More Moms Paying Child Support Say Top Divorce Attorneys

CHICAGO, Oct 01, 2008 - Latest National Survey also Reveals Increase in Payment Amounts:
More women are paying child support these days, according to the latest survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). In all, 55% of the respondents have cited an increase in the number of mothers who have been assigned to make child support payments over the past five years. Additionally, 42% of the divorce attorneys have seen the size of overall payment amounts rise during the same period of time.
"The changes in our society are almost always reflected in divorce courts and the legal system. The issues involved with child custody payments are certainly not an exception," says James Hennenhoefer, president of the AAML. "If one spouse is better suited to provide financial care, it is in the best interests of the court and all parties involved to put the needs of the child first.

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com

When Parents Divorce and You're An Adult

Dear Christine,
I just found out my parents are getting a divorce which has totally caught me off guard as I thought they'd be married forever. Although I am a married adult with my own grown-up life, this is still really affecting me. I am sad for both of them and I want to step in and try to help them reconcile. On the other hand, I am a bit angry too because they are giving up on a 35 year commitment. I am torn and feel ten years old again. How do I handle this? - Adult Child of Divorce, 29, Atlanta

Dear Adult Child of Divorce,
Your parents getting divorced at any age is going to be difficult, so do not expect to be unfazed by this just because you are an adult. It's natural to have feelings of sadness, confusion, and anger. Your desire to help them stay together is also very normal and is probably two-fold. First, you hate to see their marriage end because it represents the foundation on which your life was built.
Second, by focusing on what you can do to get them to stay together, you can ease and/or avoid your unsettling feelings about them splitting apart. But here's the truth: you really do not know the intricacies of your parents' marriage and this separation may be the best possible thing for both of them...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

When Friends Divorce

My longtime friend and her husband of three years, now also a friend, are divorcing. He called us to say he moved near our new home and would love to see us. I think I have to stay true to my old friend; plus, she told me tales of misery. My husband wonders if he's exempt. What are the ground rules for divorced friends?
If you and your long-term friend are close, then your loyalty to her is a no-brainer. But if this is a friendship that has worn thin, and you like her husband a bit more, you should keep a distance from her ex until she's moved on. Unless, of course, her misery includes complaints of abuse. In that case, cut him out of your life.
As for your husband? Although he may not think it's fair, he needs to play by your rules because you brought this friendship into your world and that gives you the right to end it if there are indications the ex is bad news. Accusations of abuse, cheating or criminal acts are huge "guilty-until-proven-innocent" flags; tell your husband about them and explain that you don't want to have the ex in your lives until you know more...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com

Protecting Your Credit During Divorce

RICHLAND, WA - When a marriage ends in divorce, the lives of those involved are changed forever. During this time of upheaval, one thing that shouldn't have to change is the credit status you've worked so hard to achieve.Unfortunately, for many, the experience is the exact opposite. Unfulfilled promises to pay bills, the maxing out of credit cards, and a total breakdown in communication frequently lead to the annihilation of at least one spouse's credit.
Depending upon how finances are structured, it can sometimes have a negative impact on both parties.The good news is it doesn't have to be this way.
By taking a proactive approach and creating a specific plan to maintain one's credit status, anyone can ensure that "starting over" doesn't have to mean rebuilding credit...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com

Refinancing Is A Must When You Divorce

Know Your Options When It Comes to Your Property:

Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of difficult decisions. "One of the most important decisions is what to do about your home when considering divorce and whether one should sell, refinance, or buy their partner out," says Fred Solomon of Solomon Financial Mortgage. "We make it our business to help you answer these questions and make good housing decisions. Proper counsel and market information can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep this transition a smooth one. There are many questions surrounding what to do about your home," adds Solomon.

Three Basic Options:

1. Sell the home and split the proceeds.-Ask us to analyze your home’s market value, then estimate—after selling expenses—how much the home sale will net...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com

HOW A DIVORCE AFFECTS YOUR MORTGAGE

I once heard something that has stuck with me for many years, that being Love is grand, but divorce is at least one hundred grand. I have also heard a client, jokingly say, that if that was all it would have cost him he would have been divorced years ago. So a serious as divorce is it is best to laugh at it.
On a serious note divorce can be a one of the most troubling events to happen in ones life. Who gets what, who pays who what, and it is all your fault. Sleepless nights and the thought of ending a relationship can be quite unnerving.
As a mortgage broker I look at divorce as an end to a business relationship, and it should be handled as such. If you own a home and have a mortgage on the home it is necessary to get the divorce decree to detail who is responsible for the payment. If you have credit cards that are joint in name you need these listed in the divorce decree to document who is responsible for the debt. If you own vehicles these need to be listed in the divorce decree to show ownership also...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com

Divorces Can Be Tough Adjustment For Families, Children

There are many symptoms that children will present after having gone through a significant life change such as divorce -- there will be anger, sadness, crying, possible eating or sleep disturbances and changes in social behavior at home and school.
But experts say those symptoms can be eased tremendously if parents work out a good divorce.
Tori Chapman, 9, is as typical as they come and it's hard to tell that four years ago her world was flipped upside down when her parents divorced.
"They said that we've been having some trouble having a relationship and they were going to get a divorce," said Chapman.
"She said no, no,no, no and then we cried a little. We told her we loved her and it doesn't have anything to do with her. It was nothing she did. She said, "Do I have to move?" We said no, and she said, okay, can I go outside and play?" said Tori's mom, Linda Budnar.
Her parents consulted a child psychologist before breaking the news to her...

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For more information, contact the Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at www.familylawmarin.com