On this episode, Kirk Stange discusses the importance of patience and trust during the legal process. Family law matters like divorce and custody disputes can be emotionally overwhelming, but clients who have faith in their attorney and the legal system are more likely to feel satisfied with the outcome. This episode is based on an article on Family Law Headquarters titled: Why having faith can pay off for a family law client To learn more or to schedule a consultation with our Fort Wayne, India...
Jun 18, 2025•11 min
On this episode, Kirk Stange discusses how county assessor valuations are often inaccurate for divorce cases because they don’t involve thorough home inspections. Instead, a professional appraisal is typically more reliable and legally accepted when determining a home’s value in court. This episode is based on an article on Family Law Headquarters: Is the real estate assessor’s value accurate? To learn more or to schedule an initial consultation with our Austin, Texas divorce lawyers , please ca...
Jun 11, 2025•13 min
On this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange explains that divorce and family law matters are rarely simple, even when parties hope for an amicable outcome. Emotional strain, differing views on fairness, and poor communication often complicate the process. Some individuals may agree to unfair terms to avoid conflict, only to regret it later. This podcast is based on an article on Family Law Headquarters titled: Are divorce and family law matters simple? To learn more or to schedule an initial...
May 12, 2025•15 min
In this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange discusses that preparation is key before heading to court for a family law case. Know the type of hearing, confirm if you need to attend, and plan ahead for logistics like parking and childcare. Dress professionally, prepare for testimony if required, and understand courtroom dynamics to set realistic expectations. This episode is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: What to know before a court date To learn more from our...
Apr 02, 2025•12 min
This episode explains that after a divorce, responsibility for debt depends on whether it was incurred individually or jointly during the marriage. Even if a divorce decree assigns debt to one spouse, creditors may still hold both parties liable for joint debts. To avoid complications, it’s important to close or refinance joint accounts and seek legal advice. This episode is based on an article on our Multi-State Divorce and Family Law Blog titled: Is Your Former Spouse’s Debt Your Responsibilit...
Mar 20, 2025•14 min
This episode identifies key red flags in prenuptial agreements, including rushed signing, lack of legal representation, vague terms, illegal provisions, and unfair terms favoring one spouse. It stresses the importance of fairness, clarity, and mutual legal review to ensure enforceability. This episode is based on an article titled: Red Flags in a Prenuptial Agreement To learn more about our Tulsa divorce lawyers or to schedule a consultation, call 855-805-0595. Become a supporter of this podcast...
Feb 21, 2025•16 min
This episode explores the debate over no-fault divorce, which allows couples to divorce without proving fault. Critics argue it weakens marriage and contributes to family breakdown. Supporters counter that requiring proof of fault can prolong legal battles, increase costs, and trap individuals in abusive marriages. Since divorce laws are determined at the state level, federal influence over them is minimal. This episode is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: Should no...
Feb 18, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange discusses the fact that in many states, pets are considered property, and courts typically award ownership to the spouse who primarily cares for the pet. Factors like daily care, financial ability, and emotional bonds are considered. Unlike child custody, shared pet custody is uncommon, but couples can agree on private arrangements. This podcast is based on an article on our Tulsa divorce blog titled: Who Gets the Family Pet in a Tulsa, OK Divorce?...
Feb 07, 2025•12 min
This podcast episode discusses how dating during divorce can lead to legal complications, impact custody decisions, and create emotional challenges. While not illegal, it’s best to wait until the divorce is final. If dating, discretion is key—avoid involving children or publicizing the relationship to minimize risks. This episode is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: I s dating during divorce okay? To learn more about our Houston divorce attorneys or to schedule an i...
Jan 29, 2025•12 min
In this episode, Kirk Stange discusses the common assumption in divorce and family courts that individuals in a relationship are inherently similar, encapsulated by the phrase "birds of a feather fly together." This thought process suggests that if one party exhibits erratic or irrational behavior, the other is likely the same, based on the notion that they chose each other for marriage or parenthood. This episode is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: Do birds of a f...
Jan 28, 2025•12 min
This episode outlines the factors influencing divorce expenses, including attorney fees, filing fees, and additional costs. Attorney fees vary based on experience and case complexity, with contested divorces costing more due to disputes over issues like custody or property. Uncontested divorces, where parties agree on terms, are less expensive and faster. This episode is based on an article titled: The Total Cost of a Divorce To learn more about our Louisville, KY family law attorneys or to sche...
Jan 25, 2025•15 min
A motion to compel in family law litigation is filed when one party fails to respond to discovery requests (like interrogatories or document requests) or provides incomplete responses. The motion asks the court to order the non-compliant party to answer fully. Judges typically review the responses and may impose deadlines, sustain objections, or award attorney’s fees if misconduct is evident. This process helps ensure both parties share the necessary information for divorce or family law cases. ...
Jan 21, 2025•10 min
When a party is served with an initial pleading in a divorce or family law case , they must file a response. The rules vary by state, but each jurisdiction has specific deadlines within which the response must be filed. It's essential to adhere to these deadlines to avoid legal consequences. This podcast is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: What’s an answer to initial pleadings? To learn more or to schedule an initial consultation for a divorce or family law matter,...
Dec 10, 2024•11 min
When spouses involved in a divorce have business interests , it can complicate the process. Valuing these interests is often intricate and typically requires the expertise of a professional business valuator to ensure an accurate assessment. This podcast discusses the role of "goodwill" in business valuations during divorce proceedings. This podcast is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: The importance of goodwill in business valuations To learn more or to schedule an...
Dec 10, 2024•11 min
Divorce and separation cases can be complex, often involving difficult decisions around child custody, visitation, and support. Even when parents are willing to work together, these emotionally charged situations arise as both parties seek time with their children in a new family structure. Navigating these issues requires careful consideration. This podcast episode is based on an article on our Illinois Divorce Law Blog titled "When Can a Child Choose Which Parent They Want to Live With?" To sc...
Oct 18, 2024•14 min
Hearsay is an important legal concept that lawyers learn in law school. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 801, hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered for the truth of the matter asserted. Even many lawyers are often confused by what this means when reading it. Thus, it is no surprise that the concept can seem murky for individuals going through divorce or family law matters. This podcast is based on our Family Law Headquarters blog article titled "What is hearsay in divorce and family law mat...
Sep 25, 2024•13 min
Many people are familiar with the concept of parental alienation, but fewer are aware of the term "realistic estrangement." Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally seeks to undermine the other parent's relationship with their children, often through a prolonged effort to demean or defame them. While this process can take time to fully take effect, it can severely damage the targeted parent's bond with their children once it does. In contrast, realistic estrangement refers to a s...
Aug 20, 2024•13 min
Co-parenting applications are becoming more popular in divorce or family law cases where there are children. In cases where these cases are not resolved peacefully, or where there are ongoing disagreements, more courts are ordering parties to use a co-parenting application for communications, calendaring, and paying expenses involving the children. Some parties even agree to use these apps without a court order. This podcast is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: The ...
Jul 30, 2024•16 min
It is no secret that a divorce is an expensive process, with short-term and long-term effects on the finances of both parties. A divorce requires families to deal with emotional, legal, and financial challenges. When you are concerned about your financial stability after a divorce, it can make the divorce process even harder. This podcast is based on a blog post on our Tulsa, Oklahoma family law blog titled: How Divorce Affects Your Finances To learn more or to schedule a consultation with our T...
Jul 03, 2024•17 min
Depositions are expected in divorce or family law matters. All sorts of witnesses may be deposed. During a divorce or family law deposition, one attorney asks the witnesses under oath to discover relevant information. Information is relevant if reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. During the deposition, the other attorney in the case can also ask the witness questions. Sometimes, however, one of the lawyers on the case will object to a question being asked. Most...
Jun 05, 2024•12 min
The state of Missouri recently followed many other states by making equal parenting time a rebuttable presumption in divorce and child custody cases. The rebuttable presumption was enacted as part of Senate Bill 35, which went into effect in Missouri on August 28, 2023. Under the new law’s terms, there is a rebuttable presumption when determining child custody arrangements that equal or approximately equal parenting time for each parent is in the child’s best interests. This podcast is based on ...
May 09, 2024•14 min
A difficult separation is never easy. When you file your divorce petition and serve your spouse the papers, but they ignore or avoid the petition, it can make the situation even more frustrating. When you face a stressful divorce process like this, you may be able to obtain a default divorce. This podcast is based on a blog article titled: What Is a Default Divorce in St. Louis? To learn more about our St. Louis divorce lawyers or to schedule a consultation, please call 855-805-0595 or email inf...
Apr 24, 2024•13 min
Mediation is a popular alternative dispute resolution method in divorce or family law matters. Many opt to participate in mediation seeking a settlement outside of court. Many picture being alone in a room with the mediator and the other party. In that room, they envision a scenario where both parties and the mediators talk, devise solutions, and resolve the case. Sometimes, having both parties in the same room is not a good idea. Arguing and bickering might occur if the parties are in the same ...
Apr 12, 2024•13 min
Most divorces are resolved through out-of-court methods, such as collaborative divorce and divorce mediation. These options are preferred due to their privacy, cost-effectiveness, and their emphasis on collaboration over contentious arguments. Unfortunately, some divorces need to be handled through court. This may be to protect a spouse’s rights or to reach a needed conclusion to the process. This podcast is based on an article on our Bloomington, Illinois Family Law blog titled: When is Litigat...
Mar 25, 2024•15 min
Many wonder when they should hire a lawyer in the months and weeks before a divorce or family law matter. “Should I do it now? Can I wait until later?” Questions like these are typical. As a divorce or family law matter looms, many are in a quasi-state of denial. They often wrongly think that the situation can be averted. When Is The Best Time To Hire A Lawyer? This podcast episode is based on an article on our Family Law Headquarters blog titled: When Should I Hire a Lawyer? To learn more or to...
Mar 12, 2024•12 min
Finding legal counsel that you can rely on is a crucial step when you decide to get a divorce. A divorce is a complicated and emotionally straining process, and a diligent and dedicated divorce lawyer can guide you through proceedings more efficiently and with more certainty. However, it’s important to find the right attorney for you and your situation. Meeting with an attorney is helpful. In this meeting, what should you be prepared to discuss? What documentation is needed for the consultation?...
Mar 07, 2024•16 min
A divorce is the most well-known way to end a couple’s marriage, although there are other legal routes available. Legal separation is possible for some couples who want to retain the legal existence of a marriage but separate their assets and living situation. Marriages can also end when they are invalid or discovered to be invalid. In these scenarios, a couple can file for an annulment. This podcast is based on an article on our Wichita, Kansas Divorce Law Blog titled: When Is a Marriage Invali...
Feb 28, 2024•17 min
Any divorce is a complicated and difficult process, both legally and emotionally. Even spouses who agree on most things can have a lot of stressful hurdles. In some situations, the issue may be that one spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers. In a circumstance where a divorce is more contested, divorce proceedings can be longer and more draining. It’s important to know what to do if you face this situation. This podcast episode is based on an article on our St. Charles Divorce Lawyers blog ti...
Feb 20, 2024•16 min
Most lawyers and law firms want to organize their clients’ case files. Organization can be key to having a successful outcome. Clients should also want their lawyers to be organized. When a lawyer is organized, it can save them money in legal fees and can result in a better outcome. What is a pleading panel and what role can it play to help attorneys be prepared and organized in a case? This podcast is based on an article on Family Law Headquarters titled: What is a pleading panel? To learn more...
Feb 12, 2024•11 min
Establishing paternity can be a wonderful way to ensure both parents have the same responsibility for their child. However, it can also be potentially complicated if parents do not agree on the biological parents of a child or if a married couple challenges the paternity of their child. This episode is based on an article on our Tulsa Divorce Lawyers Blog titled: Establishing Paternity in Tulsa To learn more or to schedule a consultation for your matter, visit our Tusla, Oklahoma divorce lawyers...
Feb 05, 2024•16 min