Crafting a co-parenting plan that suits all parties, especially the children, requires thoughtful consideration and effective communication. It should embrace flexibility and have a child-centered approach These seven tips can help you create a functional and fair co-parenting plan. 1. Prioritize the children’s needs Take time to think about what the children need. Their welfare should guide all decisions you make in the co-parenting plan. Ensure that it reflects their best interests, from living arrangements to their social and educational needs. 2. Set clear schedules Develop a detailed sche ..read more

Divorce can be complex. That may become even more true with alimony and the many nuances it involves. One question is whether a spouse can deliberately prolong the divorce proceedings to secure a higher alimony payment. This could be because longer marriages may mean more alimony. The impact of duration on alimony Generally, longer marriages tend to result in higher spousal support payments. This is because a longer marriage often means a greater level of financial interdependence between the spouses. It may be more likely for one spouse to require financial support from the other after divorc ..read more

Divorce brings many changes to a family dynamic, especially when children are in the picture. Some parents love the care their nannies offer. They may wonder whether it is a good idea to share the same nanny between households. Consistency in child care Sharing a nanny between households can provide stability in child care routines. It is one way to ensure that children receive consistent care regardless of which parent’s home they are in. This consistency can help children feel secure and minimize the disruption from a divorce. Familiarity Having the same nanny can maintain familiarity for th ..read more

Divorcing couples often grapple with the division of assets, including income components such as bonuses. In states such as Connecticut and New York, the process of dividing marital property adds a layer of complexity to the separation of finances. In the eyes of the law, the division of marital assets and debts must be fair, though not necessarily equal. This fairness standard applies unless a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement dictates otherwise. Notably, any income either spouse acquires during the marriage is usually marital property and subject to division during divorce proceedings. The ..read more

Divorce is a life-altering event that comes with emotional turmoil and significant financial implications. While it’s important to focus on your emotional well-being during this time, it’s equally crucial to protect your financial stability. There are some essential tips for financially planning for a divorce to ensure a smoother transition. Gather financial documents Start by collecting all your financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, investment portfolios, and mortgage documents. Having a clear picture of your financial situation is crucial for negotiating a fair settlemen ..read more

In 2020, the New York Department of Health documented 35,810 divorces in the state. Most divorces involve those between the ages of 25 and 39, with 30 being the average age. But why is this age group most likely to have a marriage end? Certain factors play a role and could be why age 30 is the average for those seeking a divorce. Changing interests The twenties are a time of personal growth and exploration. Many people use this period to understand themselves better, identify their values and determine their long-term life goals. This self-discovery can lead to a reassessment of the compatibil ..read more

Would it surprise you to learn that the divorce rate is actually lower than in the last few decades? In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau found the divorce rate in 2019 was 37% (827,2611 divorces out of 2,254,404 marriages), down from between 40-50%. Divorce is not easy on anyone, especially when divorces involve children. Child support and extra expenses can be unclear. Therefore, this is what you should know about extracurricular and back-to-school expenses. Sole physical custody coverage of expenses When you got divorced, the courts determined how much money you had to pay or would receive in ch ..read more

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, particularly when it comes to dividing property. In New York, the principle of equitable distribution governs property division, meaning that the courts divide marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. This article explores how the courts divide property in a New York divorce. Differentiating marital and separate property The first step in dividing property in a New York divorce is to determine which property is marital and which is separate. Marital property encompasses all assets acquired during the marriage, including income, real ..read more

Child support can be a contentious issue in a divorce. Some parents do not want to pay at all. Others want to but cannot afford to do so after dealing with all the other expenses of a divorce. Some parents refuse to do anything without a court order. This can be a frustrating situation. Child custody and child support issues are difficult enough to navigate when everyone is doing their part. So when a parent outright refuses to contribute, it can create a lot of stress and frustration for the custodial parent. Child support can be a difficult topic to navigate. That is why it is important to h ..read more

As a divorced parent, it is likely that you have periodic child support payments that you must make in support of your child’s well-being if you are not the primary custodian. There is not a one-size-fits-all payment amount that all child support plans adhere to – it varies on a case-by-case basis. This raises the question as to whether or not your child support obligations will increase if you get a pay raise at work. You can plan ahead for any potential changes in your child support payments by knowing exactly what circumstances might cause you to pay more to your co-parent. Does a raise in ..read more