Month: December 2017

December 2017

Crabby Patty Consequences: From Cocoa to Cops

December 21, 2017 / Doing Divorce

I was so impressed. My youngest daughter brought five of her friend’s home after school to start winter break with a secret Santa gift exchange. They arrived to my gentle warning to be quiet and respectful for the first hour while my office was still in business. I barely heard a peep. I was so proud of my youngest for following directions (for once) and making this small party such a pleasant experience. Come five o’clock I picked up pizza, brought out grapes and drinks, and praised the group for their excellent behavior. Soon I was filling up disposable hot

The Appeal Process, Part II

December 19, 2017 / Divorce Made Simple

In Nebraska, there are two levels of appellate courts. The intermediate level is the Nebraska Court of Appeals. In family law cases, a person will first file an appeal with the Nebraska Court of Appeals. After that appeal is decided, and you believe the Nebraska Court of Appeals was also wrong in its ruling, you may appeal to the next level, which is the Nebraska Supreme Court. It is important to consider how the appellate court will review your case. Most orders in family law matters will only be reversed on appeal if the appellate court finds your trial judge

The Christmas Crash

December 14, 2017 / Doing Divorce

I remember a year I had big expectations and along with them, a big discovery when they were decidedly dashed. My daughters, my mom, and I, set off on what I declared to be a great family adventure. We were going to romantically tromp through a tree farm and cut down our own magical Christmas tree. And we did… sort of. In reality, the trees were pre-cut and Sophia sighed at the lack of snow on the ground. We tried our best to ignore the frosty wind making our faces and fingers hurt while we searched for the perfect tree.

The Appeal Process, Part I

December 12, 2017 / Divorce Made Simple

If the judge made major decisions following your trial with which you seriously disagree, you may consider an appeal to the Nebraska Court of Appeals. People can appeal when they believe the judge made a mistake or misinterpreted the law as it pertains to the facts. Whatever the reasons for the court’s rulings, you may feel that the judge’s decisions are not ones that you can live with. If this is the case, you must talk to your lawyer immediately about your right to appeal. You have 30 days after the court enters its final order to file a Notice

Divorce and Retirement Accounts

December 5, 2017 / Divorce Made Simple

Retirement accounts are often one of the most valuable marital assets to be divided in a divorce. Regardless of whose name is on the account, retirement funds that accrued during the marriage may be divided in a divorce “Retirement accounts” encompass a variety of accounts – individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Railroad Retirement Board Annuities, Thrift Savings Plans, Military Retired Pay or Pensions. They can be provided through your (or your spouse’s) current place of employment, former employment, or individually obtained. They can be vested or unvested. These assets will be accounted for when inventorying your marital