Posts by Steven B. Ockerman
Can a Child Refuse Visitation with a Parent?
During a separation or divorce when children are involved, parents determine a custody agreement. Sometimes they figure out that arrangement together, and sometimes the court develops that arrangement for them. Either way, that custody agreement is always made in the best interests of the child. We know that parents who do not cooperate with child…
Read MoreHow Do I Support My Friend Who Is Going Through a Divorce?
When a friend is going through a divorce, it can be hard to watch. Not only is it often a stressful time, but an expensive one. They’re dealing with a separation of their spouse and possibly their children, depending on who gets custody. It may be difficult to know exactly how to show your support…
Read MoreWhy Should I Give Divorce Mediation a Chance?
Getting a divorce is a stressful time in anyone’s life, even when you’re on good terms with the person from which you’re separating. There’s the hassle of dividing assets, of finding a new home, dealing with child custody, not to mention the legal fees of going to court. However, there is an alternate way of…
Read MoreDivorce Across Generations – What Does it Look Like, Then and Now?
It’s no secret that there are vast differences between Millennials and Baby Boomers. Everything from style to opinions to where they eat for brunch vary a great deal. It might be expected that the way Millennials date, marry, and divorce are very different from Boomers as well; but why? Is it because Millennials are as…
Read MoreWhy Is it Important to Get a Premarital Agreement?
When we’re getting married, especially when we’re deeply in love, we might not think that a premarital agreement is necessary. We cannot imagine we might one day not be in love with this person we’re marrying – that we might wish to separate or divorce them. Unfortunately, that’s the truth of the matter for many…
Read MoreMy Child Needs More Financial Support. What Can I Do?
You may be a divorcee that shares custody of your children with your spouse. Even though the divorce has been difficult at times, you and your ex-spouse have done a great job putting the children’s needs first, and both of you have borne the financial burdens with equanimity and equality. However, with the current pandemic,…
Read MoreHow Are Investment Properties Divided During a Divorce?
Usually, when people hear about a couple deciding to divorce, they react from a place of sympathy. Regardless of whether the couple’s family and friends were supportive of the marriage or not, no one wants to hear that a couple has decided to divorce. However, when we hear certain aspects of, say, a celebrity couple’s…
Read MoreWhat Are My Rights as a Stepparent in North Carolina?
There was a time in American society where blended families were rare. Today, blended families are the norm for many. Divorced parents and their new partners are becoming accustomed to stepparent roles and responsibilities. New stepparents are learning their roles in matters such as their stepchild’s medical history, educational goals, and discipline. When it comes…
Read MoreCan I Modify My Child Support Order?
The divorce process consists of many difficult choices. In addition to the division of marital assets, one of the most difficult decisions revolves around child custody agreements. Establishing which spouse should receive custody of the children and which spouse is responsible for paying child support are sources of tension for many parents. As difficult as…
Read MoreGetting Married? Consider a Premarital Agreement
Even during a day and age where half of the marriages are expected to end in divorce, there are still some outdated and antiquated views about premarital (sometimes called “prenuptial”) agreements. Some couples feel that even requesting a premarital agreement is a sign that the marriage will not last. Even if you fear your partner’s…
Read More