General Knowledge

Many people are confused about Social Security payments after a divorce. Below is a quick primer. A divorced spouse gets either their own social security benefits upon retirement, or ½ the value of their former spouse, whichever is greater.  If they take ½ the value of the former spouses bene...

Stepparents generally have no more rights than a babysitter. On the other hand, in certain circumstances, they can get legal custody of their stepchildren. A stepparent is a family member once they marry the parent of minor children. But unlike Mom and Dad, StepMom/StepDad have limited legal rights ...

Divorce and separation are emotionally and physically difficult. Many people involved in this process suffer with a diminished capacity to make important decisions and seem overwhelmed by lethargy. Here are a few tips that I hope will help you help your clients that are facing the trauma of divorce ...

The life circumstances of divorced couples will necessarily change as time goes by. Domestic Relations law contemplates this and in certain circumstances allows a person to go back to court and ask for a change to the terms of the prior agreement.   What can not be changed:   Property divi...

The end of the year Holiday Season can be a frantic and discombobulating for the strongest family bonds.  Divorce, re-marriage, and step kids only adds to the fun!  Here are a few tips my clients have used to alleviate the holiday crazies when two families are in play. Be flexible: Things ...

Often those in the helping professions get drawn into the darkness of marital litigation. Here are four (4) things to consider should a child’s therapist be asked to provide evidence in a contested custody case.  You are a “fact witness”:  Know that you are a potential witnes...