Legal Q&A

Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters

Browse published legal information questions related to Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters.

MA - Massachusetts

How do I split tax debt from a joint return in divorce?

In general, tax debt from a joint return is treated as a financial issue that must be addressed during the divorce, but a divorce decree does not automatically change how the tax debt is owed to the IRS or, if applicable...

PA - Pennsylvania

Do I have to pay alimony if my former spouse is living with a new partner?

In Pennsylvania, a former spouse’s living situation with a new partner may matter, but it does not automatically end alimony in every case. The legal effect often depends on what kind of support is being paid, what the c...

SD - South Dakota

Is it legal for a spouse to file for divorce just to stop an immigration sponsorship?

In general, a spouse may be able to file for divorce even if the timing affects an immigration sponsorship, because divorce is usually a state-law family-law matter. But that does not mean a person can use divorce as a t...

WV - West Virginia

Can I get temporary child support while the divorce is still pending?

In West Virginia, temporary child support may be available while a divorce is still pending, depending on the facts and the court’s orders. In general, courts can enter temporary, or “pendente lite,” orders to address ch...

VA - Virginia

Can I get alimony if I supported my spouse through medical school?

In Virginia, the fact that you supported your spouse through medical school can be an important part of an alimony claim, but it does not automatically mean you will receive support. Courts usually look at the marriage a...

AL - Alabama

What happens if someone violates a restraining order issued by an Alabama court?

If someone violates a restraining order issued by an Alabama court, the person who sought the order may be able to ask the court to enforce it. In general, a violation can lead to serious court consequences, and the resp...

CO - Colorado

What happens if my ex posted false accusations about me during our custody dispute?

If an ex posts false accusations about you during a custody dispute, the consequences can vary a lot depending on what was said, where it was posted, and whether the statements can be shown to be false. In Colorado, publ...

OK - Oklahoma

What are my rights if child support was calculated using the wrong number of overnights?

If child support was calculated using the wrong number of overnights, you may have the right to ask for a correction. In general, overnight time is one of the facts that can affect child support calculations because many...

WA - Washington

Is it legal for someone to threaten to release private photos unless I talk to them?

In general, a threat to release private photos in order to pressure someone into talking, meeting, or complying may raise serious legal concerns. In Washington, the answer often depends on what exactly was said, what the...

MD - Maryland

What are my rights if my landlord served an eviction notice after I asked for a reasonable accommodation?

In general, if you live in Maryland and your landlord served an eviction notice after you asked for a reasonable accommodation, that timing may matter. A request for a reasonable accommodation is often protected under fa...

AL - Alabama

Do I have to pay support if my spouse is voluntarily unemployed?

In Alabama, the answer depends on what kind of support is involved and why the person is unemployed. Courts generally look at the actual facts, not just the income shown on paper. If a spouse is voluntarily unemployed or...

CA - California

What happens if I accidentally captured audio of a private conversation on my dashcam?

If your dashcam accidentally recorded a private conversation in California, the legal consequences can depend on the facts, especially how the recording happened, who was being recorded, and whether anyone had a reasonab...

TN - Tennessee

What are my rights if my ex claims daycare costs doubled but will not show receipts?

If your ex says daycare costs have doubled but will not show receipts, you usually have the right to ask for documentation and to question whether the amount being requested is accurate, necessary, and related to the chi...

ND - North Dakota

What are my rights if my ex refuses to pay half of medical bills listed in the parenting order?

If a North Dakota parenting order says both parents must share certain medical bills, that order usually remains enforceable unless it has been changed by the court. In general, one parent’s refusal to pay does not erase...

OR - Oregon

Do I have to split my retirement account if most of it was earned before marriage?

In Oregon, the answer is often: not necessarily, but maybe in part. Retirement accounts are commonly divided in divorce based on what portion was accumulated during the marriage versus what portion was accumulated before...

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