Q: A Mother and Father of Minor Child was never married, but as the Father in the situation I stayed close to my child and help support the child. Read the full story

It has officially been announced today, Thursday, July 30, 2009, that the fate of the Jackson children has been decided. Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, has been granted full custody of the three children: Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II. Read the full story

Q:  My 16 yr old daughter that is pregnant, quit school & lives with her 28 yr old boyfriend with her moms permission(mom has full custody. I went to the law and they said the baby would have to be born first to prove paternity to have a case against the boyfriend). Do I still have to pay child support on her when she is not in the household that the money goes to?

A:  You need to bring this to the court’s attention and attempt to get an order terminating your child support obligation. Until then, you must pay.

Child support can be modified based upon a change in circumstances. Child support is always calculated using the parties’ income and it also takes into account day care expenses and insurance premiums. The support can also be affected by the number of overnight visits each parent has with the children. Read the full story

Child support is always calculated using the parties’ income and it also takes into account day care expenses and insurance premiums. The support can also be affected by the number of overnight visits each parent has with the children.

Read the full story

The world said goodbye to Michael Jackson today. Jackson’s death left behind three minor children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7, and an inevitable legal custody battle that will likely turn into one of the most complex child custody disputes this country has ever seen.

Read the full story

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney?

A: It is not mandatory that you hire an attorney; you may represent yourself. You could, however, be putting yourself at a serious disadvantage. Unless you and your spouse have no marital assets, children or unsettled issues, the divorce can become complex very quickly. An experienced family law attorney who knows the laws of your state can be of great help during a divorce.

Q: What is the difference between maintenance and alimony?

A: Alimony, maintenance and spousal support refer to the same thing: one spouse providing court-ordered funds to the other. This happens while the couple is legally separated, divorcing and/or divorced. Each state has its preferred method of determining how much should be paid, to whom and for how long. Courts typically consider the standard of living during the marriage, the current circumstances of each spouse and the ability of each spouse to provide for his or her needs. Alimony may be awarded as a lump sum, for a limited period or for an indefinite period.

Q: How is property divided in a divorce?

A: Courts divide property between divorcing spouses using two different concepts, depending on the state: community property and non-community property. Community property states dictate that each spouse owns an undivided one-half interest in any property acquired during the marriage. Non-community property states, however, take an equitable (fair rather than equal) approach. Typically, property that was owned by one party before the marriage, or given to one spouse as an inheritance or gift at any time, is non-marital property (and not subject to division). Other property that was acquired during the marriage is subject to division. The laws in each state can vary greatly, so it is important to consult an attorney.

Q: May the provisions in a divorce decree be changed afterwards?

A: Post-decree modification usually does not occur unless there is a provision in the separation agreement to do so; unless one of the parties commits fraud, wields undue influence or makes a misrepresentation; or to correct mutual mistakes. Child support may be modified based upon a significant change in circumstances.