The Butler Firm, PLLCThe Butler Firm, PLLC2023-11-28T09:35:22Zhttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502432/2021/08/cropped-favicon-web-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=465192023-06-12T06:47:26Z2023-06-12T06:47:26ZReasons to ask for a support order modification
Most courts will only consider child support modification is if the person paying the support has a substantial change in income or needs of the children have increased. A job loss or a significant income decrease may qualify you to petition for a reduction in monthly payments. If you are the one receiving the payments, you may receive an increase in payments if one or more of your children have substantial increases in education or medical costs.
How to request a change
Custodial parents should only request a modification when they believe their ex's income or their children's financial needs have increased significantly since the initial support order. If you are responsible for the payments, only request a reduction when you can prove that your income has declined dramatically, as the courts will thoroughly investigate your situation. Most jurisdictions have rules on how often you can ask for changes, so make sure you don't waste your request on tiny increases or decrease in case unforeseen circumstances occur soon afterward.
Keeping your children as the priority
When requesting a change in a child support order, you'll have to file a formal motion requesting a change due to a change in circumstances. If the change in need is temporary or a job loss is short-lived, you may be able to work out a temporary solution with your ex-spouse, especially if you are on friendly terms.
Parents should always remember when requesting these changes that their children's welfare comes first. Make sure that you fully understand the circumstances surrounding your ex-spouse's circumstances or the changing needs of your children. As children grow up, they often need more support on the road to becoming responsible adults.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=465142023-05-23T00:42:21Z2023-05-23T00:42:21ZThe security of legal guardianship
Adopting your stepchild will give you legal guardianship rights, which can become vital in the unfortunate event of your partner passing away. If you were to remain a stepparent, you would have limited rights compared to the child's biological family.
As a legal guardian, you can ensure the child's protection and long-term welfare. Keep in mind that maintaining a relationship in good standing with the other biological parent may still make sense, depending on the details of their relationship with the child.
Equality within the family
Once a stepchild is legally adopted, they gain the same rights and entitlements as biological children. These rights could include medical insurance coverage, property rights and inheritance. The adoption ensures that your stepchild receives equal treatment with their biological siblings.
Decision-making authority
Once you become the adoptive parent, you have the right to provide consent in emergency situations. You can make important decisions on the child's behalf quickly and effectively to safeguard their interests in unforeseen situations or circumstances.
Emotional security and symbolic importance
When you formally adopt your stepchild, your action signifies your permanent commitment to their well-being, giving the child emotional security. It also fosters a sense of stability and belonging within the family unit because of the love and dedication you express through the act of adoption.
Another benefit is publicly declaring that your family unit is permanent, which can hold immense significance emotionally. By removing the "step" from your role, you can solidify your place as a true parent to your stepchild.
Adoption can have numerous benefits for both you and your stepchild. It can solidify the family bond and positively impact both of you.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=465132023-04-26T06:38:21Z2023-04-26T06:38:21ZChanging the parenting schedule for summer
After a divorce, parents agree to a custody schedule that works for everyone. However, once the summer arrives and the child is off from school, they might have a variety of other activities going on such as summer camp. Depending on the child’s age, the parents can adjust their co-parenting schedule in different ways. Parents’ schedules can also change as vacations and other occasions come up. All of these factors help determine how custody should be rearranged for the season.
The best way for parents to come up with a summer parenting schedule is to plan ahead and communicate often. All upcoming events should be factored in when creating the plan. Working together can help the parents create the best schedule for the child and themselves.
Potential summer schedules
Changing the co-parenting schedule for the summer doesn’t have to be challenging. Older kids are often able to do well with the alternating weeks schedule, which allows them to spend one full week with one parent and then switch to spend another week with their other parent. A good alternative to that plan is the 5-2 schedule, which lets the child spend five days with one parent and the remaining two days of the week with the other. After that week, the parents switch off.
Younger children are more susceptible to developing separation anxiety while away from a parent for a full week, so the parenting schedule should be modified. The 2-2-3 schedule is very flexible and can work for many families. The child is with one parent for two days, with the other the following two days and then back with the first parent for three days. This schedule is often successful because the child gets to see both parents more frequently so they won’t miss them.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=465122023-03-27T01:54:55Z2023-03-27T01:54:55ZYour mental and physical health matter
A judge will need to be certain that you are physically and mentally healthy enough to care for a child. If you do have any physical limitations or experience mental health problems, the judge may need more information as to how you manage them. Furthermore, you may be required to remain on medication for mental health issues or make adjustments to overcome a physical limitation as conditions of obtaining custody of your children.
You should get along with the other parent
A judge may be hesitant to grant custody to someone who may try to interfere with the other parent's right to have a relationship with your child. Furthermore, it may be difficult to obtain a favorable child custody order if you say bad things about the other parent in front of your offspring. Taking such actions may have a negative impact on the child's mental health, which is not in that child's best interest.
Your home life may come into play
If you live in a dangerous part of town or in a home that is too small for a child to occupy, you may be denied custody rights. The same might be true if you use drugs in front of your kids or allow others to do so. Of course, you may be granted custody rights if you are able to refrain from those activities when your children are around.
When crafting a child custody order, the child's best interests are the top priority. Therefore, if you want to be your child's primary caregiver, you'll need to show that you are capable of providing a safe, nurturing and positive environment at all times.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464752023-02-22T02:57:32Z2023-02-22T02:57:32ZFear of the unknown
Divorce can be a scary prospect because it involves significant changes to one’s life. Going from being married to being single can be a major adjustment, and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. People may worry about how they will cope with the changes in their life, how they will manage on their own and what the future will hold.
Fear of financial insecurity
Financial concerns are a major fear for many people going through a divorce. They may worry about how they will support themselves, pay for housing and living expenses and provide for their children. The loss of a spouse’s income can have a significant impact on financial security, and the fear of financial instability can be a major source of stress and anxiety.
Fear of being alone
Many people fear being alone after a divorce, particularly if they have been in a long-term marriage. They worry about not being able to find someone new, or about being alone for the rest of their lives. This fear can be particularly difficult for people who have built their identity around their relationship or who have few close friends or family members.
Fear of losing custody of children
Parents going through a divorce often fear losing custody of their children. They worry about how the children will be affected by the divorce and may feel guilty about disrupting their lives. The fear of not being able to see their children as much as they would like or losing custody entirely can be devastating.
Fear of social stigma
There is often a social stigma associated with divorce, and people going through a divorce may worry about how they will be perceived by others. They may worry about being judged by friends, family members or coworkers, and feel embarrassed or ashamed about the divorce.
Navigating your post-divorce life
Although divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, any resulting fears you may experience don't have to define your life. It’s essential to seek out support from friends, family members or a therapist to address your fears and adopt a healthy attitude that will allow you to move forward with confidence.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464732023-01-24T22:39:56Z2023-01-24T22:39:56Zchild-centered divorce. This type of divorce can put a child at ease and reassure them things will work out. Here are some tips for a child-centered divorce.
Strengthen emotional bonds
A child-centered divorce encourages a parent to bond with their child. The parent can ask the child how they feel about the situation. Just because the child looks fine doesn't mean they are. It's also possible that the child is misbehaving or becoming withdrawn. A child-centered divorce requires the parent to have patience and try to understand their child's point of view.
No court battle
A child-centered divorce is more likely to involve mediation or a collaborative divorce. Both options allow a couple to negotiate the terms of a divorce without fighting in court. However, divorce court battles can become messy. The conflict can spill over into the child's life and cause emotional turmoil.
Family time
A parent can spend too much time and attention on a divorce. As a result, their child may feel neglected, alone or scared. Family time shows the child they still have their parent's love.
A positive attitude
Divorce can cause a parent to develop a toxic attitude. Speaking ill of a spouse does nothing to help the child. But a parent in a child-centered divorce focuses on making their child feel safe and supported.
The child’s best interest
A child-centered divorce helps a child cope with the changes in their family life. Of course, complete recovery will require time and adjustment. But a child-centered divorce creates a more positive experience.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464712022-12-22T05:17:53Z2022-12-22T05:17:53ZDon't make emotional decisions
Your spouse may try to guilt you into staying for the kids or because it will be too hard to live on a single income. Although a divorce will be difficult on your children at first, staying in a toxic relationship is worse for them in the long run. It's also worth noting that your partner will likely be entitled to marital assets, spousal support payments and other resources in a final settlement. Therefore, there is little reason to feel as if you are abandoning anyone by choosing to terminate your marriage.
Allow for some time to grieve
It's normal for a person to feel rejected or betrayed after hearing that their spouse wants to get a divorce. Therefore, avoiding settlement talks may simply be a defense mechanism to protect against emotions that are painful to deal with. However, with time, your partner may come around to the idea that moving on is unavoidable.
At that point, it may be easier to deal with property division, child custody or other issues that need to be resolved in a fair, timely and amicable manner. Of course, if your spouse chooses not to respond to a divorce petition in a timely manner, a judge may grant a summary judgment in your favor.
Bank statements, tax returns and other information may all be helpful in obtaining a favorable divorce settlement. You may also help your cause by refraining from making defamatory statements about your spouse online or elsewhere. Staying calm and respectful may increase the odds that your spouse overcomes any initial objections to ending the marriage.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464682022-11-19T20:30:07Z2022-11-19T20:30:07ZMake sure that you have a plan
You should sit down and decide how you are going to tell your children about the divorce to help you to avoid any awkwardness or confusion. For instance, you might want to tell them together as a family or you might want to speak to each child separately.
Choose the right time and place
Ideally, you should choose a time when they are not too busy or distracted so that they can focus on what you are saying. It is also important to choose a place where they feel comfortable and safe, such as their home. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider talking to them in different places so that everyone has a chance to process the news in their own way.
Keep it simple
When you are telling your children about the divorce, it is important to keep your explanation simple and age-appropriate. For younger children, you might want to focus on the fact that mummy and daddy are not going to be living together anymore but that they will still see both of you regularly. Older children might want to know more about the reasons for the divorce and how it will affect their lives, so you should be prepared to answer their questions as best you can.
Reassure them
It is natural for children to feel worried or scared when their parents are divorcing, so it is important to reassure them that they will still be loved and cared for. You might want to tell them that Mom and Dad will always be there for them, no matter what.
Everyone reacts differently to news like this, so you should be prepared for anything. Some children might take it in their stride, while others might need some time to process the news and might become withdrawn or aggressive. It is important to give them the space to express their feelings and to let them know that it is ok to feel whatever they are feeling.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464662022-10-17T20:39:51Z2022-10-17T20:39:51ZUnderstand why it's important
Think about the benefits of effective communication before you start the divorce process. Good communication can help to keep the lines of communication open between you and your ex-partner, which can be important for co-parenting or resolving future disagreements. It can also help to reduce stress and make the overall process more bearable. If you have children, effective communication can be vital for ensuring that they understand what's happening and feel comfortable talking about their feelings.
Be respectful
This doesn't mean that you need to agree with everything they say, but it does mean being civil and avoiding name-calling or other forms of disrespect. If things start to get heated, take a step back and try to calm down before continuing the conversation. It's also important to be respectful of your own needs and boundaries. If you're not ready to talk about certain topics, let your ex-partner know and explain why. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and prevent the conversation from going off track.
Listen more than you talk
Try to focus on understanding what your ex-partner is saying rather than thinking about what you're going to say next. This can be a difficult skill to master, but it's important to really listen to what the other person is saying. If you're not sure, ask questions or repeat back what you think you've heard to make sure you're on the same page. It's also important that both sides feel like they're being heard and their concerns are being addressed.
If you can keep these communication tips in mind, it will help to make the divorce process a little bit easier. Remember, effective communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship, even after the divorce is final.]]>On Behalf of The Butler Firm, PLLChttps://www.thebutlerfirmpllc.com/?p=464642022-09-16T17:57:52Z2022-09-16T17:57:52ZWho is a CDFA?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst is a professional who has been trained to help people going through a divorce by providing them with financial advice. They understand all the financial aspects of divorce, and they can help you figure out what your options are and make sure you're getting a fair share of the assets and debt.
Common services provided by a CDFA
One of the most important services a CDFA can provide is helping you to determine what your assets and debts are worth. This involves not only figuring out the value of things like your house and retirement accounts, but also things like who will get the furniture and who will be responsible for paying any outstanding debts. They can also help you to understand the tax implications of divorce and make sure you are getting the best possible financial settlement.
A CDFA can also help you to create a budget and plan for your post-divorce life. This can be a difficult task, especially if you are not used to managing your finances on your own. They can help you figure out how much money you will need to live on and what kind of expenses you can expect after the divorce. You may even want to consider using a CDFA to help you negotiate your divorce settlement. They can act as a neutral third party and help you to reach an agreement that is fair to both sides.
Last but not least, a CDFA can provide you with emotional support throughout the divorce process. Divorce is a difficult and stressful time, and it can be helpful to have someone to talk to who understands what you are going through.
Many people don't consider all the financial implications of divorce until it's too late. Always remember that you have the option to seek out a CDFA before or during your divorce proceedings in order to get the best possible outcome for yourself and your family.]]>