GordenLaw, LLC

How to Stay Informed About Your Family Case

GordenLaw, LLC — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:09:01 +0000

Understanding where your case stands reduces anxiety significantly. Many clients feel lost during family law proceedings, uncertain whether progress is being made or what comes next. Staying informed about your case status helps you remain engaged and make better decisions throughout the process. Our friends at Schank Family Law discuss how informed clients tend to experience less stress and participate more effectively in their own legal matters. A family lawyer may also be helpful when your family matter involves updating wills, revising trusts, or addressing guardianship arrangements that require attention during this transition. Ask for Regular Status Updates You deserve to know where things stand. Establish expectations early with your family law attorney about how often you’ll receive updates. Some matters move quickly and warrant frequent communication. Others have long periods where little happens. Understanding the typical pace helps you distinguish between normal waiting and genuine delays. Your attorney should be willing to explain the current phase of your case and what’s expected next. Don’t hesitate to request updates when you haven’t heard anything for a while. A brief email asking for current status is entirely appropriate. Learn the Phases of Family Law Cases Knowledge reduces uncertainty. Family law matters typically move through predictable stages. Understanding these phases helps you track where you are in the process. Common phases include: Initial filings and service of process Temporary orders addressing immediate needs Discovery and information exchange Settlement negotiations or mediation Trial preparation if settlement fails Trial or final hearing Entry of […]

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How to Protect Your Wealth When Your Marriage Ends

GordenLaw, LLC — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:22:59 +0000

When substantial wealth is involved, divorce becomes a different process entirely. We’re not just talking about dividing a checking account and deciding who keeps the house. High net worth divorces often involve business valuations, stock options, multiple properties, offshore accounts, retirement portfolios, and sometimes complex trust structures. Our friends at Gray Becker, P.C. discuss how these cases require a different approach. A high net worth divorce lawyer understands that every financial decision made during this process can have lasting consequences. The stakes are simply higher. Understanding What’s Actually at Stake Many people underestimate what falls under the umbrella of marital assets. It’s not just what you accumulated together. Depending on your state’s laws, it could include: Business ownership interests and partnerships Stock options and restricted stock units Real estate holdings across multiple states or countries Art collections, jewelry, and other valuables Retirement accounts and pension benefits Intellectual property rights Each of these requires proper valuation. And valuation is where things get complicated. A family business, for example, might be worth dramatically different amounts depending on who is doing the appraisal and what methodology they use. How the Right Attorney Makes a Difference We’ve seen what happens when someone going through a high-asset divorce hires a general practitioner who handles a few divorces each year. It rarely ends well. An attorney who focuses on wealthy divorce cases brings something different to the table. They understand forensic accounting. They know when a spouse might be hiding assets. They’ve worked with business valuation […]

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What To Know Before Representing Yourself In Family Court

GordenLaw, LLC — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:25:19 +0000

You have the legal right to represent yourself in family court. Whether this choice makes sense depends on your case’s particulars, your comfort with legal procedures, and your financial situation. Self-representation, called pro se litigation, presents both opportunities and significant challenges. Our friends at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC see increasing numbers of self-represented litigants as legal costs rise and financial pressures mount. A family lawyer can help you evaluate whether self-representation suits your situation or whether alternative arrangements like limited scope representation might serve you better. When Self-Representation Might Work Simple, uncontested cases sometimes proceed smoothly without attorneys. If you and your spouse agree on all terms of your divorce, have no children, own minimal property, and carry little debt, filing paperwork yourself might be manageable. Uncontested divorces with agreed-upon terms don’t require courtroom advocacy or legal strategy. You’re essentially asking the court to approve an agreement you’ve already reached. Many courts provide forms and instructions specifically designed for pro se divorce cases. Straightforward post-judgment matters like name changes or simple administrative modifications sometimes don’t require legal representation. If you’re updating court records to reflect information both parties agree upon, the process may be simple enough to handle alone. The Substantial Challenges Family law involves technical rules, strict procedures, and detailed legal standards. Courts expect pro se litigants to follow the same rules as attorneys. Judges can’t give you legal advice or help you present your case. The common phrase “ignorance of the law is no excuse” applies […]

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Ten Common Mistakes People Make During Divorce (And How To Avoid Them)

GordenLaw, LLC — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:47:14 +0000

Avoiding Common Divorce Mistakes Divorce is a complex process, often clouded by emotion. It’s easy to make decisions in the heat of the moment that can have long-lasting consequences. While every situation is unique, certain missteps are surprisingly common. Being aware of these pitfalls can empower you to navigate this difficult time more smoothly and secure a more stable future. Below, our friends from Merel Family Law discuss ten common mistakes people make during divorce and how you can avoid them: Letting Emotions Drive Financial Decisions Anger, hurt, or a desire for revenge can lead to demanding unreasonable settlements or fighting over symbolic items at great legal cost. Avoid it by focusing on your long-term financial health. Ask yourself, “Is this fight worth the financial and emotional cost?” Hiding Assets Or Inflating Debts Full financial transparency is not just ethical—it’s a legal requirement. Attempting to conceal assets can result in severe penalties, invalidated settlements, and a complete loss of credibility. Avoid it by being brutally honest from the start. Gather all financial documents early. Neglecting The Tax Implications A financial award is not always what it seems. Different assets have different tax consequences. Avoid it by consulting a financial advisor or accountant to understand the after-tax value of any proposed settlement. Using Your Children As Messengers Or Pawns Placing children in the middle of parental conflict is deeply damaging. They should never be used to relay information or manipulate the other parent. Avoid it by: Using dedicated apps for co-parenting […]

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Prioritizing Mental Health In Custody Disputes

GordenLaw, LLC — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:15:39 +0000

Remember that your attorneys can advise you and advocate for you, but they are not the only supporters you will need. Custody battles can feel isolating, especially if communication with the other parent is strained or hostile. Make sure you have a strong support system including trusted friends, close family members, or a professional therapist. Being able to converse about what you are going through can help you process emotions, develop coping strategies, and maintain perspective. Having a skilled and compassionate Lincoln, NE divorce lawyer shouldering your legal burdens so that you don’t have to, helps to give you the time and energy you need to prioritize your own mental health. Establish Routines Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of comfort when so much feels uncertain. This is especially important when children are involved and your household is in transition. Try to maintain regular sleep, meals, work, and activity schedules as much as possible. Routines help reduce anxiety for both you and your children. They signal that life is continuing, even in the midst of legal proceedings. This also includes maintaining your family traditions (or starting new ones!) and bonding with some fun and relaxation. Set Boundaries If communication with your co-parent is contributing to your stress, set clear boundaries for those interactions. By using written communication methods like email or parenting apps (such as OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, or TalkingParents), you can help keep discussions focused and minimize emotions and chances for conflict. Additionally, consider letting your attorney handle any […]

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The Weight Of A Child’s Voice In Custody Disputes

GordenLaw, LLC — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 13:00:50 +0000

When parents decide to separate or divorce, their children’s well-being quickly becomes a top priority. One question that often arises during custody proceedings is whether a child’s preference can influence which parent they will live with. While many believe a child’s wishes should carry significant weight, the reality is more nuanced. Courts strive to balance a child’s expressed desires with what they determine to be in the child’s best interests. Attorneys like those at The Spagnola Law Firm can attest that each case is unique and depends on multiple factors, including the age and maturity of the child. Considering Age And Maturity Family courts generally give more weight to a child’s preference as they get older. For instance, a teenager’s expressed wishes might be taken seriously, especially if they can clearly explain their reasons for preferring one parent. A younger child’s choice, however, may not carry the same influence because courts often question whether the child understands the long-term consequences of their decision. The maturity of the child is equally important. Judges will consider whether the child can articulate reasonable and consistent preferences rather than decisions swayed by fleeting emotions or promises of leniency from a parent. A mature child who thoughtfully explains why they feel more secure or supported with one parent may have a more persuasive voice in the courtroom. Ensuring The Preference Is Voluntary Another critical element is whether the child’s preference is freely given. Courts look for signs of coercion or manipulation by either parent. If […]

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Do Children Choose Where They Live In A Custody Or Divorce Case?

GordenLaw, LLC — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:55:00 +0000

One of the most common questions custody lawyers are asked is “Can my child choose which parent to live with?” While a child’s preference may be considered in custody cases–particularly as the child gets older–it is never the deciding factor under Nebraska law. In fact, it is a widely believed myth that children have the final say on which parent to live with. In reality, even if the child is older and expressing strong preferences, children do not have the right to choose their residence until they have reached the age of majority (which varies by state and is 19-years-old in Nebraska). When Are The Child’s Preferences Considered? Nebraska Judges may consider a child’s opinion as one piece of the larger custody puzzle, but this is done carefully and within context. Judges are cautious about giving too much weight to a child’s preference, especially if there is evidence that a child has been pressured, manipulated, or influenced by one or both of the parents. The child’s preference may only be considered if the Court determines the child is of sufficient maturity and has sound reasons for preferring one home. The Court must also balance the Constitutional rights of each parent to parent their child along with the child’s rights and interests. Parents do not have to be perfect to stand on their rights to see and make decisions for their child. Best Interests Of The Child The “best interests of the child” standard in Nebraska is specifically defined by statute […]

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The Adoption Guide For Stepparents

GordenLaw, LLC — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:54:39 +0000

Nebraska Step-parent Adoption: A Guide To The Process This Nebraska step-parent adoption guide is designed to provide a straightforward overview of what stepparents should know when considering adoption, including the steps involved and the key factors that can impact the process. Adoption can be a beautiful way to help families make their legal status match the emotional connection between a stepparent and the minor child/ren involved. Adoptions are some of our favorite cases at Gordon Law – learn more about our approach below and schedule your strategy session with us to learn more today by calling us at 402-817-1450 or email at inquiry@gordenlaw.com. What Is Stepparent Adoption? A step-parent is a person who is married to one of the biological/legal parents of a child. Once a stepparent adoption takes place, one of the biological/legal parents of the child’s rights and responsibilities fully transfer to the adopting step-parent. After the legal process is complete and a Decree of Adoption is entered, the adopting step-parent would have the rights to make decisions and see the child as well as the responsibilities to provide parental care and support (including financial support) the same as if the child had been born to that step-parent and his or her spouse. Sometimes, the natural parent was never involved in the child’s life at any point. Sometimes, circumstances have changed such that it is necessary or desirable to have a step-parent take over the role of a natural parent. The law governing step-parent adoption seeks to protect […]

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Uncontested Divorce In Nebraska

GordenLaw, LLC — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 22:00:50 +0000

Did you know that it is not possible to “contest a divorce” in Nebraska? That’s right – in 100% of filed cases the divorce itself is “uncontested” because the law does not allow for contested divorces as a Lincoln, NE uncontested divorce lawyer can explain. Nebraska is a “no-fault” state for divorce. This means if one person wants a divorce, the divorce will be granted. This means that if one party behaved badly in the marriage, such as cheating (sexually or emotionally), hiding money, being abusive, etc. – those bad behaviors or “faults” are not really part of the judge’s decision-making process and typically have no effect on the outcome. You may have heard people talk about their divorce nightmares where they could not agree with their spouse about any issue – from the house to the holidays with the kids to who gets the credit card rewards points. Those are all issues that can come up within a divorce case that might be contested or tried to the Court. Issues in a divorce can include (but are not limited to): premarital property, gift or inheritance, settlement monies, real property, credit card debt or rewards points, airline miles, business ownership interests, tools and equipment, tax debts and returns, spousal support, insurance coverage, home repairs during proceedings, medical expenses, holiday time with children, school and daycare enrollment, medical decision making, farm leases, retirement loans, individual education plans for children, pet custody, transportation and extracurricular activities, personal property division, vehicles, and many […]

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The Legal Aspects Of Adoption

GordenLaw, LLC — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:20:23 +0000

Adoption is a significant step for many families, and while it can be rewarding, it also requires thoughtful preparation and understanding of legal responsibilities. Attorneys like those at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. can attest that entering the adoption process with a clear perspective can save families time, stress, and confusion. Below are some key points to consider as you embark on this journey. Legal Requirements Vary By State Adoption laws differ depending on where you live, and each state has its own regulations and procedures. From residency requirements to necessary background checks, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your state. This also applies to international adoptions, which bring another layer of consideration as you work through both domestic and foreign legal systems. Parental Rights Must Be Addressed A divorce lawyer understands that one of the most critical steps in any adoption is terminating biological parental rights. This can be done voluntarily, or in some cases, the court may determine it necessary to terminate these rights involuntarily. Either way, this process ensures the adopting family can move forward without legal complications later. Financial Aspects Need Attention Adoption involves financial considerations beyond initial legal fees. Prospective parents should prepare for home studies, court costs, travel expenses, and in some cases, medical costs for the birth parent. Some states also allow for adoptive families to assist with living expenses for the birth mother, though these costs must comply with state laws. Types Of Adoption Affect The Process […]

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