship, which allows both parents to make lifestyle and educational decisions for the child. This gives both parents the right to be active participants in after-school activities and religious upbringing. However, joint managing conservatorships may result in a custody arrangement that allows a child to live with one parent and share possession rights with the other. A skilled child custody attorney can help clients choose the best custody arrangement for their unique situation.

While most parents want the best for their children, it is easy to make mistakes that will make things more difficult for their children. Especially when they’re trying to get full custody, parents can make mistakes that can make the situation worse. If their ex-spouse has harmed them in the past, they may be tempted to do or say anything to make revenge.

Religious conflicts can also arise between parents of different religions. In such cases, the best interest of the child may be overridden by the parents’ religious beliefs. Generally, the best interest of the child is taken into account, but this can conflict with the parent’s constitutional rights to raise their children. Thankfully, the First Amendment protects the right of parents to practice their religion, which allows them to raise their children in the faith of their choice.

 

Family Law

Divorce – How to Make Your Divorce as Peaceful as Possible

Your first priority should be to communicate efficiently with your divorce attorney. You should be as clear and comprehensive as possible and provide them with the information they need. If you cannot respond promptly to questions, they may need to follow up. Providing an in-depth response will minimize the amount of follow-up that your attorney must do. Also, efficient communication will save you time and money as your divorce attorney will not need to call you repeatedly for updates.

Next, choose an attorney who specializes in your specific issue. For instance, some attorneys specialize in complex asset division or custody issues. Also, look for attorneys who speak to bar associations and serve on family-law committees. A divorce attorney who frequently addresses bar associations shows that they know the law and are familiar with current and past rulings by judges.

In addition to being experienced, your divorce attorney should be compassionate and listen to your needs. Even if your divorce is not a high-profile case, hiring a compassionate and experienced lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Remember that the divorce process is often complicated and confusing. You’ll want a lawyer who will represent your best interests and work toward an amicable settlement.

Divorce cases can move to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. At trial, any unresolved issues will be decided by a judge. Your Jackosnville divorce attorney will work hard to avoid this scenario if at all possible. One of the most difficult aspects of a divorce is the division of assets and debts.

Your first meeting with your divorce attorney will involve lots of questions and consultation. During this meeting, your attorney will explain the divorce process to you. Most attorneys will also provide you with forms that you need to fill out. It’s a good idea to prepare beforehand so you can fill out the necessary paperwork. You’ll also need to complete homework related to the case.

Experience is another key factor in hiring a divorce attorney. The lawyer should be a licensed attorney with relevant academic credentials and a track record of representing divorce clients. The attorney should also have experience going to trial and handling different types of family law cases. This way, he or she will be able to give you knowledgeable feedback and help you make informed decisions.

If you don’t have the financial resources to hire a divorce attorney, consider looking for free divorce attorneys in your area. In some states, the state bar has programs to help low-income individuals get legal services. You can also look for pro bono divorce attorneys in your local bar association. These attorneys are usually only available to need-based clients.

A divorce attorney who is familiar with your state’s laws is best suited for your case. This way, you can feel confident that your attorney understands the legal system and can effectively represent you. The attorney should also be affordable. If you have young children, you should find an attorney who will protect the needs of your children and will not pursue unreasonable child support demands.

If you are comparing the prices of divorce attorneys, it is important to find out whether they have payment options. Some will accept payments in installments or work out a payment plan with you. This can make hiring a divorce attorney more affordable. Lastly, never be afraid to negotiate with your attorney. Most attorneys will be willing to lower their fees to suit your needs.

The divorce process is often complicated and time-consuming. There are numerous forms to fill out and waiting periods. Going to court too quickly can make your case more contested and complicated. It can also cost you more money. Consider all the options before making the final decision. The process can take years, so take your time. A good attorney can ease the strain. If you and your spouse are willing to work together, the divorce process will go smoothly.

Divorce mediation can be a cost-effective and amicable process. If you and your spouse can agree on the process, it may be the best option for you. However, it can be impossible in some cases. It’s important to consider all your options and choose the right one. If you’re unsure about which one to select, start by consulting a family law attorney who specializes in family law.

A divorce attorney can also explain how property will be handled after a dissolution of marriage. Initially, each spouse may have separate property. In some cases, spouses have accumulated separate assets through prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements. Your attorney can explain how state laws regarding community property and equitable distribution may affect how the marital estate is divided.

Divorce mediation is another option to help you reach a settlement quickly. This alternative method of resolving differences is beneficial for couples who want to avoid the hassle of litigation. It also allows the couple to address the issues that are important to them and ensures that everyone involved receives a fair settlement. A divorce mediation will allow both parties to reach an agreement that meets their needs.

 

 

Family Law

Divorce and Alimony – How Much Should You Pay?

If you and your spouse have separated and you cannot support yourself, you may be eligible for alimony. The court can order alimony if it seems “just and proper” to do so. Typically, alimony is awarded if one party is older and unable to support themselves, is struggling financially, or has health problems. It also depends on the facts of the relationship. For example, if your spouse made more money than you, the judge may award alimony to that spouse.

If your ex is not paying the alimony agreed to during the marriage, you can file a “show cause” action with the court. The court will set a hearing to determine why your ex is not following the agreement. The court may also impose fines and/or take personal property, such as real estate profits, if necessary.

In some states, alimony may be permanently ordered. However, this is not always the case. Most support payments are only for a few years. Most of the time, they will end when the recipient remarries or suffers from a disability. However, in some cases, the recipient of alimony may still need financial assistance for a long time. Once this time has passed, the support payments will end.

In some states, you can hire a private investigator to follow your ex to try to get out of paying alimony. However, the court might also jail the spouse who does not want to pay the support. The judge will also set a date for when the alimony payments will cease. When this date passes, the judge will determine that the recipient has not made the necessary progress toward self-sufficiency. The court may also decide to modify the amount of support if a significant event occurs, such as a child’s 18th birthday or a special needs child.

Alimony is intended to compensate for differences in income between the two spouses. The higher the income of one spouse, the higher the alimony payments. If the dependent spouse is unable to work due to illness, the court may order the supporting spouse to pay higher alimony. In addition, the court may order alimony payments for a long-term partner who is financially dependent on the other spouse. Consider obtaining legal advice from a competent Houston divorce lawyer.

Alimony is often tax-deductible to both the payer and recipient spouse, and it does not need to be reported as income on tax returns. However, new federal tax laws may impact how you are required to report alimony payments, especially if you are receiving alimony. Make sure to review the details of your divorce agreement before filing your taxes.

Alimony is a complex and emotional issue. In Houston, alimony must take into account the cost of living for each spouse. For example, if you and your partner have a marital home in Houston, but your spouse lives in another area, you will have to factor in the cost of living in each city.

Alimony is usually determined by the length of the marriage. For example, if you were married for more than ten years, you will probably be entitled to permanent alimony. In addition, spousal support in Houston is based on the income of both spouses, including W-2 wage earners, and interest from investments.

In some cases, alimony may last only for a few months or until the receiving spouse becomes fully independent. However, the duration of alimony can be changed by agreement between the parties. This includes situations where the paying spouse has already married again, or the recipient spouse has been living with a new partner for at least three months.

Alimony is often paid for a fixed time period. Oftentimes, it is intended to give the recipient spouse enough time to become self-sufficient. The duration of alimony is set by the Houston family court judge. Normally, alimony is granted for three years or less. After that, if the recipient spouse has a remarriage or cohabitates, the payee spouse may decide to end the payments. However, some judges may decide to make alimony permanent.

Alimony is meant to help support one spouse during the divorce process. To obtain alimony, the recipient spouse must demonstrate that they are in need of the support. Additionally, the paying spouse must be able to pay for it. This requires a formal application. An attorney can help you make the right request.

 

 

Family Law

An Essential Guide to Paying Child Support

If you and your spouse are divorcing, one of your legal obligations is to pay child support. Child support is a regular, ongoing payment made to help raise the child of the couple. It generally starts after the breakup of a marriage or a similar relationship. The amount of child support varies, depending on the circumstances of the parents. Here are some tips for paying child support. You can also find help from an attorney if you have questions.

Document your income. You must bring proof of income, including any car or cell phone bills. If possible, bring proof of any other children in the home. If you have a job that pays well enough to provide for the children, this is an additional support that you may be required to pay. You should also bring proof of any expenses related to child care. A court may require proof of any of these expenses. Once you’ve obtained all of the necessary documentation, you’ll need to file the case.

Know the laws and rules about child support. Child support is meant to help both parents pay for the child’s needs. Typically, noncustodial parents pay child support to the custodial parent, but this can vary based on the agreement and where the child lives. For example, a parent with shared residential custody can still be required to pay child support. The exact details of child support depend on the situation and agreement, so it’s important to find out your rights before filing. Seek legal advice from a competent family law attorney in Miami.

If your circumstances change, you can request a modification of the child support order. A court may consider the mother’s behavior toward the child when determining how to change the amount of support. However, the changes will only take effect from the date the motion is filed. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly if you have changed your circumstances. If you’ve changed your circumstances, you must file a Motion to Terminate or Modify Child Support. You can also file a Motion to Modify Child Support if you’ve moved.

The court will use information provided by the parents’ tax returns to calculate the amount of child support the parents need to pay each other. Tax returns are typically the best source of child support data, but it’s important to note that some income may not be reported on tax returns. Using the child support standards chart, the court will determine a reasonable amount based on the number of children and the ages of the children. If your income is above the threshold amount, your payments will likely be higher.

You should also consider if the costs of extracurricular activities are covered by child support. These are usually outside of school hours. Additionally, your child’s education is likely to be covered as well, including college expenses. Many states do not want the children to suffer because of the divorce. Therefore, they may also require the noncustodial parent to pay part of these expenses. However, be aware that these payments are not always used to help the child, and therefore, are actually a punishment to the payer.

If you’re not receiving payments on time, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest if you don’t pay. You may be able to ask the court to attend a telephone hearing if you live far away. Child support payments are calculated using guidelines and can change as the cost of living increases and decreases. In addition, you’re entitled to receive a copy of the income chart for your child. If you’re unable to meet the payments due, you should consult a professional.

There are several factors that the court considers when determining child support payments. Your child’s age and the number of other factors will be considered. The cost of living of each parent’s income, employment status, and emotional health should also be considered. Whether these factors are enough to make the payments you’re obligated to make is up to you. You don’t need to be wealthy to pay child support. As long as you make the payments, your child will receive the support you need to keep the child safe.

If you don’t pay child support, it can negatively affect your public assistance eligibility. It is essential to ensure that you don’t misuse the funds you get from child support. You should keep in mind that the money you receive is meant for the care of the children, not your own. While you can use the money for yourself, you should avoid misusing it for personal expenses. While your child’s expenses are covered by child support, you can’t use it for your own expenses. You can use it to help pay for clothing, toys, and other needs.