Separation agreements, or Final Orders in divorce and child support actions, commonly require spouses paying child support or alimony to maintain life insurance on themselves. Why? Because this provision ensures that such payments will continue after death. Typically, a life insurance provision will require the paying spouse to maintain life insurance in an amount that […]
family law
Getting Your Ex-Spouse to Pay for Medical Costs
THREE TIPS TO GET YOUR EX TO REIMBURSE YOU FOR OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL COSTS FOR YOUR CHILD Your divorce or child support case has been finalized. Either the court has issued an Order or you and your ex have reached an agreement specifying a formula to divide out of pocket medical expenses. But exactly what does a […]
Five Reasons Not to Delay Filing for Divorce this Summer
Recent studies show “divorces follow the seasons.” This phenomenon represents itself in a “twins peak” pattern, where divorce filings explode in March and August. That is, most divorces are initiated soon after the winter holidays and summer vacation. While the reasons behind this pattern may vary, there are some common explanations. […]
Guardian Ad Litem
Q: How Does the Guardian Ad Litem Obtain the Information Needed to Make Recommendations to the Court? The GAL must conduct a thorough investigation of all of the allegations each party has made and determine their validity and the impact of the allegations on the children. A GAL is in many ways “the eyes and […]
Guardian Ad Litem
What Information Does The Guardian Ad Litem Need? Q: What does the GAL want to know about me and my children? Generally, the GAL’s questionnaire will ask routine questions about your education and work history. The GAL will want to know if you have ever been arrested, convicted of a crime, and if you have […]
Guardian Ad Litem
How is the Guardian Ad Litem Paid? Q: The judge ordered my spouse and I deposit $1000 into the court’s registry. The Judge stated in his Order that at the end of the case, she would decide if either of us should receive payment from the other. I do not think it is “fair” that […]
Guardian Ad Litem
How is a Guardian Ad Litem Selected? Q: I am getting a divorce. My husband is asking for primary custody, even though he has not been the “on the ground” parent. My husband’s lawyer requested the judge to appoint a GAL. The judge told both attorneys to suggest individuals they wanted to be the Guardian […]
Guardian Ad Litem
Q: What legal authority does the court give a Guardian Ad Litem in a Family Law Case? When the Guardian Ad Litem is appointed it is very important to read the order appointing the GAL. Sometimes the judge will give special powers to the GAL, such as acting as a mediator for the parties. […]