Category: Divorce
Things to Update After Divorce
March 25, 2016 | William F. HuefnerThe divorce has been finalized. You’ve paid your divorce attorney. Now what? Aside from moving on with your life, there are several things that you’ll need to update after the divorce. [maxbutton id=”1″ ] While each case is unique, there are some common steps that nearly every couple will take after they’re officially divorced. These include: Dividing up all the property as per the divorce decree. Change your motor vehicle titles to reflect appropriate ownership as per your divorce decree. Change your name with Social Security and on your passport. Change the name on your driver’s license. The requirements for this will vary from state to state, but in most cases, you will need to change your Social Security card before you can change your driver’s license. Contact your auto insurer to notify them of changes in vehicle ownership, drivers on the policy and address changes. Ensure that your name has been removed from loans or debts that you are no longer responsible for. If you change your name after the divorce, make sure that you notify all of your creditors of this change. Remove your name from the joint bank account and the mortgage, if applicable. Open a new credit card in your own name, and use it to make purchases. Don’t…
Read MoreDivorce vs. Legal Separation in Minnesota
May 8, 2015 | Elizabeth A. SchadingOften what a “couple” considers separation versus what a court considers “separation” are two very different things. There’s a difference between “separation” and “legal separation.” Just because you and your spouse are living apart, it doesn’t mean that you’re legally separated. So, what is legal separation, and how does it differ from a divorce? What is Legal Separation in Minnesota? Legal separation actually changes the status of your marriage. Before you and your spouse can be legally separated, you’ll need to file and serve a petition. It’s important to remember that this is a completely separate process from a divorce. Unlike other states, you’re not required to legally separate before getting a divorce in Minnesota. Legal separation can take just as long as a divorce, and it can be just as costly. For all intents and purposes, legal separation is just like a divorce. Property, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance issues are all resolved. The couple’s debts and assets are divided. Legal Separation vs. Divorce So, what makes legal separation different from a divorce? You’re still married. If you want to end the marriage, you’ll need to go through the divorce process. When Legal Separation Makes Sense Why would a couple choose legal separation over a divorce? For some, it’s their…
Read MoreHow is Child Custody Determined in a Minnesota Divorce?
February 21, 2015 | Elizabeth A. SchadingChild custody is one of the most complicated issues in a Minnesota divorce. Although custody issues seldom go to trial, it’s still difficult for parents to come to an agreement on who should have custody of the child, or if the custody should be shared. It’s important to understand the types of child custody in Minnesota and how custody is determined. Types of Child Custody In Minnesota, there are two primary types of child custody: • Physical • Legal Physical refers to the child’s day-to-day routine and where he or she lives. Legal refers to how the child is raised, such as what school the child attends, his or her health care and religious upbringing. Some parents share custody, which is known as either joint legal or joint physical custody. But in some cases, one parent may have sole custody (both physical and legal) of the child. When parents share legal custody, it means that both parents will share the decision making when it comes to how the child is raised. When parents share physical custody, it means that the child’s residence and daily routine will be split between both parents, but not necessarily on an equal basis. How Child Custody is Determined In Minnesota, child custody can be determined in two ways:…
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