Overland Park Family Law Blog

Depp's high asset divorce is over but his legal problems are not

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in high asset divorce on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Many Kansas married couples will be heading to court before the year's end. Some will get locked into legal battles in high asset divorce cases, although most will likely not have tens of millions of dollars at stake like Johnny Depp and other Hollywood stars have had when they severed marital ties. In Depp's case, it seems the finalization of his divorce was merely the beginning of other legal problems.

A central component in Depp's divorce was a non-disclosure agreement he and then wife, Amber Heard, signed. In a recent claim Depp filed in court, he stated that Heard has violated that agreement. He is seeking $50 million in damages for defamation of his character.

Adapting to life after a high asset divorce

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in high asset divorce on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

Regardless of what prompts a decision to legally sever marital ties, spouses often have numerous issues to resolve before they can go their separate ways. In a high asset divorce, especially for parents, child support and property division are often a central focus of Kansas courtroom proceedings. Beyond that, it can be difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle when one has become accustomed to his or her old one.

The longer a couple has been married, the more challenging moving on without each other might be. There are several practical ways to make the best of such situations. By tapping into local resources and building a strong support network, parents and children can successfully navigate the life changes often associated with divorce.

Former MTV star hopes to regain child custody

On behalf of Law Firm of Kevin Stuart Cavanaugh posted in child custody on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

As many Kansas parents can likely attest, when litigation takes place because of child-related issues, things can get quite messy in court. Many situations are complex and not easily resolved. Former "Teen Mom 2" star, Jenelle Evans likely understands this better than most, as she continues to try to regain child custody alongside her current husband, who also lost custody of his own daughter.

While one of Evans' children has been staying with her mother for some time, her other two children were living with her and the man she married this past September. An incident occurred, however, that has apparently led to both Evans and her spouse losing custody of their children. Evans' husband, David Eason, reportedly shot a dog that he claimed had bitten one of the kids.

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.