5 Easy Tips to Live a Happier Life

By Lisa S. Brown Board Certified Counselor “I just want to be happy.” This is something I am sure we all have felt at some or another, particular during the divorce phase. There is usually an air of frustration with the feeling of constantly trying to seek happiness. It is …

Parental Alienation Awareness Month

By Robert Ferrer Archivist and Principle Researcher, University of Illinois April is Parental Alienation Awareness Month, a great reminder to all of us about the dangers of this form of abuse. Parental alienation is an act by a parent that tries to denigrate and destroy the relationship between a child …

Will I have to reimburse my ex for the cost of providing health insurance?

Question: My ex-wife is threatening to take me to court for years of back pay of health insurance premiums for our children even though I haven’t had access to insurance even for myself. Will I be forced to reimburse my ex-spouse for the cost of providing health insurance for the …

Can stepparents provide insurance for stepchildren?

Question: I am the stepmom of two children. My insurance is cheaper and much better than the children’s father/my husband. He is ordered to provide health, dental, and vision insurance on the children. Can I carry the insurance on the children even though he is the one court ordered to …

Top 10 Ways to Relieve Stress

By Lisa S. Brown Board Certified Counselor As a therapist and a human being, I have become very friendly with the “S” word: stress. Stress is something that most people encounter on a regular basis, which can create a host of problems if not managed properly. Stress can completely overwhelm …

Splitting health insurance expenses for dependents with an ex

Question: Per my divorce decree, I have to provide health insurance for my kids with expenses split in half with my ex. Recently my insurance plan changed to a $3,000 deductible and my employer started Health Savings Accounts for its employees and is matching my contributions for the first year. …

Are psychologist fees a necessary medical expense?

Question: Our divorce judgment stats that we are to split the co-pays and miscellaneous medical bills for our children. My ex-wife has been taking my son to a psychologist against my objections and now I am being billed for thousands of dollars. Psychologist fees are not specifically addressed in our …

How to obtain health insurance coverage cost from spouse

Question: I need to obtain proof from my ex-spouse’s health insurance provider as to the cost charged for my daughter to be covered, since I am being expected to pay that portion of the premium. What is the procedure for legally obtaining the cost per person premium? Could I issue …

Psychological Exams In Child Custody Battles

Question: My wife suffers from a personality disorder, which has been informally diagnosed by our family therapist. As a result of her mental illness, she is emotionally and physically abusive to my children and I. Can a court order be put into place to have a psychological exam done on …

Does the amount of income tax exemptions affect child support?

Question: When figuring child support, I am asked to provide my income tax return. Does the amount of income tax exemptions have an effect on the child support calculation?