Divorce is messy on so many levels – emotionally, financially, and legally. Amidst all the confusion, it’s easy for those lawyer bills to rack up fast. Our friend at Flat Fee Divorce Solutions offers some tips designed to help you save money on your divorce legal fees. Become An Organization Ninja Most lawyers bill by the hour, so every minute they spend hunting for stuff is money out of your pocket.  As a divorce lawyer would advise, do your lawyer (and your wallet) a favor by getting organized before you even meet them. The Finances File: Round up everything that shows your money picture: bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, retirement account info, info on loans or debts, etc. The Assets List: Write down everything you own and share with your spouse — house, cars, furniture, you name it. Include estimated values where you can. Having this ready cuts down billable time your lawyer spends digging for it. Team Up With Your Lawyer’s Staff Lawyers are the brains of the operation, but paralegals and assistants are the workhorses. Got a quick question or need to send docs?  Email the staff! Often, they can handle it directly, saving you the cost of a full-blown lawyer consultation. Batch Your Worries Every time you hit your lawyer with a panicked email or call, it’s another chunk of change charged to your bill. Instead, slow your roll! Jot it down: Have a notebook or a “notes” app on your phone and jot down questions

Legal contracts entered into by couples before they marry are prenuptial agreements, often referred to as prenups. These agreements outline how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled in the event of a divorce or death. While prenups can provide peace of mind and clarity for both parties, they must meet specific legal requirements to be enforceable. In this post, our prenup lawyer will discuss the key legal requirements for prenuptial agreements, offering a comprehensive understanding of what is needed to create a valid and binding document. Voluntary Agreement One of the fundamental requirements for a prenuptial agreement is that it must be entered into voluntarily by both parties. This means that neither party should be coerced, pressured, or forced into signing the agreement. For a prenup to be valid, both individuals must have ample time to review and consider the terms of the agreement. If there is any indication that one party was under duress or did not willingly agree to the terms, the prenup could be deemed invalid by a court. Full Disclosure Of Assets And Liabilities Full and fair disclosure of assets, liabilities, income, and financial obligations is crucial in a prenuptial agreement. Both parties must provide a complete and honest account of their financial situation. This transparency ensures that both individuals are making informed decisions when agreeing to the terms of the prenup. If it is later discovered that one party withheld information or misrepresented their financial status, the agreement could be challenged and

Divorce Coach Thank you to Tammy Adcock from Adcock Coaching LLC for the below blog: Going through a high conflict divorce is an emotionally and mentally exhausting experience. It’s a journey that requires not just legal guidance but also emotional support. This is where divorce coaching comes into play. A divorce coach can help you navigate the complexities of this life-changing event, providing a structured approach to manage your emotions, make informed decisions, and plan for your future. Step 1 Finding the Right Coach The first step towards a successful divorce with coaching support is finding the right coach. Look for someone who is certified, experienced, and has a good reputation. It’s essential to feel comfortable and trust your coach, as they will be your guide through this challenging time. With the added stress of dealing with a high conflict individual making it imperative to make the right choice when finding a coach. Consider asking for recommendations from friends or family, or search online for reviews. Many coaches offer a consultation, which is a great opportunity to see if they’re the right fit for you. Step 2 Setting Clear Goals Once you’ve found a coach, it’s time to set clear, achievable goals. These goals can include managing your emotions, improving communication with your ex-partner, and planning for your financial future. Your coach will help you break down these goals into manageable steps, making the process less overwhelming. Step 3 Developing A Support System A strong support system is crucial during

When two people share a child together and are no longer together, they will have to establish child custody agreements to ensure clear guidelines and responsibilities. However, life is unpredictable, and situations change. Modifying a child custody agreement may become necessary to reflect these changes. This process can be complex, but understanding the steps involved can help you approach it with confidence. Understanding The Need For Modifications Life events such as job relocations, changes in financial status, remarriages, or the evolving needs of the child can prompt a review and modification of existing custody arrangements. The court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child, and any modifications must align with this principle. Therefore, it’s essential to demonstrate that the changes are in the child’s best interest. When To Seek A Modification There are several circumstances under which you might seek to modify a child custody agreement. If one parent is relocating to a different state or a considerable distance away, the existing arrangement might no longer be feasible. Significant changes in a parent’s lifestyle, such as new work hours, remarriage, or health issues, can also necessitate a review. Additionally, as children grow, their needs and schedules evolve, which might require adjustments to the custody plan. The Legal Process Of Modifying A Custody Agreement Modifying a child custody agreement typically involves several steps. First, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance based on your specific situation. Attorneys like those at the Law Office of

Divorce is a challenging process for any family, but it can be particularly turbulent when there is significant conflict between spouses. During these difficult times, it is crucial to focus on helping your children navigate the emotional turmoil they may experience. Open Communication One of the most important things you can do for your children during a turbulent divorce is to maintain open and honest communication. Encourage your children to express their feelings and reassure them that their emotions are valid. Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Providing a safe space for them to talk about their worries can help alleviate some of their anxiety. Reassurance And Stability A lawyer, like a divorce lawyer, knows that children thrive on stability and routine. During a divorce, their sense of security can be shaken. Reassure them that both parents love them and that the divorce is not their fault. Whenever possible, maintain consistent routines and schedules to provide a sense of normalcy. This stability can help children feel more secure during a time of significant change. Shielding Children From Conflict A lawyer can attest to the detrimental effects of exposing children to parental conflict. Shielding your children from arguments and disputes is essential. Avoid speaking negatively about your spouse in front of the children and keep contentious conversations private. This helps prevent your children from feeling caught in the middle and reduces their emotional stress. Professional Support Seeking professional support for your children can be beneficial. Therapists

Managing Family Law Costs Family law litigation, whether it’s divorce proceedings or custody battles, is both emotionally taxing but can also be financially draining. What should you expect? How can you afford the investment to get the best results possible in your particular situation?  As a seasoned family law attorney with around two decades of experience, I understand the concerns and uncertainties that clients face when it comes to budgeting for legal representation. Today I want to help explain why the investment of hiring a lawyer can seem substantial. Understanding the Costs First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand why family law litigation comes with a significant price tag. Family law matters are inherently complex and often involve intricate legal procedures, negotiations, and court appearances. As such, attorneys devote substantial time and resources to ensure that clients’ rights and interests are adequately represented. How Lawyers Get Paid Lawyers of any kind can generally charge fees in one of three ways: Contingency Fee Lawyer or firm is paid a percentage of the amount recovered on behalf of a client. This is most often used by personal injury or civil litigation lawyers. It is ethically not allowed for family law cases in most, if not all, states. Hourly Fees Lawyer is paid for the time actually spent on the case. This is the most common fee structure for lawyers, but critics note that it rewards inefficiency and sometimes prevents lawyers from doing the work needed (if not enough money held in trust

Divorce and separation can have profound effects on anyone’s life, but men often face unique challenges during these times. The emotional, physical, and mental health impacts of divorce on men can be significant, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues. As the premier family law firm in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the surrounding area, GordenLaw’s team understands these challenges and we are here to help you navigate this difficult period with the right legal support and guidance. Emotional And Mental Health Divorce can be an emotionally tumultuous experience. For men, the stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability often exacerbates these feelings, making it harder to seek help. Many men internalize their emotions, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The loss of companionship, changes in daily routines, and potential separation from children can contribute to feelings of isolation and helplessness. Often, health is negatively affected during stress, which can lead to disastrous long term consequences because poor health can lead to poor decision-making during your legal matter!  Physical Health The stress and emotional strain of divorce can take a toll on physical health. Men going through divorce may experience: Sleep Disturbances: Anxiety and stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.  Weight Fluctuations: Stress can lead to changes in appetite, resulting in weight loss or gain. Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions: Prolonged stress can contribute to the development or worsening of chronic health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Substance Abuse: Some men may turn to

Thank you to our friends at Cohen & Cohen for the below blog. Filing a hospital accident claim can be daunting, especially when navigating the complexities of a divorce simultaneously. It’s essential to understand how to safeguard your compensation during this challenging time. There are practical steps to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation while undergoing divorce proceedings. Consulting Legal Experts Seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals is crucial when facing both a hospital accident claim and a divorce. Attorneys can provide invaluable assistance in understanding your rights, navigating legal complexities, and protecting your interests throughout the process. Understanding Community Property Laws Lawyers, like hospital accident lawyers, know that in states with community property laws, assets acquired during the marriage are typically considered marital property and subject to division in divorce proceedings. Compensation from a hospital accident claim may be classified as marital property if received during the marriage, potentially subjecting it to division. To protect your compensation from being divided in a divorce, it’s essential to establish it as separate property. This can be achieved by demonstrating that the compensation is solely attributable to your injuries and not related to marital assets or contributions. Documenting the origin and purpose of the compensation is critical in establishing its separate nature. Creating A Trust One effective strategy for safeguarding compensation is to place it in a trust. By creating a trust and designating the compensation as trust property, you can shield it from being considered marital assets subject to division.

What Factors Determine a Child’s Best Interest? In Nebraska, the court considers several factors to determine what is in the best interest of a child. These factors include the child’s age, health, emotional ties, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs. The court also considers the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s wishes (if the child’s wishes are based on sound reasoning), and the mental and physical health of all parties involved. For instance, let’s say you’re a parent seeking to relocate with your child. You’ve been offered a job in another city that would significantly increase your income. This could potentially improve your child’s quality of life by providing better educational opportunities, healthcare, and overall living conditions. However, the court will also consider the impact the move would have on the child’s relationship with the other parent, including the effect on parenting time, travel costs, etc. What Role Does a Child’s Preference Play in Relocation Cases? In Nebraska, a child’s preference may be considered by the court if the child is of sufficient age and maturity and is based upon sound reasoning. However, the child’s preference is not dispositive and may be disregarded by the Court. The judge will also evaluate the reasons for the child’s preference. For instance, if a child wants to move because they believe it will be more fun or one parent is more permissive, the court may not give much weight to this preference. However, if the child

Can Court Orders Be Changed? Maybe you are divorced and your Decree is final, along with a court-ordered Parenting Plan and Financial Plan for your child(ren). Maybe you were never married to your child(ren)’s other parent but have paternity and support and custody established. What happens when your circumstances change and the orders in place no longer work for your situation? In order to permanently change court orders in place (whether through a divorce or custody/paternity matter), a Complaint to Modify must be filed in Court. To succeed in a modification action, the requesting party must prove “a material and substantial change in circumstances” first, and then that the proposed change is in the child(ren)’s best interests. What Kind of Changes May Lead to Modifying Court Orders? Note that not just any change is enough to modify court orders. The change must be substantial enough that the original orders would not have been put in place if the Court had known about the change. Child support is the easiest to change and only requires a change upward or downward in income that would change child support by 10% or more. The change needs to have been ongoing for a period of time and expected to continue in the future (6 months is the general guideline). Child support cannot be lowered just because one party has an after-born child to support, but an after-born child may prevent support from being raised in certain circumstances. Parenting time is medium in difficulty to