Co-parenting under normal circumstances presents many challenges for families of divorced or separated parents. Add a worldwide pandemic to a tenuous, oftentimes contentious, family dynamic and the results can be devastating for everyone involved. During COVID-19, many families are discovering that previous co-parenting arrangements may not withstand the demands associated with sheltering in place and remote/distance learning. This can amplify an already stressful situation. Read our blog as we discuss ways to help families cope with the challenges associated with co-parenting through a pandemic. Ensure safety when changing households Many parents wonder if it’s safe to have their children travel back and forth between two households, especially if the other parent is at a higher risk for exposure through work or contact with others like a stepparent or significant other. Some have even gone to court over such matters. Parents should make every effort to talk amongst themselves to discuss how to address safety concerns before getting the courts involved. Maintain open lines of communication Oftentimes separated or divorced parents are estranged from one another, making communication and planning quite challenging. However, parents should try to set aside their differences and focus on the heath and well-being of their children. Maintaining open and honest lines of communication is critical. If you find communicating…
Read MoreFamily is the most important thing in the world and this means that any problems that arise are particularly troubling for everyone involved. This is where family law steps in and tries to solve any breakdowns as amicably as possible. Family law disputes are dealt with in the civil court system, which allows two people to settle their differences in front of a judge. Family law cases will deal with domestic matters and are usually between spouses and parents, whether this is solving problems between them or concerning issues with their children. Read on to find out more about the common issues that can arise in family law cases and how they are dealt with in court. Divorce When a husband or wife wants to end their marriage, sometimes it is not a straightforward and easy situation to deal with. Common problems include resentment and arguments over what happens to property and belongings that are shared after the separation, as well as any alimony or spousal support that is due. In court, a judge will be able to consider all of the evidence and decide what each person should receive and the fair division of martial assets, as well as granting a divorce or annulment. Child Support Cases concerning child support are taken…
Read MoreGoing through a divorce is never easy for a family. The spousal support laws vary from state to state and can be extremely confusing. Thankfully, you can rely on your family law attorney to be a valuable resource in navigating these complex issues. What are the spousal support laws in Minnesota? Minnesota courts have the power to order one spouse to pay alimony to the other (also referred to as spousal maintenance.) Often, the spouse who earns less money annually will make a request for spousal support from the higher earning spouse. This ensures that they can each maintain a reasonable standard of living to which they have become accustomed. Other reasons to request spousal support include the inability of one spouse to work due to giving full time care to a child that possesses a high level of need. This demonstrated need can be medical, physical, or mental. Minnesota courts can decide on three different kinds of spousal support: Temporary support. In this case, the support is paid by one spouse to the other during divorce proceedings. The income of both spouses is taken into account. Short-term support. This type of support helps one spouse achieve job training or continued education, with the intention that they will be able to earn more…
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