Category: Divorce
Telling the Children about Divorce
March 6, 2017 | Elizabeth A. SchadingSometimes the best way for two parents to move forward is to part ways. Divorce has become a common aspect of family life. One of the biggest questions parents often have is when and how it is best to discuss divorce with their children. Here are some helpful tips to consider when broaching the subject with your kids: Don’t rush the conversation. It may be tempting to have the conversation quickly, like ripping off a bandaid. However, it’s best for all parties involved to schedule the conversation at a time when there is at least an hour or two to process the emotions that come up. Don’t schedule the conversation right before going to school or before bedtime. Different ages need different information. Depending on the ages of your children, they may want and need different kinds of information about the divorce. Preschoolers may need several, shorter talks and may have many questions. School age and teenage children may only need one conversation. It’s important to watch your children carefully during and after the conversation to see how they are reacting and what their individual needs might be. After the conversation, keep up routines. It’s important to keep a game plan in mind for after the conversation. The more you and your co-parent…
Read MoreSpousal Maintenance in Minnesota
February 10, 2017 | Elizabeth A. SchadingGoing through a divorce is never easy for a family. The spousal support laws vary from state to state and can be extremely confusing. Thankfully, you can rely on your family law attorney to be a valuable resource in navigating these complex issues. What are the spousal support laws in Minnesota? Minnesota courts have the power to order one spouse to pay alimony to the other (also referred to as spousal maintenance.) Often, the spouse who earns less money annually will make a request for spousal support from the higher earning spouse. This ensures that they can each maintain a reasonable standard of living to which they have become accustomed. Other reasons to request spousal support include the inability of one spouse to work due to giving full time care to a child that possesses a high level of need. This demonstrated need can be medical, physical, or mental. Minnesota courts can decide on three different kinds of spousal support: Temporary support. In this case, the support is paid by one spouse to the other during divorce proceedings. The income of both spouses is taken into account. Short-term support. This type of support helps one spouse achieve job training or continued education, with the intention that they will be able to earn more…
Read MoreThings to Update After Divorce
March 25, 2016 | William F. HuefnerThe divorce has been finalized. You’ve paid your divorce attorney. Now what? Aside from moving on with your life, there are several things that you’ll need to update after the divorce. [maxbutton id=”1″ ] While each case is unique, there are some common steps that nearly every couple will take after they’re officially divorced. These include: Dividing up all the property as per the divorce decree. Change your motor vehicle titles to reflect appropriate ownership as per your divorce decree. Change your name with Social Security and on your passport. Change the name on your driver’s license. The requirements for this will vary from state to state, but in most cases, you will need to change your Social Security card before you can change your driver’s license. Contact your auto insurer to notify them of changes in vehicle ownership, drivers on the policy and address changes. Ensure that your name has been removed from loans or debts that you are no longer responsible for. If you change your name after the divorce, make sure that you notify all of your creditors of this change. Remove your name from the joint bank account and the mortgage, if applicable. Open a new credit card in your own name, and use it to make purchases. Don’t…
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