I received a call this week from “Tony,” a fictitious name for a man I represented in 1998, when he and his first wife had a 3 year old son together. He has been a generous and involved father to his child from that marriage for the entire 15 years since his divorce. He paidContinue reading “Don’t Take Your Ex’s Word for Everything”
Category Archives: Child Support
Being the Best You In a Divorce
I met a policeman last week. He has been divorced 8 years and his youngest child just turned 18 after graduating high school. His child support orders are through, over! He spent a little time discussing the divorce process with me. He and his wife each had their own lawyers, and they each spent quiteContinue reading “Being the Best You In a Divorce”
How Being a Taker Plays Out in Divorce
You know these people – the ones who weigh every relationship, every opportunity, as an opportunity to “get” more. We’ll call them the Takersons. A Takerson has two friends, one owns a boat; the other does not. One Saturday evening the Takersons have dinner plans with their non-boat friends. Everyone has hired babysitters, arranged theirContinue reading “How Being a Taker Plays Out in Divorce”
Don’t underestimate the value of your in-laws…
What is the value of keeping your in-laws in a divorce? I recently heard a woman make an argument that she should be entitled to increased alimony because she lives closer to her in-laws than to her own parents. Many states use a rubric of factors to determine alimony. Factors may include length of theContinue reading “Don’t underestimate the value of your in-laws…”
Staying Together for the Children
“Staying together for the children,” my personal pet peeve. If you want to benefit your children – show them how one gets divorced with grace, dignity, generosity, and resilience. The WAY people handle their divorces is what will influence their families for generations. When you have an opportunity, I recommend the Childrens’ Bill of Rights,Continue reading “Staying Together for the Children”
What is the goal of a mediated divorce?
In a mediated divorce we are trying to make sure that everyone gets a fair share of all available resources, including the assets and debts, the income, and time with the children. But in a litigated divorce there’s an extra item to distribute: Blame. Unlike everything else on the list, there is usually moreContinue reading “What is the goal of a mediated divorce?”
Custody, Visitation, Residency, and Child Support
I spoke with a young man today; we’ll call him “Herman.” Herman is happily married with two pre-school age children from this marriage. He also has a 14 year old son from a prior relationship. We’ll call the son “Anthony,” and his mother “Tina.” Tina and Herman were never married; I’m not even sure theyContinue reading “Custody, Visitation, Residency, and Child Support”
The Pennsylvania Alimony Chart (Or – Why to Hire a Good Attorney)
Attorney Jones and her client Mr. Bob walk into the conference room at Attorney Jones’ Connecticut law office. They are expecting to take Mrs. Bob’s deposition today; and they have hired a court stenographer to record the proceedings. Mrs. Bob is sitting there, alone, with a manila folder of papers on the table in frontContinue reading “The Pennsylvania Alimony Chart (Or – Why to Hire a Good Attorney)”
(The Politics of) “Dad’s New Girlfriend”
Is there ever a reason why you would encourage your child to be friendly with your spouse’s new “significant other?” Maybe. Take this True or False Quiz to see if there ever is for you: 1. My ex-husband is such a wimp that his new wife will be the one controlling their purse strings. TrueContinue reading “(The Politics of) “Dad’s New Girlfriend””
When the Divorce Turned Ugly
The minute she found out he has a girlfriend. Here is a phone call I had this week with a new client. We’ll call him Burt. Burt: I need a new lawyer. The one I have been using ruined my divorce. Me: That’s terrible! What happened? Burt: I have no idea. My wife threw meContinue reading “When the Divorce Turned Ugly”
Love Your Divorce 