Overland Park Family Law Blog

What to do regarding child custody disagreements after divorce

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Like many other Kansas parents, when you signed divorce papers, you were likely looking forward to leaving the past behind and moving on in life. While you logically assumed that you and your children might encounter a few challenges as you adapt to a new lifestyle together, you had no reason to think you'd be dealing with legal problems related to child custody. However, since your ex refuses to adhere to the terms of the agreement, you feel like there should be something you can do to rectify the situation.

You may be right. Once the court issues an order, both parents must strictly adhere to the terms, no matter what. In fact, even if you and your ex agree that a particular modification is warranted, it's still necessary to seek the court's approval.

Child custody: Kansas parents do well to plan for summer

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

Many Kansas parents know what it's like to have a child who waits until the very last moment to get his or her school assignments done. Nothing causes stress quite like those late-night trips to the craft store to try to gather needed supplies for a project that is due the next day, which the child in question "forgot" to mention ahead of time. Children are not the only ones who have problems like this; in fact, divorced parents who neglect to discuss summer plans often encounter tremendous stress and chaos related to their child custody plans.

Good parents always have their children's best interests in mind, especially when divorce occurs. However, there are so many issues to resolve regarding custody, visitation and support that it is possible to overlook some of the more subtle issues, such as which parent will take the kids on vacation, and when. Also, children who are home on summer break from school often participate in many outside activities, such as sports, camp or supplemental academic programs. It is essential for parents to work out a plan that covers transportation and financial provisions for these things.

How to avoid stress in a high asset divorce

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in high asset divorce on Monday, April 22, 2019.

When Kansas spouses decide to go their separate ways after a marriage that has lasted 10 years or more, they often encounter many challenges regarding important issues that need resolved first, such as those having to do with property division or child custody. In a high asset divorce, such issues can be quite complex, especially if one or both spouses owns a business or a diverse investment portfolio. There are several things to keep in mind to help avoid settlement problems.

Especially regarding property division, it is always best to take a thorough inventory of one's assets ahead of time. Such proceedings require full disclosure by both spouses, not only concerning assets but also existing debt that was incurred during the marriage. If a spouse suspects the other party of hiding assets, it's a good idea to reach out for immediate legal support for help to gather evidence and request the court's intervention.

Kansas property division: What to do if a spouse is hiding assets

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in property division on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

When a Kansas married couple divorces, they typically have navigate negotiate a number of issues in order to achieve a satisfactory settlement. For property division proceedings to be fair, both spouses must be totally transparent regarding their assets. Full disclosure is required for debts, as well, and if one spouse is trying to pull one over on the other, things can get quite messy in court.

Hidden asset problems are often at the root of property division complications. Kansas is an equitable property state, which means the judge overseeing the case will decide how to fairly divide assets between spouses. A spouse who wants to walk away with more than his or her ex may try to hide certain assets.

Child custody: How to stay close to kids as a noncustodial parent

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

When a Kansas parent gets divorced, he or she may encounter many challenges regarding the new co-parenting plan. It take weeks, even months, to negotiate a child custody agreement. As a noncustodial parent, other challenges can arise as well, such as trying to maintain an active and close bond with children as everyone adapts to a new lifestyle.

Parents who take the initiative to pursue interaction with their children have the greatest chance of success. Kids can get quite moody at times, especially if they are unhappy that their parents have decided to break up. It is critical for a noncustodial parent to stay in close contact, perhaps via email, texting, virtual visits or phone calls, on days when it is not his or her turn to have parenting time.

Dispute resolution is often a factor in child custody proceedings

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

When Kansas parents determine that their marriages are no longer sustainable, they often encounter challenges regarding family issues after filing for divorce. Child custody is a high priority in many divorce cases. Things can get messy if parents disagree as to what is best for their kids.

The court can't finalize a divorce until all those issues are worked out. The question is whether parents will be able to amicably negotiate their own solutions or a judge will have to intervene and make decisions for them. There are typically several options, and what works for one set of spouses might not be the best idea for another.

Protect your rights in Kansas property division proceedings

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in property division on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Divorce is not easy. Most Kansas spouses encounter numerous challenges as they negotiate terms for a settlement. If you have children, you and your spouse might disagree about custody or finances. Such disputes often intensify turmoil in situations that are already stressful. When it comes it property division proceedings, a concerned spouse would do well to seek guidance and support from an experienced family law attorney to help achieve a fair outcome.

Kansas is an equitable property state, which means the judge overseeing your case will determine a fair division of all assets and liabilities. It does not necessarily mean the split will be 50/50. There is often room for bargaining if you or your spouse wishes to retain ownership of a particular asset.

Is it possible to mediate a high asset divorce?

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in high asset divorce on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

When Kansas spouses decide their marriages are no longer viable, they often choose to go their separate ways. In a high asset divorce, property division issues may be a central focus of settlement negotiations. It is not always the case, however, that such situations must be resolved through litigation; many couples opt for mediation to achieve agreeable terms.

Mediated divorces are often less expensive and less time-consuming than those that are litigated. Spouses considering this path to settlement will want to make sure they can fulfill the requirements. For instance, both spouses must agree to engage in peaceful discussion to resolve disagreements, such as issues regarding marital assets or liabilities, as well as child-related topics, such as custody or financial support.

Robert De Niro, estranged wife fighting over child custody issues

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

Kansas baby boomers and others who are Hollywood film fans are surely familiar with Robert DeNiro's blockbuster movies of old, such as "Raging Bull," "Taxi Driver" and "The Deer Hunter." De Niro is still making movies, but he has also been making headlines lately for child custody matters involving his 7-year-old daughter. It is not the first time De Niro and his estranged wife, Grace Hightower, have gone to court over custody disputes.

De Niro and Hightower filed for divorce some years ago but ultimately wound up not going through it. In fact, they held a celebration to renew their vows. The couple were the parents of only one child at that time, a son who is now age 20. After reuniting, they also became parents to a daughter born to them through surrogacy.

Seeking high asset divorce after age 50? Read this

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in high asset divorce on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Most Kansas residents are aware that lifestyle choices can affect their health, sometimes in good ways, others quite bad. For instance, it is well-known that cigarette smoking is closely connected to lung cancer, so those who smoke place themselves at risk for the disease. Other situations can also have a potentially negative impact on physical, mental and emotional health, including high asset divorce.

Current data shows that getting divorced later in life can spark numerous health concerns. Even when the person in question is the one who initially filed for divorce, he or she may be unprepared for the feelings of isolation, loneliness or depression that sometimes set in afterward. Many older people also often suffer from insomnia after a divorce, perhaps because their bodies were simply so used to having their spouses next to them during the night.