Jump to Navigation

Colorado Divorce and Family Law Attorney Blog

Questioning the high price of a child custody battle: Part II

Earlier this week, we began a discussion about the high cost (financial and otherwise) of fighting a child custody battle. Most parents don't even need to consider the alternatives to fighting for child custody, because their kids are the most important people in their lives.

But not every parent says that a long and contentious custody battle is worth it; especially if it seems clear that the other parent will eventually win. In a recent Huffington Post column, a blogger who writes under the pseudonym Pauline Gaines asks a question that may initially sound ridiculous to most parents: "Are custody battles worth the fight."

 

Questioning the high price of a child custody battle: Part I

Most people who have earned any measure of serenity in life have done so, in part, by learning to pick their battles. Although many things in life are important, not everything is equally worth fighting for. None of us has the energy or resources to live that way.

But when it comes to our children, most of us are willing to fight tooth and nail to make sure that they are happy, safe and provided for. That's one reason that child custody battles are so often long and contentious. Both parents believe that fighting for their kids is a fight that they must win at all costs.

Details about NASCAR chairman's divorce made public

When it comes to conversations about money, Americans are divided. Some think it's a topic that shouldn't be discussed in public, while others have no objections to openly discussing the subject.

For many of America's wealthiest citizens, the option to keep quiet about your personal wealth does not exist. That was confirmed recently when the details of one high-profile, high-asset divorce were made public. The couple was NASCAR chairman Brian France and his ex-wife Megan. Although the divorce was finalized in 2007, France has been trying for years to keep the details private; a fight that he just recently lost.

Rich Hollywood celebrity says she won't seek a prenuptial agreement

Prenuptial agreements are growing in popularity among American couples. Because the median age for first marriages is rising for both men and women, individuals are more likely to be coming into a relationship with personal assets that they wish to protect in the event of a divorce.

Although prenups are growing in popularity, it is not unheard of for an average couple to forego this legal protection. But there is one demographic for which marriage is synonymous with a prenuptial agreement: celebrities. In a rare move, one of Hollywood's leading ladies recently announced that she will not be seeking a prenuptial agreement with her soon-to-be husband.

Preparing for summer vacation as a co-parent

If you and your child’s other parent both remain in your child’s life, chances are that both of you will be sharing some of your parenting time this summer. As spring blooms all around the nation, it is time to start planning for summer vacation in earnest. Whatever your child custody arrangements consist of, preparedness will help you to ensure that your child’s summer vacation is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

If you have yet to solidify travel arrangements, it is best to do so now. Nailing down dates, modes of transportation and packing expectations will help to ensure a smooth transition later. In addition, it is critical to coordinate with each other if your child will be involved in any summer activities that must be factored into the schedule.

Getting divorced? Remember to update your estate plans

When getting divorced or remarried, there are some important legal tasks that many people simply forget to take care of. Common among these are changes to one's estate plan. If you designated your ex-spouse as the beneficiary of certain assets upon your death, they may still be entitled to those assets unless you specify a new beneficiary by updating your estate plan.

A lawsuit regarding this issue was recently argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court's ruling could go beyond family law issues, and venture into the territory of whether state law is preempted by federal law.

Denver parents: tips for co-parenting after a divorce

If you are struggling to find your footing either during or after a divorce, imagine the challenges your children are facing at the same time. As divorce can be difficult for children of all ages, it is wise to consider what steps you can take to make your children comfortable with the transition.

One of the most important issues of which you should be cognizant is the tendency to speak negatively about an ex-spouse and the effect that may have on your children. While you may have many problems with your former spouse, your children will likely still be spending a significant amount of time with him or her after the divorce.

Among younger couples, homeownership often precedes marriage

Earlier this week, we wrote that deciding what to do with the house is often one of the most difficult aspects of any divorce. With both names on a mortgage and both spouses potentially contributing to the equity of the home, even selling the house and splitting the profits can sometimes be a difficult calculation to make.

According to a recent survey, many American couples are now committing to a mortgage even before committing to a marriage. A survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate shows that 25 percent of homeowners between the ages of 18 and 34 (the "millennials") purchased a home with their significant other before getting married.

What happens when the marriage ends but the mortgage remains?

We have recently written that selling a home due to and during a divorce can be a difficult prospect. That's why a growing number of real estate agents are choosing to specialize in divorce-related home sales.

While selling the home and dividing the profits is certainly one of the easiest ways to make a clean break during divorce, it is not the only option. In a recent online column, author Jack Guttentag (who calls himself the "Mortgage Professor") discussed the various ways to deal with a shared home during divorce and the pros and cons of each decision.

Colorado throws support behind Native American adoption law

Anyone who has tried to adopt or otherwise secure custody of a child knows how trying the process can be. If the child has Native American heritage, the process can be even more complicated. This is because of a federal law, called the Indian Child Welfare Act, which gives tribes a voice in adoption cases involving children with Native American Heritage.

The law is currently up for review by the Supreme Court of the United States. This month, the state of Colorado joined 17 others in voicing its support of the law.

Zuber Law P.C.

950 S. Cherry Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-945-3499
Toll Free: 866-492-3572
Fax: 303-757-2695
View Larger Map

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information
disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

close