Default Judgment If Ex Doesn’t Answer Modification Petition

Question: I petitioned my ex-spouse for a child custody modification, and the 20-day waiting period has expired without an Answer from her to my Petition. Is my ex-spouse in default? If so, would the judge be more likely to grant the child custody modification if my ex has not responded …

Removing Wife As Life Insurance Beneficiary Before Divorce

Question: I have not filed yet for divorce and wondered about my life insurance policies. Can I change my beneficiary to a trust for my children before I file? Would there be any negative consequences to doing so? I know that once you file everything can potentially be locked during …

What Is A Fair Amount Of Support To Give A Child In College?

Question: My ex-wife and I agreed that I would continue paying support while our child attends college even though our child is considered emancipated. We are trying to negotiate a dollar amount. How can I determine a fair amount of post-emancipation support without my ex-wife asking for too much?

Issuing Temporary Orders If The Ex Parte Motion Was Denied

Question: Can a temporary order be put in place if the ex-parte motion is denied? A judge signed temporary orders one day before denying an ex-parte motion because it was ruled there was no emergency, however the dismissal papers I have from the court were not signed by the judge.

Divorced Dad Does Not Mean Part Time Dad

By D. Keith Denton Author, “Single Dads and Great Kids: Using Humor and Other Successful Strategies” Being a dad is not about the volume of time spent; it is about attitude and connections. It should go without saying that your kids need to know you love them but there …

Right To Travel With Children During Separation Period

Question: Because of my state’s divorce waiting period my wife and I are separated but have not yet filed for divorce. Since there are no parenting time orders, am I allowed to travel with my child out of state? My wife is refusing to give me permission, but do I …

Are Medical Records Public When Filed In A Divorce Case?

Question: Do medical records become public when they are filed in divorce cases?

4 Summer Activities To Connect With Your Kids

If you want to know what your kids will remember about you, pull up some memories of your own parents during summer vacation. My dad was determined to make everything a learning experience. My favorite game was making up fairy tales using people we’d see at the park as the …

Temporarily Modifying Alimony If Furloughed From Job

Question: I am a federal employee who pays alimony and is being temporarily furloughed from my job. My alimony calculation was based on my full salary, but my income will obviously be temporarily reduced due to furlough. Should I ask for a temporary modification of my alimony payments as a …

Child Support Modification Factors A Court Will Consider

Child Support Question: What are the child support modification factors a court will consider? I was ordered to pay child support, but I spend significantly more time with my children since the order was entered because my work schedule has changed.