Family Law | Divorce, Child Custody

Securing a fair financial settlement in a divorce

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

What will your financial future look like after your divorce? The end of your marriage will bring significant financial changes to your life, and it is prudent to pursue a final order that will allow you to have security and stability well into the future. Part of this may include seeking financial support.

There are various factors that determine whether you will get this type of support and how much potential payments may be. In some cases, New Hampshire couples are able to come to a reasonable resolution regarding spousal support through a negotiated settlement. However, it may be helpful to learn what factors can affect your case in the event a court will be deciding the details of your final financial settlement.

Legal separation: when divorce is not an option

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Making the choice to end a committed relationship and move forward with divorce is not an easy decision. For many people, this decision comes after extensive discussions, planning and more. For you, however, it may not be quite time to file for divorce, but living together is not an option at this time either.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is possible you could benefit from a legal separation. A legal separation is an option when a couple no longer wants to live together, yet they are not quite ready to divorce. A time of separation may be for a limited period, or it can last indefinitely. For many New Hampshire couples, a separation agreement can serve as the foundation for a divorce order down the road.

Right of first refusal in your custody plan

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Friday, March 8, 2019.

For many New Hampshire parents, the most painful part of a divorce is the separation from their children. Even the most generous custody plan may mean days, weeks or months apart from your children, and the loss of precious moments that are critical for forming a lifelong bond.

As you and your spouse haggle over custody rights, there are certain things you want to fight for. You may insist on having the children for certain holidays. You may want the right to choose the religious upbringing for your children. Perhaps you have strong beliefs about nutrition, vaccinations or extra-curricular activities you want to include in your custody agreement. However, don't forget to insist on the right of first refusal.

How fathers can optimize their time with their kids after divorce

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

When New Hampshire parents divorce, it will certainly have an impact on the youngest members of the family. The end of your marriage, however, does not mean it is the end of your right as a father or the importance of your role in the lives of your kids. It may be helpful for you to consider ways you can be a strong and active dad after divorce.

Being a single dad is not easy, but there are ways you can optimize the time you have with your children, even if it is not as much as you hoped it would be. When you are intentional about how you use the time you have, it can be a more fulfilling experience for both you and your children. Of course, part of this is securing a fair custody and visitation order.

What will happen to your family business during divorce?

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

As New Hampshire readers may know, January is a popular month for divorce filings. If you are considering moving ahead with this process, it is likely that you have many questions and concerns about what to expect and what your future will look like. For example, what will happen to your property or your family-run business?

For business owners, divorce can be a frightening process. Before you move forward with the decision to end your marriage, it is smart to take steps to learn about how property division works in New Hampshire divorces and what you can do to protect your long-term interests. While divorce will bring significant changes to your life, it is possible to secure a final order that allows you to have a strong and stable future.

Want a better way to divorce? Collaboration may be the answer.

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

Divorce is never an easy option, but there are some options available to you that can ease the strain and complications many New Hampshire couples experience. If you are dreading the fighting and stress of a litigious and contentious divorce process, collaboration may be the right choice for you. Collaborative divorce offers you a way to end your marriage that does not require you to go to court, which can be easier on everyone involved.

Collaboration allows a couple to work together and use certain techniques to resolve divorce-related disputes. A couple does not have to get along in order to benefit from the collaborative process; it simply allows them a structured process by which they can set aside feelings and work through issues together. If you are facing the prospect of divorce, you may want to consider collaboration or other options for dispute resolution.

Couples of any age may benefit from a prenuptial agreement

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Thursday, December 13, 2018.

Getting engaged and planning a wedding is an exciting time for many New Hampshire couples. During this time of excitement, it may seem counterintuitive to plan for what will happen in case the marriage ends prematurely, but it can be a smart move. Through a prenuptial agreement, couples of any age can protect their interests.

You may associate the need for a prenuptial agreement with those who have significant wealth or have valuable assets, but that is not always the case. For young couples, older couples and couples of all ages in between, these agreements can provide security and peace of mind. Before you say I do, you may want to consider how this type of agreement can benefit you.

Divorce does not have to be litigious

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

Many New Hampshire residents, you included, want to get through divorce as unscathed as possible. If you have children, you may feel particularly compelled to get through the process as quickly and with as little conflict as possible. Fortunately, certain divorce methods may help you achieve this goal.

Both mediation and collaborative divorce are alternative dispute resolution methods that could help you and your spouse avoid litigation. These methods differ in how they reach results, but either could help interested parties come to conclusions without having to spend time arguing in court. Of course, in order for either method to be effective, you and your spouse need to feel willing to work together and negotiate.

Will hidden assets affect your post-divorce future?

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Monday, November 12, 2018.

As New Hampshire readers know, divorce is often a particularly contentious process for wealthy couples and those with valuable assets. A high asset divorce can be complex, especially when the two parties are unable or unwilling to work together on a reasonable financial settlement. In some cases, one spouse may actually attempt to hide assets from the other.

Hidden assets can affect your financial future well after your divorce is over. If you suspect your spouse is attempting to hide assets in order to keep a larger share of marital assets, you can take steps to protect your interests. You are entitled to an equitable share of marital assets, and you can fight to get the full amount you deserve.

What's different about a military divorce?

On behalf of Clark Law PLLC on Monday, October 15, 2018.

Divorce is a complex process, and it can be particularly complex for military couples. While military divorces work in the same way as civilian divorces, there are certain unique and potentially challenging factors these couples will have to address. If you or your spouse are in the military and you are facing divorce, it can be beneficial for you to work to learn more about the process ahead.

Some of the challenges that New Hampshire couples deal with when facing a military divorce include how custody will work, what will happen to military pension benefits and more. Due to the complex and sensitive nature of these issues, you may find it beneficial to have help and guidance from the very beginning of this process. You do not have to walk through it alone.