Category: Family Law

What are the Biggest Benefits of Having a Divorce Attorney?

July 25, 2018  |  Elizabeth A. Schading

When couples have the unfortunate task of seeking a divorce, it can be tempting to file on your own by using state provided documents or information gleaned from websites or books. While uncontested divorces and other such situations may make a ‘do-it-yourself’ divorce look like an easier solution, most individuals should consider hiring a divorce attorney to ensure that their interests are fully protected. Your Two Biggest Gains With a Divorce Attorney While there are several benefits to enlist the assistance of a divorce attorney, there are two main ones that we often ask clients to consider. Advice From an Expert Having an experienced attorney can help ensure that you retain assets during the divorce and that you don’t give up more than you should in completing the process. If your marriage has any complicated issues to settle, such as child custody and support issues, debts, assets, substantial income or something such as an inheritance, a divorce attorney can be an invaluable resource. Don’t leave your financial well-being and future up to the internet, get expert advice from an attorney that has your best interests in mind. Avoid Costly Mistakes Divorce in Minnesota can be expensive. When completing a DIY divorce, there are two main reasons that people make mistakes – the stress…

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Misconceptions About Child Support

July 1, 2018  |  Elizabeth A. Schading

Child support is one of the main issues that can be decided when it comes to divorce. Child support are regular payments that are made by one parent to the other. Despite the concept of child support seemingly being simple to understand, there are misconceptions associated with it that can cause problems when it comes to the divorce. So, let’s take a look at them and clear up questions commonly asked.   Child Support is Optional Many people think that child support is an option after a divorce and not something you have to do if you don’t want to. Well, depending on the ruling in your divorce, if you are ordered to pay child support it can be a criminal offense not to pay. This means you must keep up with your payments or face consequences for it. The amount you pay for child support will be calculated based on your income, as well as insurance costs, childcare costs, and the amount of time the child is in your care. Once set by the court, this is the amount you need to pay; it is not optional.    Child Support is only for Food and Clothing It is often assumed that child support is for the basics that are needed, such as food…

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Will Mediation Make My Divorce Go More Smoothly?

June 26, 2018  |  Elizabeth A. Schading

When people get married, they aren’t planning for divorce. When a divorce does happen, it can be confusing and upsetting. In fact, a divorce is one of the toughest things you can go through, especially when there are children involved.   So, when it comes to considering the divorce from a legal standpoint, you will be thinking about all of your options. You may want to resolve things amicably and as fast as possible, but this is not always the case. You may think that litigation is the only path you can go down to finalize your divorce, but there are other options that are open to you. These options can help you save money on your divorce as well. This includes mediation.   So, let’s have a closer look at mediation and see if this will suit your particular needs. This is a process where you can enter discussion and negotiation with your former partner to reach a divorce settlement that will suit both of you. It is less like a competition, which can happen at litigation; it is more about working together to reach a solution. There is a neutral third party called the mediator who will guide you and help you when you need it. In addition, you can bring…

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