Legal Q&A

Family, Divorce & Domestic Matters

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

MI - Michigan

What happens if my ex hid a camera in my apartment after we broke up?

If an ex hid a camera in your apartment after you broke up, that may raise serious privacy, criminal, and civil law issues in Michigan. In general, secretly recording someone in a private place can be illegal, especially...

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...

MT - Montana

Do I have to divide a lawsuit settlement that was received during the marriage?

In Montana, a lawsuit settlement received during a marriage may be treated as marital property, separate property, or a mix of both, depending on the facts. The key issue is usually not just when the money was received,...

MA - Massachusetts

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...

WA - Washington

What are my rights if my spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce?

In Washington, what happens if a spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce usually depends on the divorce decree, settlement agreement, and how the home was awarded. In general, a divorce judgment can require o...

WY - Wyoming

Can a court settlement payment become unclaimed property if the law firm cannot reach me?

Yes, a court settlement payment can sometimes become unclaimed property if the money cannot be delivered to you and remains unclaimed for a period of time. In general, when a law firm or other holder is trying to distrib...

AR - Arkansas

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...

KS - Kansas

How Do I Reopen an Abuse Case Previously Closed for Lack of Evidence?

In Kansas, a closed abuse case is sometimes reviewed again if new information comes to light, but reopening is usually not automatic. Whether a case can be reopened often depends on why it was closed, what type of case i...

MA - Massachusetts

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...

WY - Wyoming

Can I get an emergency court order to stop someone from posting more false claims?

In some situations, a court in Wyoming may be asked to enter an emergency order to stop another person from making or repeating false claims. But that type of relief is usually limited, and courts often look carefully at...

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...

MI - Michigan

What happens if my spouse filed for divorce in another state before I filed locally?

If your spouse filed for divorce in another state before you filed in Michigan, the other state may be able to handle the divorce first if that court has jurisdiction and the case is properly served and moving forward. I...

IL - Illinois

What are my rights if a former friend recorded my private apology and shared it online?

If a former friend recorded your private apology and posted it online, you may have several possible legal concerns in Illinois, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. In general, the first questions are whether yo...

RI - Rhode Island

Do I have to divide an inheritance I received while married?

In Rhode Island, an inheritance received while you are married is often treated as separate property at first, but that does not always mean it will stay separate. In general, inherited assets may remain with the spouse...

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...

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