Family Law
Plain-English family law guides with practical context and links to supporting sources.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders: How to Get One
A step-by-step guide on obtaining domestic violence protective orders: temporary vs. permanent orders, the legal standard of proof, how to prepare evidence, and state-by-state variations.
A Plain-English Guide to Filing for Divorce
A step-by-step divorce filing guide: residency, no-fault grounds, petitions, service, temporary orders, disclosure, custody, support, property division, mediation, settlement, trial, final decree, and what to do after divorce.
How to Establish Paternity and Why It Matters
A detailed guide on establishing paternity in the US: voluntary acknowledgment, court-ordered genetic testing, fatherhood presumptions, legal rights, and support obligations.
Legal Separation vs. Divorce: Which Should You Choose?
A complete guide comparing legal separation and divorce: key differences in marital status, healthcare benefits, tax filing options, religious considerations, and the step-by-step conversion process.
What Happens to the House in a Divorce?
A practical guide to the marital home in divorce: who keeps the house, sale vs refinance, mortgage liability, equity, separate property, buyouts, taxes, children, and settlement drafting.
Mediation vs. Litigation in Divorce
A practical comparison of divorce mediation and litigation: cost, control, privacy, safety, discovery, enforceability, timing, when mediation works, and when court is necessary.
Grandparents' Rights: Can You Get Visitation?
A practical guide to grandparents' visitation rights: state-law limits, parental rights, Troxel v. Granville, best interests, standing, evidence, family disruption, and court strategy.
How to Modify a Custody or Support Order
A practical guide to modifying custody or support orders: changed circumstances, best interests, income changes, parenting schedules, evidence, filing steps, and mistakes to avoid.
Do You Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
A plain-English guide to prenuptial agreements: what they can cover, what they usually cannot decide, enforceability, disclosure, timing, separate property, debt, alimony, and when to get one.
What Is Alimony and Who Has to Pay It?
A practical guide to alimony: what it is, who may pay, temporary vs rehabilitative vs long-term support, factors courts consider, evidence, modification, tax and settlement issues.
How Child Support Is Calculated
A practical guide to child support calculations: income, parenting time, health insurance, childcare, guideline worksheets, deviations, enforcement, modification, and documents to gather.
How Is Child Custody Decided?
A plain-English guide to how courts decide child custody: legal vs physical custody, best interests, parenting schedules, evidence, safety concerns, relocation, and how to prepare for mediation or court.