Adolescents tend to act more independently during divorce. Seeing their parents struggle may make them feel obligated to take on more responsibilities at home or find ways to cope alone. Your teenager may appear mature and confident, tempting you to lean on them. However, they are not yet adults. Older children need as much support, if not more, as younger children do. The hidden struggles of teenagers during parent divorce Teenagers respond to divorce in different ways. However, it’s common for adolescents to distance themselves from their parents. What they say and do may give the impression ..read more

You would do anything for your children, even if that means sacrificing your own happiness to protect theirs. However, choosing to remain in a marriage plagued with constant conflict and negativity may do more harm than good. Although a united family is generally best for children, sometimes divorce is the healthier option for everyone involved. Risks of “staying together for the kids” Even without intending to, having constant arguments with your spouse may affect every part of your family life. While dealing with the stress of your marriage, it may become difficult to provide the support you ..read more

Deciding to end a marriage is not easy, but it may be exactly what you need. When embarking on the path of divorce, it is vital to be aware of your rights. Knowing what you are entitled to may give you better control over an undoubtedly difficult phase of your life. Here are some rights to keep in mind during a divorce. File a divorce complaint Divorcing in Vermont starts with filing a complaint in court. The court accepts various grounds for divorce, but Vermont also allows a no-fault divorce as an option. This can spare you from the need to assign blame or fault and cite irreconcilable diffe ..read more

Divorce sometimes involves taking apart the life you’ve built with your spouse. Everything you’ve acquired and shared during your marriage must now be tallied, evaluated and then divided. Although a clean 50/50 split seems appropriate, Vermont abides by equitable distribution, which strives for fairness rather than equality. What property is divided in a divorce? During your marriage, you and your former spouse likely acquired or earned assets, including your home, cars, bank accounts, or accrued debts.  All these assets qualify as marital property and are subject to equitable division up ..read more

Divorce does not necessarily have to be a public battle. Unless your family’s circumstances demand court action, such as your spouse acting in bad faith or engaging in abusive behavior, you can opt for an amicable alternative through mediation. Mediation is when you and the other party meet with a qualified and neutral mediator to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The family mediator must comply with Vermont’s practice standards as they facilitate the session – listening to both your concerns, identifying conflict areas, considering possible solutions and developing agreements. Aside fro ..read more

During the holidays, you might have held out hope for your marriage after realizing that the joy of keeping a complete family outweighs the disputes you have with your spouse. You were determined to use the new year to mend your marital relationship. So, learning that your spouse felt and thought differently, and has filed for divorce leaves you shattered and confused. As you reel from this news, you likely seek answers on how to approach it. Your Vermont legal counsel can help provide direction and protect your rights.  Navigating the divorce process Since your spouse served you with pap ..read more

Financial issues can worsen your divorce’s emotional turbulence. You probably worry about your retirement savings and how to protect your share after years of building it. On the other hand, if you are a nonworking spouse with low to nonexistent contributions, receiving your portion of the retirement funds is even more critical to help stabilize your future. Unless you and your ex-spouse agree on how to divide retirement assets earned or acquired during marriage, Vermont courts can decide on an equitable split. They consider relevant factors to determine what is fair, which is not necessarily ..read more

Despite divorce tearing your marriage apart, you and your ex-spouse still have a shared parental obligation to your child. However, as a father, you might fear that the potential outcome of the court’s parental rights and responsibilities order causes you to lose access or involvement in your child’s life. Since the judge’s decision often depends on your family’s circumstances, it is critical not to go through the process alone. Thus, you can benefit from a legal representative guiding you in establishing your rights as a dad. Identifying different types of parentage Vermont recognizes the fol ..read more

Couples enter marriage optimistic that it will last a lifetime. They vow to work things out, remaining hopeful that their relationship can endure through severe struggles. However, when disputes seem beyond repair, but spouses still cling to the possibility of reconciliation, things can quickly become complex. In Vermont, legal separation is an option for couples who want to live apart while remaining legally married. Since it does not terminate the marriage, neither party can remarry. Although it may sound straightforward, making mistakes during the process can result in complications. C ..read more

Same-sex couples used to formalize their relationships through Vermont’s civil union law. By 2009, the state stopped recognizing civil unions and began legalizing same-sex marriages. Then, for both existing same-sex civil unions and new marriages, splitting up works like a heterosexual divorce. However, suppose you are contemplating to dissolve your civil union or file for divorce. In that case, you must know that while similar procedures with an opposite-sex divorce apply, you might encounter unique complications that necessitate legal counsel. How can a lawyer help protect your rights? Regar ..read more