Category Archives: Spousal Maintenance
Spousal Maintenance in Arizona
One of the most complex and contested issues in a dissolution action is spousal maintenance. Spousal maintenance, previously known as ‘alimony,’ is a court-ordered award of payments from the spouse with higher income to the other spouse, often for a … Continue reading
Sperm Donor Expected to Pay Child Support
Reuters reports that the State of Kansas has filed a petition to declare a sperm donor the legal father of his genetic child in an attempt to make him pay child support. The donor, William Marotta, met privately with a … Continue reading
Injunction Against Procreation in Child Support Case
A Wisconsin court issued an injunction on Dec. 3 which prohibits a father of nine from having any more children until he demonstrates that he can support the ones he already has. The man owes close to $100,000 in unpaid … Continue reading
Petraeus Scandal: “Royally Screwed Up”
For several weeks, the adultery scandal perpetrated by former CIA Director David Petraeus has dominated the news. There are countless talking points surrounding the scandal (and virtually everyone has an opinion about them), but one key feature stands out: General … Continue reading
Evaluating “Goodwill” during Asset Division
In a contested divorce proceeding, valuation of community assets is often the most complicated and controversial issue. Couples who seek a divorce often spend a lot of time (and money) posturing for the most favorable division of assets. Particularly when … Continue reading
Special Considerations for Military Divorces
Military life can include a number of unique challenges not faced by most civilians. Frequent relocation, uncertain deployment schedules, and often dangerous work can make family life difficult. Should that difficulty lead to a decision for a military couple to … Continue reading
Special Divorce Considerations for Physicians
After representing numerous doctors (and the spouses of doctors) in Arizona, we realized that physician divorces are different. It is not that the law treats doctors uniquely. It is that there are a host of considerations that are not present … Continue reading
The Secondary Trauma of Divorce: Attorney’s Fees
Getting divorced is traumatic for many and unpleasant for most. It often is the first time my clients have a relationship with an attorney. Sure, everyone has seen divorce attorneys portrayed on television and some do fit the stereotypes of … Continue reading
“Before Birth, Dad’s ID”: Another Pregnancy Resource for Mom’s-to-be or a Father’s Way Out of Child Support Payments?
A recent article in the New York Times, “Before Birth, Dad’s ID”, has created a controversial dialogue about a new DNA test made available to pregnant women who wish to determine the paternity of their unborn child. Blood tests are … Continue reading
Why Almost Everyone Needs a Prenup
Thinking of getting married anytime soon? Maybe even this Valentine’s Day? If so, a recent article by Kimberly Palmer explains “Why Almost Everyone Needs a Prenup”. The article explains that even couples coming into a marriage with minimal assets, should … Continue reading
