When it comes to marital bonds, the concept of a post-nuptial agreement often evokes misconceptions and misunderstandings. Contrary to popular belief, post-nuptial agreements aren’t exclusive to couples facing marital discord or uncertainty. Instead, they serve as proactive measures for couples to safeguard their assets, protect their financial futures and reinforce their marital foundation, even in the happiest of unions. Moreover, while post-nuptial agreements are beneficial for high-net-worth individuals, they can potential inspire value for couples of all financial backgrounds. The role of ..read more

In the past, divorce was known to be adversarial and full of conflict. One spouse would have to show that the other had engaged in some form of wrongdoing, such as infidelity. With no-fault divorce, this has changed somewhat. There is no need for both spouses to engage in a courtroom battle.  However, divorce is still a stressful experience and conflict can arise. Outlined below are a few ways that you may be able to reduce the conflict in your divorce. Avoid social media  Social media plays a role in most people’s lives today and those in the legal sector are aware of this. Social m ..read more

Divorce inspires many questions and will leave you with a lot of choices to make. One is whether to try and keep your marital home  – if you and your spouse co-own your property. Many people assume they need to fight to get the house because it’s what they’ve seen fictional characters do on TV or read about celebrities doing in real life. Yet, it is not always the best policy. There is no universal answer about what to do with property There are many variables at play in a divorce. What is best for one person in their divorce may not be so for someone in a different situation. Here are so ..read more

In a practical sense, stepparents often largely fill the same role as legal or biological parents. They live with their stepchildren, provide them with regular guidance and likely contribute to their financial support. Sadly, being a stepparent doesn’t come with many legal rights. If a stepparent’s spouse suddenly dies or if they get divorced, the stepparent may lose access to their stepchild. The only real way to guarantee the protection of a stepparent’s relationship with a stepchild is through a stepparent adoption. Someone who has a strong connection with their stepchild might recognize ho ..read more

Your partner asking you to sign a prenuptial (prenup) agreement can result in different emotions. While this is understandable, it’s crucial to be cautious about your next steps after this conversation. Consider doing these: Don’t get upset The person you hope to spend the rest of your life with asking you to sign a prenup isn’t a romantic moment. But it may be unwise to get upset/offended. Instead, tell them you need time before responding. Determine its benefits Your partner likely has the relationship’s best interest in mind when they raise the prenup matter. Although some people view a pre ..read more

January has unofficially been referred to as Divorce Month for years now. If it’s your first time encountering this moniker, you may be wondering why that is the case. This trend can boil down to one idea: the holidays. When you think about it, people don’t want to get a divorce during the festive season.  This is especially true for couples who have children because they want their kids to have one last Christmas as a family before rolling out the divorce proceedings. Essentially, couples who started considering divorce way before the holidays stick it out through the festive season and ..read more

Some people sign prenuptial agreements before getting married. They often need to have a somewhat difficult conversation with their fiancé about why they want a marital agreement. There are probably some marriages that never occur because one fiancé has very strong feelings about prenuptial agreements or takes offense at the suggestion of signing one. Those who have already married may regret that they did so without any contractual protection in place. Someone about to embark on a new business venture or who just received an inheritance from a grandparent’s estate may worry about protecting t ..read more

During a divorce, you may encounter many challenges. One of these is asset division.  You may expect your spouse to be forthcoming with assets to ensure you receive your fair share of them. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some of the signs your spouse may be hiding assets are found here.  1. Sudden financial secrecy One of the most glaring signs is a sudden change in your spouse’s financial behavior. It could be a red flag if they have always been open about their finances but suddenly become secretive about bank accounts, investments or income sources. 2. Unexplained dis ..read more

A certain political trend has potential consequences for couples who prefer to seek quicker, less complex no-fault divorces. A recent shift toward conservative policies at the state level has some state legislators attempting to do away with no-fault divorces. Eliminating no-fault divorces due to irreconcilable differences could harm a spouse who is trying to leave a bad marriage. Having to prove fault puts the onus on the petitioner when their spouse does not want to consent to the split. What is the status of no-fault divorce in Tennessee? At this time, there does not appear to be any pendin ..read more

In recent years, the concept of family has evolved to encompass a broader, more inclusive definition, breaking away from traditional norms. This is particularly true among families within the LGBTQ+ community. There’s a growing recognition that adult adoption is a meaningful and empowering process that can help to solidify familial bonds that are already there in all but name. Why should same-sex couples consider adopting their adult children? While society has made significant strides in accepting and recognizing the legitimacy of LGBTQ+ families, the legal system hasn’t always kept pace. In ..read more