The couple was actually married twice, once from 2001 to 2004, and then from 2005 to 2008. Media outlets had fought for open access to the couple's divorce documents under fair access laws in the state of North Carolina. The documents were just recently unsealed thanks to a state appeals court ruling. Now, a whopping 3,000 pages of divorce information has been released, including court motions, emails and other communication.
]]> France's ex-wife reportedly received $9 million in their second divorce, with additional provisions for $32,000 each month in alimony for the next 10 years. She also gets $10,000 each month in child support. This may seem like an excessive amount of money, but it is important to remember that Brian France is extraordinarily wealthy; estimates from 2005 put his personal holdings at about $564 million in assets, stock and real estate, among other property. Combined with the potential wealth he will inherit from his parents, the man is likely to see his personal fortune balloon to $1 billion in short order.Divorce documents allege that Brian France was overbearing, abusive and demanding, however. He was accused of withholding money from both his wife and children when the woman displeased him or refused to follow his rules. She is accused of violating confidentiality agreements and spending a fortune on her family and friends.
If you are locked in a contentious divorce, consider seeking assistance from a qualified divorce attorney. These professionals can help you learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities both in and out of the courtroom.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, "Brian France: NASCAR chief's divorce documents unsealed" Mitch Weiss, May. 08, 2013
]]>It appears that the courts also agree with Nash; an Arizona judge ruled in his favor with regards to the child support requests. Nash's ex, Alejandra Amarilla, is reportedly appealing the ruling, however, arguing that she needs more money. Nash argues that his ex made millions off of the divorce settlement, so she should already be able to pay for some of their children's needs.
]]> Even though the process of hammering out child support agreements is difficult, Nash said he is committed to making sure that his children are raised in a nurturing and supportive environment. He was saddened by the fact that he and his wife decided to divorce just one day after the birth of their youngest boy. Nash says he wants to help his kids understand how much they are loved throughout this entire process, and he believes they are resilient enough to adjust to the changes.The couple's custody battle turned contentious in December 2012 when Nash attempted to block his ex from moving back to Los Angeles from Arizona. The reasons for that legal action were unclear, considering that Nash had signed a continuing contract with the Lakers. He has had a difficult season, suffering from hip and hamstring ailments.
If you are having difficulty negotiating a fair child support agreement with your spouse, consider seeking the assistance of a qualified divorce attorney. These legal professionals can help you protect your rights and responsibilities under the law, while allowing you to receive -- or pay -- a reasonable amount in support. As a coparent, your interests and needs matter. Contact an attorney to find out more about potential modifications to your child support agreement.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, "Steve Nash child support: Lakers star allegedly doesn't want to pay because ex might spoil kids" Cavan Sieczkowski, Apr. 30, 2013
]]>First, single parents should be sure to set boundaries with their children. Your divorce may have left you feeling guilty about the emotional impact experienced by your kids, but that does not mean you should give in to their every whim. Learn to be comfortable saying “no” without softening the blow with an “okay?” at the end of your sentence. You need to learn to be loving but firm when your children make requests you cannot accommodate.
]]> Be sure to also make time for yourself every day. It can be very difficult to juggle your to-do lists, and your personal time probably ends up as the very last priority. Experts say you can overcome this issue by keeping your to-do lists small and manageable. Intermingle “me time” events throughout your chores, and you’ll find yourself much happier and better equipped to handle the day.Finally, single parents need to admit that they need support during their everyday lives. Consider negotiating for joint custody so you can have more time to complete urgent life tasks. If joint custody is not an option, you can trade off babysitting duties with other single parents. Enlist the services of a neighborhood child to keep your younger kids occupied while you take care of errands. Further, consider expanding your social network to allow aunts, grandparents and godparents more time with your children.
Single parenting does not have to be a nightmare. Make sure that you are prepared for this responsibility by enlisting the help of a qualified divorce team, including a skilled divorce attorney. If your legal worries are eliminated, you will be able to focus more on your family and yourself.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, "5 ways for single moms to juggle it all" Kerri Zane, Apr. 24, 2013
]]>Some people become "people pleasers" because of unresolved issues with their parents. Those suffering from this condition fail to set boundaries with others, instead communicating that they are not good enough to warrant respectful treatment. Women may be more prone to adopting the people-pleasing behavior, largely because they are socialized to be more obedient, caring and respectful. Although those are generally positive traits, subordinating yourself to others' whims can be detrimental to your psychological health.
]]> Why do people become "pleasers?" Many may have experienced the split of their childhood families, or they could have been reared in a high-conflict environment. Family environments featuring a lot of guilt could also contribute to the tendency.Failure to set limits over time can ultimately damage a person's self-worth. This damage, while reversible, is sometimes difficult to banish. Victims can learn to set healthy boundaries in relationships that prevent them from being steamrolled by their partners and friends. Those who are going through a divorce often come to the stark realization that their social methods have pushed them into the people-pleasing role; recognizing your own social shortcomings can help you develop healthier ways to communicate.
Avoid the approval trap by realizing that everyone will not like you. Some people will always disagree with your personal choices. Think about how your divorce experiences may have contributed to getting stuck in the approval trap. A qualified divorce team, complete with therapist and attorney, can help you work through the social and legal issues associated with this change.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, "Breaking free of 'The Approval Trap' after divorce," Terry Gaspard, April 10, 2013
]]>The woman's two--year custody battle with her husband began in 2009, when he took the girl to Iran to visit his relatives. The couple had decided that they were not suitable marriage partners, so they had informally separated, but they retained their marriage documents for the benefit of the child. The man had been permitted frequent visits with his daughter, but he apparently wanted to play a larger role in the girl's life.
]]> Authorities report that the trip to Iran was initially uneventful; then, after several days, the husband contacted his wife to obtain additional documentation for the girl's visa. The situation quickly devolved as the man began demanding more paperwork, and eventually money, to ensure the girl's return. She ultimately missed her plane back to the United States, prompting her American mother to take action.Working together with the FBI, the girl's mother immediately began efforts to recover her child. She obtained custody orders granting her full custody of the girl. She also officially filed for divorce shortly after the international saga began. The woman was forced to delay life-saving cancer treatments because of the intense custody battle, and she lost most of her personal belongings. Ultimately, she was able to lure the man, with daughter in tow, to a country that recognized the Hague Convention, allowing her to retrieve her daughter. The man has since pleaded guilty to intentionally abducting the girl.
Military parents are vulnerable to this type of international abduction because many families have integrated a foreign national as a parent. Consider seeking legal assistance with a qualified family attorney if you think international abduction could be an issue because of your divorce.
Source: Union-Bulletin, "A mother's single focus on getting her daughter back from Iran," Del Quinten Wilber, April 5, 2013
]]>Legislators say current divorce laws encourage people to abandon their marriages too quickly. The new provisions would require a two-year waiting period before a divorce could be finalized. That number would be drastically higher than any other state in the Southeast; most require just a couple weeks between filing and a formal split. Alabama does not have a waiting period at all, for example.
]]> Opponents of the measure say they were already distraught by the year-long wait for their divorces to become final. Many say the emotional pain of the divorce was simply drawn out by the extraordinarily long waiting period -- few couples, if any, report getting back together because of the extended delay. Critics say legislators should not make people suffer more for simply making a mistake.Additionally, provisions have not been included in the bill to accommodate cases of domestic violence and abuse. New provisions in the measure would allow couples to cohabitate during their divorces, but that change would do little to help victims in such dire situations. In all, it appears that the bill will simply add more burdens to people who are struggling through the difficult decision to split.
Advocates say they believe any marriage can effectively be saved through a combination of counseling and hard work. The bill has not yet reached consideration in the state House or Senate, though it will be heard in committee later in April.
Source: WRAL, "Senate bill would make it harder to untie knot in NC," Laura Leslie, April 1, 2013
]]>First, it is important to remember that your divorce decree does not supersede any contracts you made with your lenders during your marriage. That is, the creditors will not acknowledge court-ordered changes to the contract. It is thus your responsibility to make sure that your ex correctly transfers his or her share of the asset's equity. If you keep the home, you must refinance the loan under your own name. Similarly, if your spouse decides to keep the house, you need to make sure that your name is removed from all loan documents.
]]> Failure to do this could result in serious damage to your credit report. If your spouse fails to make the mortgage payments, for example, the detrimental effects will be reflected in your credit report, even if you are formally divorced. The effects could be even worse if your ex goes into foreclosure.In addition to dealing with mortgage and car loan documents, be sure to close all joint credit cards, instead opening individual accounts under your own name. This step should be taken almost immediately after the divorce is filed; emotions can run high as the process continues, and your ex may choose to use the cards against you as revenge.
Be sure to pay close attention to joint accounts and loan documents during your divorce to guarantee a smooth financial transition.
Source: Yahoo! Finance, "My divorce ruined my credit!" March 21, 2013
]]>The first rule of divorce: "Don't panic."
]]> Attorneys say they often see people getting unnecessarily upset about their finances when many options exist. Remember that knowledge is power. Go online, do research about attorneys in your area and begin examining your options. You are not going to be evicted from your home in the month or two that may be required to secure the funds to pay for your living arrangements. That is, if your husband or wife left you stuck with the rent, the courts may be able to secure supplemental funding for you in a matter of weeks.Next, attorneys say that people beginning their divorce should avoid free consultations. This seems counter-intuitive to most couples, but legal advice is generally only as good as it costs. It pays to make an investment in an accurate consultation that can really help you later. Refrain from borrowing from family members or friends to pay for the initial attorneys' fees, though. After the divorce, your spouse may be required to compensate you for legal fees, and loans from relatives are far harder to track.
Instead of seeking financial assistance from relatives immediately, consider borrowing against your home equity or using your credit cards. These are more easily traceable.
Finally, attorneys say you should not allow your spouse to intimidate you when the time comes to divvy up assets. You should prepare an accurate, itemized budget explaining your family's needs after the divorce. Present that document with confidence, and you will be far more likely to obtain the financial resources you need. Keep your emotions from dictating the terms of your divorce by taking these crucial, logical steps.
Source: Huffington Post, "6 biggest mistakes moms make in a divorce," Adriana Velez, March 16, 2013
]]>Attorneys are increasingly consulting profiles from eHarmony, Match.com and a variety of other dating sites during alimony, child support and other divorce-related hearings. Many people sign up for the dating sites before they have officially split, a move that could prove detrimental in the courtroom. Statistics show that more than half of matrimonial lawyers have seen relationship statuses from dating sites used as evidence in courtroom hearings. Online daters also tend to lie about their occupation, income and parenting status.
]]> In fact, 64 percent of matrimonial lawyers have seen Match.com information presented in court. A majority of these attorneys say online dating profiles are becoming common sources of information in divorce cases.Not only could the online profile cause strife between you and your ex, but you could be unwillingly dragging your new beau into your divorce troubles. That person could be called on to provide additional testimony about your character, earnings and other key factors. Furthermore, online dating can inflame your ex-spouse, prompting resentment and other hostile emotions that could complicate the divorce process. If your ex shuts down in the middle of child custody or divorce proceedings, the whole process could become far more expensive and lengthy, according to legal experts.
Most mental health professionals would agree that dating immediately after divorce is a bad idea because divorcees are emotionally vulnerable. If you compound that discomfort with the ramifications of lying on your online dating profile, you could expose yourself to significantly more inconvenience and expense with regards to your break-up. Instead, wait to date until the decree is formally issued.
Source: Huffington Post, "Divorce and online dating: A match made in court?" Alton Abramowitz, March 9, 2013
]]>Experts report that the child's paternity was already established during the woman's divorce case with her husband. It is not clear whether a formal DNA test was ever provided, but documents from the split show that the woman's ex-husband acknowledged that their marriage had produced the child. The woman's ex-husband is expected to pay child support, but the woman retained legal and physical custody of the child.
]]> Now, the woman is looking to require Jordan to take a scientific paternity test. He would be required to pay child support, along with medical, dental and hospital costs. The woman also wants to change her child's last name to Jordan.Although courts are generally comfortable issuing orders for paternity tests, even with scant evidence, attorneys in the area say the judiciary will be more hesitant in this case. The courts will want to protect the rights of the existing father, according to attorneys, which could make the woman's case more difficult to prove.
Media reports show that the teen has come out on YouTube and asked for a relationship with the man he believes is his father. The woman's publicist insists that the decision to seek paternity confirmation is driven entirely by the child.
A court date has been set for March 12 for an initial hearing. If paternity is established in the case, it is likely that Jordan will be required to complete child custody and support processes. It is not clear how much the superstar would have to pay if he is determined to be the father.
Source: Huffington Post, "Michael Jordan files for paternity lawsuit to be dismissed," Kate Brumback & Steve Reed, March 4, 2013.
]]>Parents will agree that toddlers are patently unreasonable human beings. Having achieved the ability to articulate their wishes without any accompanying self-control, they are the poster children for unpredictable behavior. Strangely, your ex-spouse may show many of these same characteristics. If the person shows unexpected outbursts, an inability to use logic and reason, or extraordinary stubbornness, you might need to use toddler strategies on your ex.
]]> The first step for an unreasonable spouse is redirection. Your ex suddenly wants to you split the costs for kids' art classes? Instead of engaging in that discussion, remind the person about your next custody exchange and ask them to text you the art class dates. This communication strategy allows you to truncate any unpleasant conversations you may have with your ex.Next, consider giving your spouse a "time out." This does not mean that the person will sit in the corner to think about their actions as a toddler might. Rather, you are setting boundaries for your conversations and refusing to acknowledge your ex if he or she cannot abide by the rules. If your ex is berating you during a phone conversation, you can simply tell him or her that you require polite interactions. Then, inform the person that they can call you back when ready to discuss the matter in a civil fashion.
The most extreme measure is to ignore your ex-spouse completely. If your ex is exhibiting out-of-control behavior such as yelling insults, you must cut off communication for a time. If you do not give the behavior attention, the person is less likely to act foolishly.
If you are experiencing these situations with your ex-spouse, consider retaining the services of a qualified divorce attorney. A lawyer can help you hash out changes to child custody agreements and other documents that will minimize your ex's impact on your life.
Source: Huffington Post, "3 tips for dealing with an unreasonable ex," Marina Sbrochi, Feb. 23, 2013
]]>The study was the first of its kind to study alcohol use throughout the course of a marriage. Nearly 20,000 Norwegians participated in the 15-year endeavor, which was launched in 1984. Getting hitched slightly decreases alcohol use among most men, though many women start drinking more when they have been in a long-term marriage.
]]> Researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported that heavy alcohol use was almost universally bad for marriage. The likelihood for divorce was significantly higher if the woman in the marriage was the heavy drinker. In fact, divorce was three times more likely for couples in which the woman consumed significantly more alcohol.The most significant determinant of divorce, however, was a significant difference in drinking habits. Divorce rates were significantly higher within those couples with one heavy drinker and one light drinker. This reinforces the concept of lifestyle compatibility, a consideration that should be brought up before a marriage even happens.
Couples who abstain or drink infrequently are more likely to stay together overall. Public health officials say this is an important statistic, especially considering that alcohol consumption is a serious problem in most Western nations. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to violent and traumatic relationships, according to experts, which greatly increases the risk of a break-up. Victims of alcohol-related domestic violence should consider divorce immediately.
Ultimately, it is important to know the drinking habits of your partner before you agree to a marriage. If your alcohol consumption habits are not compatible, you could face a much higher risk of splitting up than other couples.
Source: Deseret News, "Uneven or heavy alcohol use predicts divorce," Lois M. Collins, Feb. 17, 2013.
]]>It is easy for new step-parents to allow their step-children to dominate their relationship with their new husband or wife. That, combined with the potential for difficult in-law relationships, can bring significant strife to a new marriage. If the couple feels pressured to become "blended" right away, the romantic relationship can suffer even more.
]]> The reality with step-families is that romance dies quickly when the family begins to combine. People are attempting to find their place within the family unit, and there will be a certain level of stress and hardship that accompany these changes. As this emotional turmoil builds, couples can easily lose sight of the reason they married each other to begin with: They were madly in love with each other.To avoid the second-marriage curse - 60 to 70 percent of those with children end in divorce - couples are encouraged to focus on themselves during holidays like Valentine's Day. Make sure that you have pre-arranged "date nights" with your significant other. Even people without children need to set aside time to spend together; those with step-families need the time to bond. The high divorce rate among second marriages means that couples in blended families need to prioritize their union.
Many couples feel guilty taking time for "date night" when they only get to see their children on occasion. Experts advise that taking time for your marriage is still important. Leaving your little ones with a babysitter during your custody time is not unhealthy. Remember that a solid marriage makes a solid family and keeps your relationship strong all year long.
Source: Huffington Post, "Stepcouples, Valentine's Day and date night," Mary T. Kelly, Feb. 12, 2013.
]]>The 44-year-old actress has been a constant figure on the sidelines at the Indy Car race series. She has cultivated a unique identity by wearing her signature floppy hats while supporting her soon-to-be ex-husband. Although Judd was unfamiliar with racing when the couple met in 1999 at a wedding reception, she soon became enamored with the sport. The pair married in 2001 in a Scottish castle, according to media reports.
]]> Most recently, Judd has pondered a bid for U.S. Senate in her home state of Kentucky. Judd, who is known for her humanitarian efforts with HIV and AIDS victims, reportedly wants to fight for the rights of her native state. Franchetti, meanwhile, continues to compete in international races. His most recent effort was a dismal affair, with the team placing 37th overall after equipment failure hampered their efforts.Judd and Frenchetti did not have children together.
In this case, the pair is likely to have some high-asset property division to sort through before the divorce is finalized. Media reports have not mentioned a prenuptial agreement, though it is entirely possible that the couple drafted such a document before marrying. A prenuptial agreement would make the divorce a smoother and easier affair, but Judd and Frenchetti can end their marriage painlessly without that support. By employing qualified lawyers to negotiate property division, the couple can ensure a speedy split that is beneficial for both of them.
Since no children were involved, this divorce will probably be a relatively quick affair, with both parties leaving satisfied after an amicable split.
Source: USA Today, "Ashley Judd, Dario Frenchetti announce plan to divorce," Jeff Gluck, Jan. 30, 2013.
]]>Planning is one of the most critical elements of a positive co-parenting arrangement. Parents and children should know an exact visitation schedule, which should include school holidays and other special events. The more organized you are around birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations, the more relaxed and functional your family is likely to be. Furthermore, do not compete with your ex-spouse when it comes to gift-giving around the holidays. Communicate about spending limits and other requirements, and everyone will be satisfied.
]]> Even if you have strong negative feelings about your ex, refrain from expressing or discussing them around your children. You should not interrogate your kids when they come back from the other parent's house. If they want to talk about their activities, they should feel comfortable but not pressured to do so.Maintaining a civil relationship with your ex may seem difficult, but following a few simple rules can prevent emotions from getting out of hand. Remember to keep negative feelings to yourself, especially around the kids. Even if your feelings are hurt by your ex, remain positive and civil. You will be required to be in the same room together for your kids' sporting events, school awards ceremonies and other activities, so practicing early can be beneficial.
Ultimately, a positive co-parenting arrangement centers on good communication. Share positive news, photographs, plans and other information freely. Keep the children as the focus of your interactions, and try to remain upbeat for their benefit. Good communication and an optimistic attitude can carry you through even the most trying co-parenting challenges.
Source: Huffington Post, "No more ex games," Lois Tarter, Jan. 26, 2013
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