Earlier this month we discussed a celebrity couple who is choosing to work out a prenuptial agreement before they get married. They are just two of many people, celebrities and non-celebrities alike, who are starting to protect their future with this type of...
Your Legal Guide Through Life’s Twists And Turns
Month: June 2011
No right to counsel for parents unable to pay child support
If you recall back in March, we discussed whether parents should be automatically appointed counsel by the court. The debate arose after a father filed a lawsuit, claiming that he had a right to a lawyer because he could not afford one himself. He had failed to make...
Violating a child custody order could result in criminal charges
When it comes to determining child custody, the court may decide that it is in the best interests of the children to spend equal time with both parents. In other situations, it is better for one parent to have primary custody while the other maintains visitation...
Property division dispute coming to an end for Dodgers owner
Earlier this year, we discussed some of the property division issues that the Los Angeles Dodgers owner and his now ex-wife were fighting over. The biggest source of contention was who owned the baseball team. Frank McCourt contended that the Dodgers were his sole...
Tennessee father sues ex-wife after discovering child was not his
When it comes to deciding what type of custody should be awarded in a child custody case, courts historically deferred to the mother, believing it was in the best interests of the child. But with time, courts began to recognize fathers' rights in regards to child...
Property division not an issue if celebrity marriage ends
When a couple decides to get married, they often do not think that they will also get divorced. But for many, deciding to separate after a period of time is a reality. And sometimes planning ahead for that moment can help save a lot of time, money and energy for both...
Violent outburst over child support results in assault charges
A previous post discussed the way a man responded when he was told by a judge he would have to pay child support. He and his estranged wife were in the middle of a divorce hearing when he attacked her and beat her over the issue of child support. Just recently he had...
Should terminal illness be a factor in determining custody?
Courts typically look at what is in the best interests of the children when a couple is getting divorced. Child custody issues can become a big source of contention if both parents feel they are better suited to care for the children. But how does a judge decide which...
Shift in view of fathers’ rights resulting in more single fathers
In the past, fathers have had more difficulty obtaining custody of the children following a divorce. This was attributed to the idea that children should be with the mother; custody decisions historically have reflected that belief. But recently there has been a shift...
Property division ruling means half of show winnings for wife
As we've seen in prior posts, the issue of property division is a source of contention for many separating couples. It can be complicated and frustrating trying to decide what property goes to which spouse. But in some instances, it is almost just as important to...