A decision to divorce is a significant matter. For parents, taking the time to plan for how to tell their children is a primary concern during this decision-making process. Because this is a major change for the children, it’s critical that the parents put their needs first so the kids don’t suffer more than necessary. The following tips might help to reduce the stress of telling children about a divorce. Choose the right time and setting Selecting an appropriate time and setting is crucial when telling children about their parents’ divorce. Aim for a moment when the children are likely to fee ..read more

As a parent, you expect your children to outlive you, and you likely anticipate needing to provide for them for the rest of your life. Such as the nature of the parental relationship. Not only will you need to think about your children’s needs for the rest of your life, but you also have to think about what they will require for their safety and well-being after you die. You will quickly realize that you should no longer procrastinate about estate planning when you think about what will happen to your young children when you die. If you already have an estate plan, you likely realize that you ..read more

Some people say that parents who succeed for long enough graduate to be grandparents. There is certainly a special kind of joy to be had in developing a rich bond with the next generation of one’s family. Grandparents and grandchildren often have a very unique, supportive relationship with one another that features much of the same trust, love and respect as a parent-child relationship without the complications that arise from frequent discipline and continual cohabitation. Grandparents may offer resources in the form of financial support for their grandchildren, as well as plenty of time spen ..read more

Wills allow people to name beneficiaries to receive their most valuable property. The instructions someone leaves for the distribution of their property can influence the standard of living for their loved ones and also their final legacy. Wills are important estate planning documents, but people need to think about more than just what happens to their property when they die. They may also need to have documents that protect them in the event of a medical emergency. Powers of attorney are crucial for protecting people who cannot manage their own affairs. Selecting the right agent or attorney-i ..read more

If your marriage is unhappy or unsatisfying, you may fantasize about divorcing and spending your golden years alone. For many older adults, the only thing stopping them from pursuing happiness is financial fear. They believe that divorce will leave them impoverished or at least unable to afford retirement. Maybe you were a part-time worker at never started your own retirement account. Maybe your spouse has a pension that they accrued with their employer or through years of military service. They may have deposited money every month into an existing retirement savings account, like a 401k, that ..read more

Maybe you just bought your house last year after a massive bidding war with other buyers, or perhaps you have spent more than a decade making mortgage payments and improvements to your family home. Regardless of when you acquired the property, the chances are good that your marital home is the most valuable asset you share with your spouse. Both of you will have an interest in the home when you file for divorce unless there is a marital agreement or clear ownership records that prove the property belongs separately to only one spouse. The majority of couples facing divorce will have to include ..read more

Engaging in a new, healthy relationship post-divorce can be a truly joyful experience. It can serve as a fresh start of sorts. However, as a divorcee, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you don’t live in a vacuum; a new relationship is bound to influence your extended life. That’s why you should consider introducing your new romantic partner to your kids and maybe even your ex-spouse. What’s your motive for making the introduction? Before deciding whether to introduce your new partner to your ex-spouse, examining your motives is essential. Understanding why you want to do this can help you make ..read more

Of all the casualties of divorce, children suffer the most. Their lives are impacted by decisions in which they had little, if any, say in the monumental, life-changing event. The ensuing trauma will likely affect them for years, if not the rest of their lives. Sinister strategies To make matters worse, many parents use their children as pawns in a sinister game of “chess” to gain an advantage in their marital dissolution. Simply put, placing kids in the middle will inevitably do more harm than good. In addition, family law courts throughout the nation frown on the strategy. On a personal leve ..read more

It can take people months to mentally recover from a difficult divorce. Especially if you didn’t expect your spouse to file for divorce, you may have struggled to respond appropriately to what was a shocking and disappointing situation. Those who feel blindsided may not have housing arranged for themselves, meaning their lives quickly become unstable during the divorce process. That instability might mean that a judge only granted you visitation or just weekend custody of your children rather than more equally-shared parenting time. If you feel like you don’t get to see enough of your children ..read more

Technically, your stepchildren become a part of your family the moment you marry their parent. While they may not be your biological children, you will probably still feel responsible for providing for them financially. Additionally, you will most likely provide your spouse with practical support in the form of childcare, transportation and other parenting obligations. Stepparents often fulfill all of the same obligations as biological or adoptive parents without any of the recognition or respect from their communities. If you have become very attached to your stepchildren, it may be the appro ..read more