When parents separate or divorce, a well-thought-out parenting plan serves as a roadmap for raising their children. This plan ensures stability and continuity in the child’s life by addressing various important aspects of upbringing. There are several elements that must be included in a comprehensive parenting plan. Understanding the basics of custody The plan starts with outlining the living arrangements and custody details. It defines who will have physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes significant decisions about the child’s life). A clear custody arrangement ..read more

As a foster parent, you might wonder how you go about adopting a child you are fostering. Adoption makes your foster child a legal member of your family and removes them from the foster care system. In Tennessee, the process of adopting a foster child involves several key steps to ensure the best outcome for both the child and the adoptive family. Step 1: attend an informational meeting The first step in the adoption process is to attend an informational meeting held by the Department of Children’s Services or a licensed adoption agency. During this meeting, you will learn about the requiremen ..read more

Divorce can have significant financial implications. Amidst your asset distribution, what happens to your inheritance? The fate of your inheritance depends upon several factors, including any measures you take to protect it. There are 3 ways you can safeguard your inheritance. 1. Keep your inheritance separate One of the most effective ways to protect your inheritance is to keep it separate from marital assets. This means avoiding commingling your inherited funds with joint bank accounts or using them to purchase shared property. By maintaining a clear separation, you can demonstrate that the ..read more

The adoption of a child is more than just an emotional decision. Amid the excitement, it is important to consider the financial aspects that come with adding a new member to your family. Whether you are just starting to contemplate adoption or have already taken the first steps, these tips will guide you in preparing financially for this life-changing experience. Understand costs and budget accordingly Begin by researching the expenses associated with adoption. Adoption expenses can vary, including application fees, home study costs and agency fees. Knowing what to expect financially will help ..read more

The term gray divorce refers to the increasing trend of divorce for couples over the age of 50. Even when overall divorce rates declined, the rate of divorce among the over-50 population has increased significantly. There are a few factors contributing to this trend. Incompatibility and personal growth One of the most common reasons cited for gray divorce is that spouses grow apart after years of marriage. Priorities change, interests diverge or affection fades over time. Spouses may feel they neglected their own personal development while raising kids or due to outdated gender roles. Now ente ..read more

In the tumultuous journey of marriage, the revelation that a spouse wishes to divorce due to addiction can be overwhelming. Whether you are struggling with alcohol, drugs or other harmful habits, it is in your best interest to approach the situation from a place of understanding. When both spouses in a marriage are willing to communicate and collaborate, there will be a chance to set things right. This starts with knowing what your options are for handling such a sensitive situation. Acknowledge the impact of addiction The first step in addressing your spouse’s desire for divorce is recognizin ..read more

Going through a divorce is a challenging process for people of all backgrounds. When one or both parties are in the military, though, the complexities can multiply. It is important to approach a military divorce with careful consideration. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse should take into account the unique aspects that come with serving in the armed forces. Understanding military regulations Military divorces involve adherence to specific regulations that may differ from civilian divorces. Being familiar with these regulations is hardly optional. For instance, the Uniformed Services Former S ..read more

The U.S. Census Bureau reported as of 2020, custody cases involve 21.9 million children in the nation. Such situations can often become difficult when parents do not agree. Custody disputes can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved, and they become even more complex when a child refuses visitation with one of the parents. In such situations, the well-being of the child must be the top priority. Understanding the root causes When a child refuses visitation with one parent, it is essential to delve into the reasons behind their reluctance. Understanding the root causes can be the f ..read more

One challenge of the divorce process is the difficulty of reaching a conclusive settlement agreement. When the judge issues that decree, it is legally binding; you and your spouse must adhere to its stipulations. Sometimes, you might find it necessary to modify the terms of the decree. There are a few common reasons why your decree might need modification. 1. Income changes One of the factors that contribute to your final divorce decree is your and your spouse’s income levels. When either of you experiences a significant change in income, you might need to modify your decree. When one spouse p ..read more

Adopting a child is a significant and rewarding journey. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services reported in the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year, almost 15,000 children were in the foster system, and of those, 775 had the goal of finding adoptive homes. Anyone considering adoption in Tennessee must understand the criteria and steps to follow to ensure a smooth and successful adoption process. Age and residency requirements Individuals wishing to adopt must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit, but prospective adoptive parents should be of an age that allows them to provide ..read more