LIFE INSURANCE TO SECURE SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE OR CHILD SUPPORT; DON’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY
Recently the Court of Appeals was asked by a surviving ex-wife to award life insurance proceeds to herself and children, which her ex-husband, before he died, elected go to his…
Enough is Enough; When it’s Time to Revisit Spousal Maintenance
The Court of Appeals recently reversed a lower court’s decision to reject a husband’s request to modify his maintenance obligation to his ex-wife. It was error, the Court said, to…
Restricting Parenting Time; When Can A Child Choose?
Courts have been asked to consider a child’s preference in deciding whether to allow parenting time. Recently, a district court’s decision to restrict parenting time was appealed after a child…
When parents and grandparents share custody OF A CHILD, who pays child support?
Under Minn. Stat. § 518A.35, subd. 1(b), “the basic child support obligation shall be determined by referencing the guideline for the appropriate number of joint children and the combined parental…
KEEPING THE HOMESTEAD SAFE IN A DIVORCE
Divorcing couples who own a home still remain homeowners, even after the divorce; they just aren’t joint owners any longer. Instead, they own the home as individuals who each have…
Dividing Military Benefits in a Divorce – When State & Federal Law Conflicts
It’s not often that the United State Supreme Court makes a decision that affects how divorces are handled in Minnesota Family Courts. But, when it comes to a veteran’s retirement…
Can My Spouse Secretly Get Rid of Our Things During Our Divorce?
Unless your spouse is selling things off in order to pay for food, clothing, shelter; or, routinely sells things that you own in order make a living, the answer is…
PRINCE’S LESSON ON PATERNITY
When I think of Prince’s legacy, his immeasurable contributions to the arts and culture, I can’t say that promoting understanding of domestic relations law has a place that legacy. But…
MOVING OUT OF STATE WITH MY CHILD, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Moving to another state and leaving our Minnesota winters behind can be an exciting change, but, if your move includes your child that you share with a parent you’re not…
THE CHALLENGE OF PURSUING SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
Unlike child support, spousal maintenance or ‘alimony’ as it is sometimes called, is a way of helping a lesser-earning spouse meet his needs after a marriage ends, but is not…