Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters
Browse published legal information questions related to Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters.
How do I protect myself if my spouse is using our joint credit card after separation?
If your spouse is using a joint credit card after separation, the main issue is that both cardholders may still be responsible for the account balance, depending on the account terms and the facts. In general, separation...
Do I have to pay child support if I am incarcerated and have no income?
In general, being incarcerated and having no income does not automatically erase a child support obligation in Rhode Island. Child support usually continues unless the support order is changed by a court or another legal...
Can My Ex Keep a Dog We Bought Together During the Relationship?
In West Virginia, a dog is usually treated as property for legal purposes, even though many people see a pet as part of the family. That means a court or other decision-maker may focus on ownership evidence rather than o...
Can I sign a prenuptial agreement two weeks before the wedding without it being challenged later?
In California, signing a prenuptial agreement two weeks before the wedding does not automatically make it invalid, but the timing can matter if one spouse later claims the agreement was unfairly pressured or not properly...
What happens if I got a DUI with a child in the car in Wisconsin?
If you are charged with DUI in Wisconsin and a child was in the car, the situation may be treated more seriously than an ordinary first-time OWI case. In general, the presence of a child can increase the risk of addition...
Can child support be modified if my child’s daycare ended and they started public school?
In general, child support may sometimes be modified when a child’s care needs change, but the fact that daycare ended and public school began does not automatically change support. Courts usually look at whether the chan...
Can I ask the court to lower child support if my hours were cut from 40 a week to 25?
In California, you may be able to ask the court to lower child support if your work hours were cut and your income has gone down. A reduction in income is one of the most common reasons people ask for a child support mod...
What are my rights if my spouse threatens to report me to immigration during divorce?
If a spouse threatens to report you to immigration during a divorce, that can be frightening and stressful. In general, a threat like that does not automatically change your legal rights in the divorce itself. Property d...
How do I respond to an eviction notice when I am protected by a temporary restraining order against the other tenant?
If you are in Vermont and you receive an eviction notice while you are protected by a temporary restraining order (TRO) against another tenant, the first step is to look carefully at who is named in the notice, who is be...
Is it legal for a former friend to keep posting my address online after I blocked them?
In Washington, repeatedly posting someone’s home address online after being blocked may raise legal concerns, but whether it is unlawful depends on the facts. In general, the law may treat this kind of conduct differentl...
Can child support be taken from disability benefits?
In general, child support may sometimes be taken from disability benefits, but the answer depends on the type of disability benefit and the facts of the case. In Utah, as in many states, the key issue is often whether th...
How do I ask the court to include my workplace in a harassment protection order?
In Washington, a person asking for a harassment protection order may usually ask the court to include places where they need protection, and that can sometimes include a workplace. The court will generally look at the fa...
Is it legal for Arkansas to intercept my stimulus or tax refund for old support debt?
In general, yes. In Arkansas, the state may be able to intercept a tax refund, and in some situations a stimulus payment, to help collect past-due support debt. That usually means overdue child support, and in some cases...
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...
Do I have to get consent before recording a mediation session about a consumer dispute in California?
In California, the safest general answer is usually yes: you should assume you need clear consent before recording a mediation session, especially if the session is confidential or involves private dispute-resolution com...