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 MoreBGS Attorney Isakson Presents Seminar for Trade Creditors
March 3, 2017 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.On February 16, 2017, BGS Attorney Carole Clark Isakson spoke to collection professionals at a program sponsored for various industry members by Forius NACM North Central. Forius is a proud affiliate of the National Association of Credit Management, and is dedicated to serving the needs of commercial credit professionals. When asked about Carole’s presentations for Forius, President and COO Toni Nuernberg said, “Carole always brings a wealth of information to our members. After her most recent presentation, I asked members for feedback. They said Carole provides relevant information that is easy to understand and somehow manages to make what could be a “boring topic” come to life. Our members love her!” It was not a long seminar but Carole managed to cover all of the questions submitted prior, and to provide helpful and practical direction to the participants on handling bankruptcy cases. What to do, when, why and how were covered with humor, and rapidly! Audience members shared stories of involvement in cases, and Carole’s commentary offered additional insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of the bankruptcy process. When thanked by participants for her great presentation, Carole let them all know how much she enjoys the interactive seminars she does with Forius. Being a creditor in a bankruptcy case can…
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 More