United States: Divorce

When should a Guardian ad Litem be appointed in a family law case, and what can parents expect during the investigation process? This guide explores the role of GALs in custody disputes, the circumstances that warrant their appointment, and practical steps for preparing for interviews and home visits.

A Washington Court of Appeals ruled that a former spouse was entitled to keep $373,000 from her ex-husband's retirement account because she remained the designated beneficiary after their divorce. The decision demonstrates how federal ERISA law can override state divorce statutes and highlights the critical importance of updating beneficiary designations following major life events.

Family law disputes like divorce and custody battles are emotionally charged proceedings where stress-driven decisions can have lasting consequences. Many clients unknowingly make critical mistakes that escalate conflict, increase legal costs, and damage their long-term interests. Understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them can significantly improve outcomes and preserve the possibility of civil post-dispute relationships.

In a divorce or separation matter, the Court has discretion to value property as of date of separation, the date of trial, or some other date that the Court determines is equitable.

When dividing assets in a divorce or separation, life insurance policies play a crucial role that many couples overlook. Understanding the difference between whole life policies with cash value and term life policies used to secure support obligations can significantly impact the fairness of your settlement and protect your family's financial future.

A New York Commercial Division case examines whether a father and son have standing to sue derivatively on behalf of a home care services LLC when the mother claims sole ownership. The court must determine if an unadjudicated equitable distribution claim in a parallel matrimonial divorce proceeding can confer the corporate ownership required for derivative standing, while also evaluating allegations that key ownership documents were fabricated.

Economic uncertainty has a way of putting major life decisions on hold. For many individuals – especially business owners, executives, and other high-income professionals – the instinct is to wait until the economy stabilizes before moving forward with a major decision like divorce.

For high-net-worth individuals and business owners, divorce is more than just a legal transition — it is a restructuring of wealth, control, and future earning power.

Family transitions like divorce and separation present challenges for any family, but for high-asset families – including business owners, executives, and professional athletes – the issues involved in child custody can be uniquely complex.