Being able to use cellphones to communicate with children has put the minds of many Connecticut parents at rest knowing that they can easily get in touch with their kids throughout the day. Employees are able to enjoy more flexibility in their work schedules by working remotely. And teens can communicate with their friends via Facebook or Twitter at all hours of the day -- and night -- without having to call friends at their homes on a landline.
However, being able to easily communicate with others via email, Facebook, Twitter or texting can also be problematic. Some employees have lost their jobs because of what employers have seen on employees' social media pages, and some individuals have had emails, text messages and pictures used against them during divorce proceedings and child custody disputes. Social media, text messages and emails may be used as evidence when resolving family law matters in Connecticut, and this evidence may have a huge impact on how disputes are handled.
]]> According to the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers, evidence from social media sites was used in more than 80 percent of divorce cases during 2012. Evidence may include a picture posted online of a newly divorced parent partying with friends while his or her children are with the other parent. Evidence may also include negative comments written about a spouse while a marriage is being dissolved.Although a picture or angry status update may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, pictures and comments online may actually be very harmful. Pictures may be taken out of context to make one parent look like an unfit parent who should not be allowed to have joint custody of the kids. And nasty comments about a spouse may cause judges in Connecticut to favor the victimized spouse when awarding spousal support, child custody or distributing assets.
To avoid having a picture or comment be used against you during your divorce, it is best to avoid using social media or other forms of communication to express your negative thoughts or to display your recent night out. One simple way to censor what you post or write online is to think about whether you would like your child, parent or even your boss to see it.
Source: The Washington Times, "Email, texting can become a WMD during a divorce or custody case," Myra Fleischer, April 23, 2013
]]>In other states, the courts may take other measures to enforce child support orders. For example, the Indiana Secretary of State recently suspended the professional licenses of two men who owe child support. Both men are stockbrokers, and they are now prohibited from selling securities in the state until they get caught up on their child support payments.
]]> Although taking away one's income may not seem like an effective solution for getting a parent to pay child support, the state claims that taking away one's professional license may be necessary in order to show parents that paying child support is something that must remain a priority for support-paying parents.One of the stockbrokers who recently had his license suspended claims that he stopped paying child support because he is in the process of disputing his child support order. The man's attorney claims that the father should have his professional license back while he is in the midst of resolving his child support dispute. According to reports, the man owes at least $70,000 in unpaid child support. The other stockbroker owes at least $14,000 in back child support.
Calculating child support is a fairly straightforward process in Connecticut, but disputes may arise when parents lose their jobs or when one parent suspects the other parent of lying about his or her income. Before taking matters into your own hands when trying to resolve your child support concerns, you may want to consult an attorney who can help you make sure that your dispute is handled as strategically and effectively as possible.
Source: IndyStar.com, "Indiana suspends stockbrokers' licenses over owed child support," Chris Sikich, May 16, 2013
]]>Although prenups can be used to protect one's wealth and to minimize conflict when dissolving a marriage, it has recently been reported that actress Jennifer Aniston has chosen to not sign a prenup agreement with her fiancé, Justin Theroux. Many are surprised by this decision, especially since Aniston already knows what it is like to go through a divorce.
]]> According to reports, Theroux offered to sign a prenuptial agreement since Aniston's net worth is much higher than his. However, Aniston apparently does not seem to be worried about protecting her wealth.Although Aniston's friends may not agree with her decision, it is a decision that she has every right to make on her own and for her own reasons. If Aniston and Theroux are ever headed toward a divorce, though, Aniston could lose about $150 million. The couple is expected to wed sometime this summer.
A prenuptial agreement may not be something that every couple wants to sign before their big wedding day. However, it may be beneficial to simply bring up a discussion about the pros and cons of signing a prenuptial agreement with your significant other before you tie the knot. If this is your second marriage, or if you own a small business in Connecticut, it may be wise to consider how a prenuptial agreement may be used to protect your wealth in the event that your marriage does not last as intended.
Source: Christian Post, "Jennifer Aniston declines prenup: Justin Theroux divorce could cost $150 million," Benge Nsenduluka, May 1, 2013
]]>Whether a marriage is short or lasts several years, divorcing couples may need to resolve property division, child custody, and child support or spousal support issues. Discussing these issues can be stressful for adults, but divorcing couples who have younger children should also make sure they remain aware of how divorce may also be affecting their children.
Divorce may certainly have a negative impact on adults, but it can also have a significant impact on children. However, researchers suggest that there are three main steps parents can take to minimize the impact of a divorce on their children. Focusing on helping their children cope with divorce may even help parents cope with divorce as well, especially as parents get used to new child custody arrangements.
]]> Researchers suggest that there are three actions parents can take to help their children cope with divorce. The first action is to not put children in the middle of arguments or conflicts. Divorcing couples need to remember that they need to keep their children's best interests in mind when resolving their legal issues, and this includes not arguing about divorce issues in front of the kids.The second action parents can take is to show that the quality of their parenting will not change after divorce. When parents can show that they will still be there for their kids, children will have a better time coping with divorce and new custody arrangements. This also means that parents need to be consistent when disciplining and raising their children. Consistency will help to create a smooth transition after divorce for kids who are used to living with both of their parents.
Most importantly, parents should continue to remind their children that their relationships will not change because of a divorce. When the parent-child relationship is not affected by divorce, children and their parents may be able to get through this significant life change with a more positive outlook.
Source: psychcentral.com, "Helping children after divorce," Erika Krull, April 2013
]]>Coldwell Banker Real Estate conducted a survey, which suggests that one-fourth of homeowners that are married purchased their homes prior to tying the knot. This is true for those aged 18 to 34. This percentage varies from couples of previous generations.
]]> As more and more people focus on education and career development prior to marriage, studies suggest that men and women are waiting longer periods before getting married. For example, while the median age for first-time marrying women was 23.9 in 1990, it is now 26.1. There are increases in the marital age for men, too.The statistics are parallel to other trends. For instance, approximately 66 percent of couples live together before getting married these days. As couples become secure with the idea of commitment, they do not need to marry before making huge financial decisions as a duo.
The survey uncovered other statistics about couples. For example, Southerners are more likely to take the traditional approach: marriage first and then a mortgage. This is the pattern for 75 percent of Southerners. Only 60 percent of Northeasterners adopt this approach.
The new statics suggest differences in the way relationships demonstrate commitment. Traditional notions of how a relationship develops are starting to change. In time, researchers will hopefully be able to discover how these differences affect the duration of marriages.
Source: USA Today, "More Millennials get house before getting hitched," Haya El Nasser, April 17, 2013
]]>The duo is most notably known for their work on the show "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." The couple was married in 1993 and has two children. While divorce is never easy, this particular couple is taking an amicable approach. The couple plans to continue their relationship as business partners and parents. Moreover, they continue to be mutual supporters of the various charitable endeavors that they have created and developed as a couple.
]]> Divorce is never easy, but when splitting couples work together, the process can be better. Of course, in many cases, the stress and anxiety surrounding the process can mean that working together with an ex is too difficult. The dissolution course often involves several issues related to children, property division and support-based issues. All of these issues can add to the already-existing stress involved in the legal process.If you are getting divorced, it may help to meet with a qualified and experienced family law attorney. A lawyer can help you uncover your rights and responsibilities that are associated with the process. You deserve support as you progress through the difficult process.
Source: People.com, "Jane Seymour and James Keach to Divorce," Sarah Michaud, April 13, 2013
]]>Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Jordan requested to have the lawsuit dismissed without taking a paternity test. According to reports, the child's father is already listed on his birth certificate. The teen's mother agreed to drop the lawsuit a few weeks ago; however, she claims that she will re-file the paternity suit against Jordan once she resolves some other legal issues she failed to address before filing the suit.
]]> According to reports, the woman did not consult an attorney before filing the paternity lawsuit against Jordan. The woman thought that she had a legally sound case against Jordan, but she learned that there were some discrepancies in her lawsuit that needed to be addressed first.After consulting an attorney, the woman agreed to withdraw the lawsuit until the discrepancies are resolved. According to TMZ, the woman plans to remove her ex-husband's name from her child's birth certificate, which lists the ex-husband as the teen's father. Once this issue is addressed, the woman claims that she will move forward with her lawsuit against Jordan. The woman is hoping to collect child support from Jordan if paternity is established in the future.
As we mentioned before on our blog, establishing paternity may seem like a straightforward and simple process. However, a variety of complications may arise, and these complications are often best handled with the guidance and support of an experienced family law attorney.
Source: Associated Press, "Lawyer: Paternity suit against Jordan withdrawn," Jeff Martin, March 18, 2013
]]>When Connecticut residents decide that they want to divorce their spouses, they need to make sure they are prepared to address and resolve a variety of issues. It may be helpful to start thinking about these issues and coming up with plans on how to address these issues before spouses file for divorce. This may help to save time and money during legal proceedings.
]]> How do you know when you are ready to file for divorce? If you are ready to go through the divorce process, you will want to consider having someone on your side who understands the state's divorce laws and will know how to use these laws to protect your rights.Attempting to divorce a spouse without legal representation may end up being more costly than hiring an attorney. This is because you will need to make important decisions about dividing assets, staying in a home or finding a new place to live, and dividing debts. Making important financial decisions without someone who understands the long-term consequences of these decisions may jeopardize your financial stability after divorce.
After hiring a divorce team and discussing what may be at stake during divorce proceedings, you may also want to start preparing for your new life after divorce. For example, before filing for a divorce, you may want to open up bank accounts that are only in your name as well as a new credit card that can only be linked to you. After divorce, you will be on your own for managing your money, and having your finances already organized when your divorce is finalized will be a relief.
Entering divorce with a plan and a team on your side may help you to achieve your goals when addressing issues such as divorce settlements, child support payments and child custody arrangements. Whether you are the first to file or not, you will want to make sure that you proceed with your divorce with caution in order to make sure your interests and future remain protected.
Source: Forbes, "What Are The Financial And Legal Advantages Of Being First To File For Divorce?" Jeff Landers, March 26, 2013
]]>Child support payments help to cover basic expenses for children such as food, clothing and a place to live. Although child support is meant to help children, not all parents are willing to make an effort to make sure their children receive the financial support they need. Fortunately, when parents do try to avoid making their child support payments, the state will get involved when possible in order to enforce child support obligations.
]]> For example, police arrested a Connecticut man earlier this month who owes more than $100,000 in back child support. The arrest may be the wake-up call the parent needs to finally start supporting his child. Reports have not stated why the parent has failed to pay more than $100,000 in child support.Child support guidelines are fairly straightforward in Connecticut. Child support payments are usually calculated based on both parents' incomes, expenses such as daycare, and other costs that are necessary for raising a child. When a parent is ordered to pay child support, the parent cannot simply escape this obligation by failing to find a job or by failing to stay employed. If a support paying parent does involuntarily lose his or her job or takes a pay cut, the parent may request to have child support payments modified so that he or she can still afford to provide financial support for his or her children.
If you believe that your child support payments have not been calculated fairly or if you are having trouble collecting child support payments, you may want to consider consulting an attorney who may be able to help you effectively resolve your child support concerns as quickly as possible.
Source: Mid-Hudson News, "CT man arrested for owing over $100,000 in child support," March 23, 2013
]]>Married couples may find that giving their children the love and support they need are simple tasks when both parents work together. But when couples end their marriages and decide to divorce, their parenting methods may be disrupted by divorce proceedings, new living arrangements and child custody agreements.
To ease the transition from parenting as a married couple to parenting after divorce, divorcing couples in Hartford County may need to have a discussion about their parenting goals and how to hold each other accountable for sticking to these goals, even when divorcing couples may not be getting along.
]]> A contributor for The Huffington Post recently posted some helpful rules for ex-spouses to keep in mind when co-parenting and sharing custody of their children. As the contributor points out, children will be able to cope better with a divorce when their parents can show them that divorce does not mean that their family will be destroyed.Parents need to show that they can be civil with each other after divorce, and parents need to remind their children that they will still receive the love and support they need from both parents at all times. Parents should avoid arguing with each other in front of children, and they should also not use their children as messengers in order to avoid having to talk to an ex-spouse.
Additionally, parents should make sure their children feel like they are spending enough quality time with each parent, especially during the first few months following a divorce. Parents should not make their kids feel bad for wanting to call the other parent to talk or for wanting to invite the other parent to an important event.
In order to follow through with these rules or guidelines, ex-spouses may need to remind each other that they are still a team when it comes to parenting and raising their children. Divorce is a difficult process that requires individuals and families to make many changes and adjustments in their lives, but these changes and adjustments do not need to have a negative impact on the relationships between mothers, fathers and their children.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Cooperative co-parenting: Keys to making it work," Rosalind Sedacca, March 4, 2013
]]>According to reports, some areas in the U.S. that were hit hard by the storm have reported an increase in domestic violence cases. One group that provides help for victims of abuse and domestic violence says that the number of domestic violence reports it received in January had increased by 50 percent since the storm. The group believes the number of reports will continue to remain high for a few more months while folks recover emotionally and financially from the storm.
]]> The domestic violence victims' advocacy group claims that domestic abuse incidents usually increase during the first six months following a natural disaster. The group works with victims in New Jersey, but advocacy groups in Connecticut may have noticed a similar trend following Superstom Sandy.Domestic violence should not be tolerated. It can be physically and emotionally harmful, and children who witness domestic violence in the home may be harmed as well. Although victims should certainly get the help they need if they are verbally, physically or emotionally abused by a spouse or partner, allegations of domestic violence and abuse also need to be investigated thoroughly in order to make sure allegations are accurate and true. No one deserves to be abused in the home, but folks also do not deserve to be accused of doing something they did not actually do.
In West Hartford, allegations of family violence may come with serious consequences. Parents who are accused of domestic violence may lose custody of their children, they may be kicked out of their homes, and they may also face criminal charges. When allegations are not true or when allegations are exaggerated, those who are accused of domestic violence will want to make sure they have a family law attorney on their side who will know how protect their rights, including their rights to see their children.
Source: newjersey.news12.com, "Advocates: Reports of domestic violence, teen angst on the rise since Sandy," Feb. 25, 2013
]]>Although resolving paternity issues in Connecticut may seem simple and straightforward, these concerns may turn into complex legal issues that may require the assistance of an attorney to make sure paternity issues and other family laws issues are handled appropriately and fairly. For example, NBA star Michael Jordan is currently being sued by a woman who claims that Jordan is the biological father of her 16-year-old son.
If Jordan is the father, he may need to pay child support and medical costs for the teen. The lawsuit against Jordan also raises some questions as to why the woman has not come forward sooner to seek child support from Jordan.
]]> According to reports, Jordan claims that he is not the child's biological father and he is requesting that the lawsuit be dismissed. Although a simple paternity test will resolve the dispute, Jordan's attorney claims that a DNA test does not need to be administered since paternity has already been established in court.The woman who is now claiming that Jordan is the father of her son had signed divorce documents in 2003 stating that her husband at the time was the child's father. Now she wants to change her son's name and birth certificate to show that Jordan is the real father of her son. The woman claims that she has chosen to file the paternity lawsuit against Jordan to support her son's desire to become a part of his biological father's life.
It will certainly be interesting to see what happens next in this case.
Source: The Associated Press, "Michael Jordan wants paternity lawsuit dismissed," Kate Brumback and Steve Reed, March 4, 2013
]]>Whether a divorce is contentious or not, Connecticut couples will want to make sure they have someone on their side to protect their rights during the divorce process. When couples divorce, they are doing more than just ending their marriages; they are making a decision that will affect their future and their finances, and when legal issues are not resolved in a fair manner, some divorcees may end up damaging their finances, or even their ability to retire.
]]> According to a recent article from USA Today, more people who are 50 or older are choosing to divorce in the U.S. compared to two decades ago. Although it is not uncommon for couples to divorce after several decades of marriage, older couples who are seeking a divorce need to be especially careful when it comes to protecting their finances during and after a "gray divorce." This is because older individuals are nearing retirement, and without protecting one's finances and creating a new financial plan for after divorce, folks could be forced to delay retirement.When spouses retire, married couples are able to live off of two retirement funds. But when divorcees retire, retirement may be more costly because individuals may be living on their own and paying for all of their expenses on one income. This does not mean that older couples should not divorce, but it does mean that older couples who plan on divorcing should also adjust their retirement plans and budgets so that divorcees can afford to retire when they want to.
Divorce can be a complex and stressful process, especially when couples have young children or have accumulated a significant amount of assets over 20 years of marriage. When going through the divorce process, folks will want to make sure they have someone on their side to protect their rights and interests every step of the way in order to minimize any negative effects folks may encounter post divorce.
Source: USA Today, "Boomer divorce: A costly retirement roadblock," Rodney Brooks, Feb. 26, 2013
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