A YEAR OF LIVING WITH THE ‘COHABITATION’ PROVISION IN SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE LAW
It’s been more than a year since new law went into effect, allowing a court to determine whether maintenance can be modified based on a recipient’s cohabitation with another adult…
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…
What Does Primary Residence Mean And Why Is It Important?
What Does Primary Residence Mean And Why Is It Important? When I talk to people about child custody orders and parenting time schedules, the topic of ‘primary residence’ sometimes comes…
Inconvenient Forum
I recently blogged about the 180 Day Rule and how you (or your spouse) must live in Minnesota for 180 days before you can file for divorce here. But, what…
The 180 Day Rule and Jurisdiction
Almost every state has a requirement that you must live in that state for a certain amount of time before you can file for a divorce there. Minnesota is no…
What can I get out of it? Splitting Joint Property Interests Between Unmarried Cohabitants
Just like married couples, unmarried couples who live together still acquire stuff together (furniture, jewelry, vehicles, and real estate), and when they (hopefully never) split up, they still need to…
Using the Court’s Contempt Powers to Enforce a Child Support Order
I sometimes get asked what can be done about a parent who isn’t paying child support. It can be frustrating because there are sometimes different factors that explain why a…
Prenuptial Agreements – Not Always Enforceable
If you’re reading this blog, it’s probably because you’re related to me and doing it out of obligation (thanks, Mom). Or, it might be because you’re looking for information about…
To File or Not to File?
In Minnesota, a divorce case commences when the Petitioner serves the Summons and Petition for Marital Dissolution (and usually some other documents, too) upon the Respondent. The law requires that…
Who Claims The Kids? The Riddle of Claiming Tax Dependency Exemption
If you’re a parent, and you’ve filed taxes, you’re probably aware that the US tax code permits a taxpayer to claim an exemption for each of his or her dependents….