When a marriage ends, there are many things to sort out, including who will take care of paying the mortgage. This is an important aspect of divorce because the family home is often one of the biggest assets a couple owns. Understanding how a mortgage gets handled during divorce proceedings is necessary for both parties involved. Initial responsibilities Initially, both spouses are responsible for the mortgage payments. Even if one spouse moves out of the home, they are still obligated to contribute to the mortgage unless a legal arrangement states otherwise. Negotiating responsibility During ..read more

Hiding assets during a divorce is not only unethical but also illegal. You should understand the signs that your ex may be hiding assets to ensure a fair and equitable distribution as part of your divorce settlement. There are several signs to watch for. 1. Sudden changes in spending habits One of the most common signs that your ex is hiding assets is a sudden change in their spending habits. This can include making unexplained large purchases or withdrawals as well as transferring money to friends or family. They might also claim a sudden decrease in income or assets. If you notice any of the ..read more

Emotions can easily run high in divorce. However, in Minnesota, co-parents should try to maintain a respectful and constructive approach during proceedings. This is particularly true regarding discussions about the other parent. Speaking negatively about the co-parent can lead to significant consequences that may affect the outcome of the divorce and the well-being of the children involved. Undermining the best interests of the child In Minnesota, 22.6% of the population are children younger than 18 years. Minnesota family courts prioritize the best interests of children when making custody an ..read more

In Minnesota, spousal support, commonly known as alimony, is a financial arrangement. It aims to provide economic assistance to the lesser-earning spouse after a divorce. However, for marriages lasting less than one year, spousal support considerations take a slightly different turn. 1. Duration of marriage and eligibility Minnesota law typically requires a minimum duration of marriage to qualify for spousal support. Marriages that dissolve within a year may not meet this criterion, often making spousal support less likely. The reasoning is that such short-term unions may not have allowed for ..read more

Divorce can mean changes in both personal relationships and financial matters. One common concern is whether it can affect credit scores. In Minnesota, the direct act of getting a divorce does not impact credit scores. However, certain financial aspects may influence your credit standing. 1. Separation of joint accounts When couples share credit cards, mortgages or other loans, these financial ties need cutting. Closing joint accounts or transferring balances to individual accounts helps in establishing financial independence post-divorce. However, if these actions do not occur, then missed pa ..read more

In the realm of family law, the issue of child custody is a delicate matter that requires a balanced and fair approach. Over the years, the question of whether courts still tend to favor mothers in child custody cases has been a topic of discussion. Historical perspectives Traditionally, there existed a perception that mothers were more likely to get custody, often attributed to societal norms and gender roles. However, as the understanding of parenting roles evolves, so too has the legal landscape. Minnesota, like many states, now emphasizes the best interests of the child as the primary cons ..read more

Divorce is a life-altering event with both emotional and financial challenges. Like many others, you may feel concerned about safeguarding your retirement assets. Therefore, you should understand the strategies and precautions that you can take to protect your retirement savings when you face a divorce Understanding your retirement savings In 2021, 689,308 people experienced the financial challenges of divorce, including divisions in their retirement savings. Start by getting a clear picture of what retirement savings you have. Look at statements for your retirement accounts, pension plans and ..read more

Regardless of the length of a marriage, people change. Those changes often lead to divorce. Although some marriages survive a marital affair, others simply cannot bounce back. When an affair plays a key role in a divorce, the non-cheating spouse may wonder what effect it may have on the divorce’s outcome. 1. Will marital misconduct affect the division of property? In Minnesota, the judge must consider many factors to determine an equitable distribution of property and assets. Typically, an affair does not factor into that equation. Although cheating does not mean losing out on a fair share, th ..read more

When parents think about child custody, what comes to mind first is dividing the time each parent will spend with their child. This goal often takes over and can become the most important consideration for parents when considering child custody. However, your child has other relationships that have developed over time with others—for example, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and even close neighborhood friends. We often forget about these relationships because we are concerned with settling child custody issues quickly. Child-centered divorce It is essential to think about the child whe ..read more

How much of your life do you document on social media? If you are like many others, you may even share somewhat intimate or private details with your friends and family members. Unfortunately, your sharing habits may become detrimental during your divorce proceedings. These are the dangers of using these social media during your divorce. They are public platforms Anything you post on social media becomes public. Therefore, if you post private details, they are no longer private. Any one of your friends can share your posts, and no matter what your privacy settings are, others can access your i ..read more