Property & Debts
Non-Marital Claims to Upside Down Houses in Minnesota Divorce Cases
15 Mar 2011
Again today I was asked about non-marital interests in an upside down mortgage or “negative equity” situation. I answer this question today in a new FAQ posting: “Do I Get Credit for a Non-Marital Interest in an Upside Down House in a Minnesota Divorce?”
Financial Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce Cases
16 Jul 2010
The Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (or FENE), is explained in an article I published today on my web site: “Financial Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce.” This article explains in a nutshell what the FENE is, and how to best choose your evaluator.
Property & Debt Allocation in Minnesota Divorce Cases
04 Jul 2009
Today’s article is a very comprehensive one, discussing several aspects of the apportionment of assets and debts in divorce cases, such as: marital versus non-marital property; property that is partially marital and partially non-marital; income and appreciation on non-marital property; real estate; deadbeat spouses; gifts between spouses; debt allocation; and various tips. As always, citations to legal authority are included. The full article is available here: “Property & Debt Allocation in Minnesota Divorce.”
Who Gets the Dog?
29 Dec 2008
Have a dog, cat or other pet that you and your spouse both want? I have written an answer to this FAQ, discussing how this issue is decided: “Who Gets the Dog?”
Who Gets the Engagement Ring?
30 Nov 2008
Unlike many areas of family law, the question of ownership of engagement rings is well settled and definitive in Minnesota. I answer the question here, with citations to authority as always: “Who Gets the Engagement Ring?”
When Does My Paycheck Stop Being Joint?
28 Sep 2008
Wondering how long your paycheck still belongs jointly to your spouse? I answer that question here: “When Does My Paycheck Stop Being Joint?”
What Can I Do to Keep Costs Down?
26 Jul 2008
Clients often ask what they can do to help keep down their legal costs. Some suggestions are the subject of an FAQ response which I’ve posted here: “What Can I Do to Keep Costs Down?”
Should I Get a New Lawyer?
24 Apr 2008
In today’s FAQ response I address the common question of whether or not it’s time to hire a replacement attorney: “Should I Get a New Lawyer?”
Should I Empty the Joint Bank Account?
22 Mar 2008
If your considering whether or not to withdraw some or all of your money from a joint bank account in anticipation of divorce, read this FAQ: “Should I Empty the Joint Bank Account.”
Can I Close Joint Credit Card Accounts?
07 Jan 2007
Unless you really need the credit yourself, it is generally a good idea to close joint credit card accounts pending divorce, to prevent your spouse from racking up debt in your name in a pre-divorce buying spree, which happens all the time. I discuss this topic and the related law in my response to this FAQ: “Can I Close Joint Credit Card Accounts?”