Divorce

The Impact of Tax Reform on Alimony Payments

Published on: November 22, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “When do you get alimony?”

Tax reform has been in the news recently, with all sides of the political debate arguing about the best path forward. Some believe taxes are too high and need to be cut across the board. Others believe the cuts should be focused on lower and middle-income Americans. Still others are aiming the primary benefits at the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Which side will ultimately prevails remains to be seen.

Wisconsin Considers Ditching Post-Divorce Waiting Period

Published on: November 1, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How long does getting a divorce take?”

Normally, when we think of waiting periods and divorce, we are talking about the amount of time a couple has to wait before filing for divorce. In a number of states, these waiting periods exist to try and slow the process. Couples are often required to live separately for some period of time before either can file a divorce petition. Legislators say this time forces a couple to think twice (and maybe thrice) before finally pulling the trigger and moving ahead with a divorce. States have begun lowering these wait times, the goal being to further streamline the divorce process and get couples in and out of court faster.

Wisconsin Court Acknowledges Marriage Invalid, But Approves Divorce Award

Published on: October 25, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How should I prepare if I intend to file for divorce in the near future?”

Unsurprisingly, marriage is seen as a nonnegotiable prerequisite to divorce. A court cannot grant a divorce and divide marital property without an underlying marriage. Though this would seem to make sense, there are instances where though a marriage may not be legally valid, it is recognized by courts as having occurred. We have previously discussed issues surrounding common law marriage, but this post deals with something a little different: the putative marriage doctrine.

Mississippi Supreme Court To Decide Whether Divorce Law Is Constitutional

Published on: October 18, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How should I prepare if I intend to file for divorce in the near future?

Advocates for families and, specifically, victims of domestic violence are making their opinions heard in a Mississippi divorce case that will soon be decided by the state Supreme Court. Opponents of the status quo argue that Mississippi’s laws are antiquated and in desperate need of an overhaul. Of particular interest is the state’s lack of a unilateral no-fault divorce option, something that critics say traps spouses in bad relationships for years longer than necessary, holding them hostage to the whims of controlling and potentially abusive partners.

Divorce At Home When Marriage Occurred Overseas

Published on: September 27, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold being interviewed on the Legal Forum. This was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina. Topics discussed include: How to choose a divorce lawyer? How long does a divorce take? How much does a divorce cost? When can a person get an annulment?

With divorce underway and a potentially pricey division of assets looming, people have been known to get creative with legal defenses. Allegations of infidelity, abuse, financial mismanagement, you name it. A British man recently came up with an even more creative reason for why he should hold onto the majority of his money: he claimed he and his wife were never actually married.

Weiner and Abedin’s Divorce Will Not Be Anonymous

Published on: September 20, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is social media evidence used in divorce proceedings?”

It’s a terrible story that never seems to end. More than six years ago, Anthony Weiner first grabbed headlines due to some inappropriate photographs posted onto his personal Twitter feed. The scandal that followed was enough to cost him his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Though many may have hoped that was the last of Anthony Weiner, it now seems like only the beginning. Weiner would later mount a bid for mayor of New York City, come close to winning and then watch as his campaign unraveled over another sexual messaging scandal. Years would pass before yet a third scandal erupted, this time involving a minor. The latest episode (which arguably had an impact on the 2016 presidential election) was finally enough for Huma Abedin, who decided to file for divorce and separate herself from Weiner and his various shenanigans once and for all.

Chicago Judge Tackles Problem of Incarcerated Divorce

Published on: September 13, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

It is something that very few people give much thought to: divorce behind bars. Though it seldom makes it on to most people’s radar, it can present enormous problems. Getting divorced while incarcerated is difficult if not outright impossible in some instances. This can mean that many resign themselves to being trapped in bad marriages or stuck with unresolved custody issues, which can create hopelessness among those already struggling to hold onto dreams of their future.

North Carolina Court Allows Alienation of Affection Case to Move Forward

Published on: September 6, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Does adultery affect my divorce case?”

In many places, if a marriage ends due to an affair, the innocent spouse may be left with anger and hurt feelings, but will otherwise have no recourse. That is not the case here in North Carolina, one of the few remaining states to recognize the right of an innocent spouse to bring claims for alienation of affection or criminal conversation. Though the cases are relatively rare, they still occur each and every year, with some, like a recent case out of Winston-Salem, grabbing headlines.

New Jersey Supreme Court Breaks Precedent In Recent Ruling

Published on: August 23, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

When it comes to custody issues during and after a divorce, it can be very hard for families to navigate the complexities of two parents, two homes and multiple opposing ideas of what is right. One of the most difficult custody issues to resolve is when one parent decides to relocate out-of-state, something that forces a court to upend the previously agreed to parenting plan.

Divorce and the impact on your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Published on: August 9, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

Divorce can impact a number of aspects of your life. Though most people understand that it will lead to changes in housing, your household budget, possession of certain items of personal property and the division of bank accounts, many may not be thinking about the impact divorce can and does have on retirement. To learn more about the impact divorce has on Thrift Savings Plans, known as TSPs, keep reading.