Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters
Browse published legal information questions related to Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters.
Do I have to attend mediation before a divorce trial in Alabama?
In Alabama, you may have to attend mediation before a divorce trial, but it depends on the court, the judge, and the facts of the case. Mediation is a process where the spouses try to reach agreement with the help of a n...
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...
What are my rights if my spouse has been financially supporting their new partner with marital money?
In Illinois, if a spouse may be using marital money to support a new partner, that conduct can matter in a divorce or other family-law case. In general, money earned during the marriage is often treated as marital proper...
What are my rights if my ex is using the child support case to demand my tax returns?
In general, a parent involved in a child support case may be asked to provide financial information, and tax returns are one common type of document that might be requested. That does not necessarily mean an ex can deman...
What happens if my spouse claims all household furniture is theirs because they paid for it?
In New Hampshire, a spouse saying they paid for all of the household furniture does not always end the issue. In general, who paid for an item is one factor, but it may not be the only factor that matters. Furniture used...
What happens if we agreed on divorce terms by text but my spouse changed their mind?
In general, a text message agreement about divorce terms may matter, but it does not always mean the divorce terms are final or enforceable. In Michigan, as in many states, whether a text exchange counts depends on the e...
Do I have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce in Alabama?
In Alabama, you may not always have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce, but it depends on the court, the paperwork, and the facts of your case. In many uncontested divorces, spouses agree on the major issues a...
Do I have to pay alimony if my ex spouse remarries?
In general, remarriage can affect alimony, but the exact rule depends on the type of alimony, the language of the divorce order, and Alabama law. In many situations, ongoing support payments may end or be modified when t...
How do I modify child support in Alabama after losing my job?
If you lose your job in Alabama, you may be able to ask the court to modify your child support order if the loss creates a material change in circumstances. In general, child support does not change automatically just be...
What happens if my ex refuses to follow the Alabama custody schedule ordered by the court?
If your ex refuses to follow an Alabama custody schedule ordered by the court, the issue is usually treated as a custody order enforcement problem. In general, court-ordered custody schedules are meant to be followed unl...
Can I challenge a will in Alabama if my sibling pressured my mother to change it?
In Alabama, a will may sometimes be challenged if someone believes the testator was pressured into changing it, but the legal issue is usually framed as undue influence rather than ordinary family conflict. Pressure, per...
Do I have to wait 30 days before an Alabama divorce can be finalized?
In Alabama, there is generally a 30-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, but that does not always mean every case takes exactly 30 days. In many situations, the court may not enter a final divorce judgme...
Can a court divide a family business started before marriage but grown during marriage?
In Maine, a court may be able to consider a family business in a divorce even if one spouse started it before the marriage, especially if the business grew during the marriage. But that does not automatically mean the en...
How do I divide equity in a home when one spouse paid the down payment before marriage?
In New Mexico, the answer usually depends on how the home was titled, when it was purchased, whether marital funds were used after the wedding, and whether the premarital down payment can be traced. A spouse who paid the...
What happens if my spouse refuses to sign a deed transferring the house after divorce?
In Connecticut, if a divorce judgment or property settlement says one spouse must transfer a house, a refusal to sign a deed does not usually end the matter. The divorce order may still control, and the court may have wa...