From 2001 until 2011, the divorce rate rose from 2.6 percent to 3.7 percent for military couples, according to the Defense Department. The military enforces special regulations for divorces in order to protect both enlisted individuals and their spouses. These cover a gamut of issues, including processing the divorce, residency matters, compliance, custody and the
Cleaning Up Your Space After a Separation: Practical Tips
By Jason Brown on
Posted in Divorce
The separation is finalized, and you are left with the physical aftermath of your former relationship in the form of furniture, clothes, household goods, and mementos. Before you start your next life adventure, take the time to clean up your space of the things that will hold you back either physically or emotionally. …
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5 Not So Obvious Tips for Blended Family Success
By Jason Brown on
One of the biggest reasons second marriages end in divorce is conflict between step-parents and children from the previous marriage. If you want your blended family to succeed, foster a positive relationship between the kids and the step-parent. Consider implementing the following tips and ideas:
1. Create a culture of respect. The family unit can’t…
How to Live Peacefully with Your Ex-Spouse if You Hold Antagonistic Political Views
By Jason Brown on
Posted in Divorce, Family Law
If you and your ex-spouse held antagonistic political views before the election, you might feel like an already strained relationship is even more so these days. …
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Two Americas? A Look at Marriage and Divorce Statistics for the Very Rich and Very Poor
By Jason Brown on
Are marriage and divorce different for the very rich and very poor? One oft-cited statistic is that 50% of marriages end in divorce, but that doesn’t account for income disparity, nor does it account for the fact that many divorces are from second and third marriages. Still, a look at marriage rates in recent years…
Fascinating Legal Struggle Over Surrogacy and Lessons It Can Teach Us
By Jason Brown on
A 47-year-old mom with four biological children planned to work as a commercial surrogate mother in 2015. After signing with Surrogacy International, the agency placed her with an anonymous father simply called C.M in May 2015. …
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What is Recognition of Parentage (ROP)?
By Jason Brown on
In Minnesota, you can file a document with the state to recognize a man as father of your child even if you aren’t married to that man. It’s a voluntary action, and both adult parties must sign the document. If you know who the father of your child is, and he is willing to be…
The Pros and Cons of Open Adoptions
By Jason Brown on
Posted in Adoption
Since the 1980s, open adoptions have become more common, providing benefits to all parties. With a confidential, or closed, adoption, the mother releases parental rights for her child, and the adoption agency places the child with a new family. Open adoptions foster relationships between adoptive and biological parents. In turn, this allows adoptive parents more control in making medical, educational, and other life decisions for the child based on biological and heritage concerns.…
7 FAQs about Child in Need of Protective Services [CHIPS] in Minnesota
By Jason Brown on
Child in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) deals with the health, safety, and welfare of children in Minnesota. There are a variety of reasons why a parent may be involved in a CHIPS case. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Who can file a CHIPS petition? Anyone. In Minnesota, if you find yourself accused…
3 Promising Paternity Technologies of the Near Future
By Jason Brown on
Posted in Child Support, Paternity
Paternity testing has become the de facto method of determining fatherhood, especially in disputed cases that end up in court. But not all cases need to go to court. Here are three cutting-edge paternity technologies that show great promise for the future.…
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