Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters
Browse published legal information questions related to Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters.
Is it legal for my spouse to remove jewelry and collectibles from the home before appraisal?
In Arkansas, the answer usually depends on what the items are, who owns them, and whether a divorce or separation is already underway. If the jewelry or collectibles are marital property, a spouse generally may not treat...
My ex took the furniture we bought together when moving out. Is this theft or civil court?
In Wisconsin, the answer usually depends on ownership, intent, and how the furniture was being used or handled before the move. If both of you owned the furniture together, the situation may be treated as a property disp...
What happens if my spouse refuses to turn over bank statements in divorce discovery?
In a Colorado divorce, refusing to turn over bank statements during discovery can create serious problems for the noncooperative spouse. Discovery is the part of the case where each side usually exchanges financial infor...
Can I file an antiharassment order against a neighbor who bangs on my walls every night and screams threats?
In Washington, you may be able to ask a court for an antiharassment order if a neighbor’s conduct fits the legal definition of harassment. In general, that kind of order is used to address a course of conduct that seriou...
Can I take a daycare to small claims court for charging me after I withdrew my child?
In Arizona, you may be able to take a daycare to small claims court if you believe the daycare charged you money it was not entitled to collect after you withdrew your child. Whether that is a good fit usually depends on...
How do I collect if I win a $1,200 small claims judgment and the business still refuses to pay?
If you win a small claims judgment in South Dakota and the business still does not pay, the judgment does not usually collect itself. A court judgment is a legal debt, but you generally still have to take collection step...
What are my rights if someone keeps leaving notes on my windshield saying they are watching me?
If someone keeps leaving notes on your windshield saying they are watching you, that can be frightening and may be legally significant. In general, you may have rights related to unwanted contact, harassment, stalking, t...
What happens if my ex refuses to reimburse childcare costs within 30 days like the order says?
In Wisconsin, if a court order says your ex must reimburse childcare costs within 30 days and they do not pay, that usually means the payment is past due under the order. The order itself does not automatically collect t...
Do I have to pay alimony if we were married for only three years?
In South Carolina, a short marriage does not automatically mean alimony will be denied, and it does not automatically mean alimony will be ordered. Courts usually look at the whole financial picture, not just the length...
Is it legal for a prenup to include penalties for infidelity?
In Kentucky, a prenuptial agreement may be able to address infidelity in some way, but whether a specific “penalty” is enforceable depends on the exact wording, the circumstances, and how Kentucky law treats the rest of...
Can I record a threatening phone call if I am afraid the person will deny it later?
In Massachusetts, the answer usually depends on whether recording the call would comply with state and federal privacy laws. Massachusetts is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means it is often illega...
Can I sue in Alabama if someone used AI to make fake images of me online?
In Alabama, you may have possible civil claims if someone used AI to create and post fake images of you online, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. The legal issue is usually not just that the images were made w...
How do I prove my ex is hiding income to get more support?
In Massachusetts, if you believe your ex is hiding income in a support case, the main goal is usually to show that the reported income does not match the person’s real financial picture. Courts often look at documents, s...
What are my rights if my spouse emptied our joint bank account before filing for divorce?
In Alabama, if a spouse emptied a joint bank account before a divorce was filed, the legal significance usually depends on who owned the money, how the account was titled, and how the funds were used. A joint account oft...
Is it legal for my spouse to change beneficiaries before property division is final?
In South Dakota, the answer often depends on what asset is involved, what the account or policy documents say, and whether a court order or temporary divorce order limits changes. In many situations, a spouse may still h...