Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters
Browse published legal information questions related to Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters.
Is it legal for my spouse to claim the children on taxes while the divorce is pending?
In Arizona, whether a spouse can claim the children on taxes while a divorce is pending usually depends on federal tax rules, any temporary court orders, and any written agreement between the spouses. A pending divorce d...
How do I prove an inheritance should not be divided in equitable distribution?
In Georgia, the basic question is usually whether the inherited property can be traced as separate property rather than marital property. In general, an inheritance received by one spouse may stay that spouse’s separate...
Can a prenup cover student loan debt from before the marriage?
Yes, in general, a prenuptial agreement can address student loan debt that existed before the marriage, including how that debt will be treated during the marriage and if the couple later separates or divorces. In Virgin...
Can child support include extracurricular activities like travel soccer and music lessons?
In general, child support can sometimes include or be adjusted to account for extracurricular activities, but it is not automatic. In West Virginia, as in many states, the basic child support amount is usually meant to c...
How do I know whether a conversation counts as confidential under California Penal Code 632?
Under California Penal Code 632, whether a conversation counts as confidential usually depends on the setting, the participants, and whether anyone involved reasonably expected privacy. In general, the law is aimed at pr...
Do I have to split a personal injury settlement in equitable distribution?
In South Carolina, a personal injury settlement may be considered in a divorce’s equitable distribution process, but it is not always divided the same way as other property. The answer usually depends on what the settlem...
What happens if my ex filed for bankruptcy and owes child support arrears?
In general, a bankruptcy filing does not wipe out child support arrears. Child support is usually treated very differently from ordinary consumer debt, and support obligations are commonly given special protection in ban...
Can You Sue and Win Over a Parent’s Last-Minute Will Change?
A last-minute change to a parent’s will can sometimes be challenged in Oregon, but only if there is a recognized legal reason to do so. In general, a court does not overturn a will just because family members think the c...
Do I have to pay child support if we share custody exactly 50/50?
In South Carolina, sharing custody exactly 50/50 does not automatically mean that neither parent pays child support. Child support is usually based on more than just the number of overnights each parent has. Courts typic...
Is it legal to use emails from my spouse’s account as evidence in divorce?
In general, whether you can use emails from a spouse’s account as evidence in a Nevada divorce depends on how the emails were obtained, who had access to the account, and whether any privacy, computer access, or wiretap-...
Is it legal for child support to be taken from my unemployment benefits in Arizona?
In general, yes—child support can often be taken from unemployment benefits in Arizona. Unemployment compensation is commonly treated as income that may be used to satisfy child support obligations, and benefit payments...
What are my rights if my child was injured at daycare because staff were not watching?
If a child is injured at daycare because staff were not watching, the parents or guardians may have several possible legal and practical rights, depending on what happened and what Alabama law applies. In general, a dayc...
How do I divide tax debt from a joint return in divorce?
In general, a debt tied to a joint tax return does not automatically disappear because spouses divorce. A joint return can create joint federal tax responsibility, which means the IRS may look to either spouse for the fu...
What are my rights if my spouse is hiding cash income from rental properties?
If you are in Oklahoma and believe your spouse is hiding cash income from rental properties, you may have rights depending on whether the rental income is separate property, marital property, or tied to jointly owned ass...
How do I handle harassment from a former dating partner if there was no domestic relationship?
If a former dating partner is harassing you, the fact that there was no domestic relationship does not necessarily mean you have no legal options. In Washington, the available options often depend on what the person is d...