Common Questions

What you Need to Know

Find answers to specific questions that often come up as you navigate divorce.

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Post Divorce

What if I encounter resistance or confusion when updating my name with certain institutions?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Post Divorce

How should I handle updating my name with my insurance policies?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Post Divorce

Can I change my name on my child's school records?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Post Divorce

How do I change my name on my professional licenses and certifications?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Post Divorce

What if my divorce decree does not include a name change provision?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Asset Allocation

How should we handle jointly owned vehicles in the divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Asset Allocation

How do we divided joint credit card debt?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Asset Allocation

How do we divide frequent flyer miles or reward points after divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Asset Allocation

How do we divide investment accounts without triggering taxes or penalties?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

Can retirement benefits be adjusted after the QDRO is implemented if there are errors or changes?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to cooperate with the QDRO process?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

Can I cash out retirement once transferred to me from a qualified retirement plan instead of setting up a separate account?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

Are there any fees associated with the QDRO process?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

How does the timing of the QDRO submission affect retirement asset division?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

Can retirement assets be divided without a QDRO if both parties agree?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Retirement

If my spouse has multiple retirement accounts, how are these divided?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Property Division

Are there tax implications to consider when transferring real estate post-divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Property Division

How does a lien on real estate work in securing a settlement payment for the non-retaining spouse?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Property Division

Can we use a private contract (like a property settlement note) to handle the division of real estate equity?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Property Division

What if the property is underwater (worth less than the mortgage) during the divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Property Division

How can a quit claim deed affect my financial future if I transfer my interest in the property to my ex-spouse?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

What happens if one spouse wants to keep the home but can't qualify for a mortgage on their own?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

What is my date of divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

When am I officially divorced?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What is the role of a parenting consultant in resolving co-parenting disputes?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

How does arbitration differ from other ADR methods like mediation in resolving parenting disputes?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

What are the benefits of using a parent coordinator in a high-conflict co-parenting situation?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Can you provide an example of how parent coordination might work in practice?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What happens if a parent falsely claims a safety concern to limit the other parent's time with the children?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How do I handle concerns about unsafe guests or influences at the other parent's home?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Can I prevent the other parent from smoking around our children?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How should I address concerns about substance use during my co-parent's parenting time?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we ensure our children maintain strong relationships with extended family members on both sides after divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should we do if one of our extended family members has a history of inappropriate behavior or substance abuse?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What role do family traditions play in maintaining extended family relationships after divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can I determine the right time to introduce my children to my new significant other to ensure it is in their best interest?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What steps can we take to make the introduction of a new significant other as smooth and positive as possible for our children?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How should we handle situations where our children are struggling to adjust to a new significant other in one of our lives?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What role should a new significant other play in our children's lives, and how can we set appropriate boundaries?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

I want to introduce my child to my new significant other, why should I wait?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can I discuss the introduction of my new significant other with my co-parent to ensure transparency and cooperation?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

If my co-parent disagrees with the timing of introducing a new significant other, what steps can we take to reach a consensus?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should we do if one parent repeatedly fails to support or attend the child's extracurricular activities, causing the child to feel disappointed or unsupported?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How do we handle situations where one parent wants to discontinue an activity that the other parent and/or child enjoy and find beneficial?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

If our child's extracurricular activities require frequent travel or overnight stays, how should we coordinate these plans to ensure both parents are comfortable and involved?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some best practices for keeping each other informed about schedules, costs, and commitments related to our children's extracurricular activities?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

I would like my child to take swimming lessons, I want her to take lessons at the local community center that costs $100 a session and my co-parent wants to go to a private swim school for $500 a session. I cannot afford this – what should we do?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

I would like our child to participate in an activity that only occurs on my parenting time – do I need my co-parent’s agreement?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

My co-parent doesn’t answer my calls when I want to talk to the children – what can I do?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some effective strategies for ensuring timely and consistent sharing of important information about our children’s school and medical updates?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we set up a communication system that minimizes misunderstandings and ensures both parents are always informed about the children’s activities and well-being?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What steps can we take if one parent frequently forgets to share important information about the children’s health or educational progress?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some ways to ensure that our communication remains respectful and positive, especially when discussing sensitive or contentious issues?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What tools or platforms can we use to facilitate effective and documented communication about the children’s schedules, health, and educational needs?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What steps can we take if one parent consistently disagrees with the agreed-upon guidelines and discipline measures, leading to inconsistent enforcement?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some effective ways to communicate and enforce consequences for major infractions when the children transition between our two homes?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we ensure that our children understand and respect the rules and expectations set by both parents when they might be slightly different in each household?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Legal

How do custody labels impact the way we make decisions about childcare?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Can we each have different childcare providers on our separate parenting time?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Process

My state doesn’t use the term “visitation” – so what is it called when my ex has time with the children?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of jurisdictions that do not use custody labels but instead focus on comprehensive parenting plans?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should I consider about co-parenting when moving to a different state with different custody label practices?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

In jurisdictions without custody labels, how are disputes about decision-making and parenting time typically resolved?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What legal steps can we take if one parent makes unilateral decisions without consulting the other?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should we do if one parent’s work schedule frequently conflicts with attending important school or medical appointments?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What steps can we take if one parent consistently fails to communicate about important decisions or events?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

If one parent wants the children to participate in a specific religious activity and the other does not, how can this be resolved?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we manage joint decision-making if one parent is more knowledgeable about a specific area, like a child’s special education needs?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should we do if we disagree on a specific medical treatment or intervention for our child?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we ensure that both parents are informed about the children’s medical needs and treatments?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Are there ways to involve our children in educational decisions without putting pressure on them to choose sides?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Healthcare

I have always been the primary decision-maker on medical decisions for the kids, does that have to change?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Our 13 year old child has indicated the parenting schedule they would like, should we follow their request?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

If we agree to change our parenting time schedule, do we have to notify anyone or can we just implement the change ourselves?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Do I have to agree to my co-parent adjusting the parenting schedule to go to an event with his family?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can parents collaboratively develop a new parenting schedule that accommodates the needs of both parents and the children after a relocation?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some effective ways to maintain the non-relocating parent's involvement in the children’s lives after a move?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can parents create a relocation plan that minimizes disruption to the children’s education and social life?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

When one parent moves a greater distance away from the other, does the relocated parent have an obligation to facilitate and pay for additional transportation?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

I lost my job and found a new job out of state, how will my parenting schedule be impacted if I have to move?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

My family doesn’t live in my state, now that I am divorced, can I move with my children to be close to my family?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What considerations should be taken into account when involving a third party, such as a family member or professional service, in transportation duties?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we handle transportation logistics if one parent lives significantly farther away from the child’s school or extracurricular activities?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What are some tips for minimizing stress for children during transitions between homes and activities?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How can we effectively communicate changes in transportation schedules without causing last-minute confusion?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Is Winter Break or Spring Break treated as holidays or a no-school days for purposes of the parenting plan?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

In the event of a sick day, what measures can we put in place to ensure our child receives adequate care and attention, considering both parents may have differing work schedules or responsibilities?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What do we do if there is an unscheduled no school day, like a snow day?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What do we do if both parents are unavailable when our child gets sick?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How do divorced parents typically handle Mother’s Day and/or Father’s Day?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How do divorced parents typically handle a parents’ birthday?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

How do divorced parents typically handle children’s birthdays?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

Should we coordinate gift giving on birthdays and holidays post-divorce?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

When do holidays start/end in a co-parenting schedule?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

We don’t have travel or vacation time built into our parenting plan, can I plan a vacation with the children?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

My co-parent is taking the children out of town for a week on an agreed-upon vacation, should we make up my missed time when they return?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What should we do if our work schedules vary greatly, and we don’t think a regular parenting schedule will work for us?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What if our parenting schedule no longer feels right for the kids?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

We have a week on/week off parenting schedule, but it’s too long to be away – is there anything I can do?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...

Parenting

What resources are available to support me/us in creating a parenting plan?

This differs from state to state, but often the legal analysis for support is based upon...