Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

By Erica Christian

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Generally there are designated factors that the court has to consider in determining whether or not to order a party to pay alimony. 

Courts usually consider the following when determining alimony, or maintenance as it may be called in your state:

By Erica Christian

Divorce Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Divorce can be a nasty process. When child custody is an issue, divorce is even more contentious. Some parents want to leave the custody battle up to the child, thus the inevitable question:

How old does a child have to be to decide where and with which parent they want to live?

By Erica Christian

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Click here to read Part 1.

In November, Bristol Palin filed a legal petition seeking sole custody of her and Levi Johnston's minor child, Tripp, and $1,700 per month in child support. Reports indicate that Levi is ordered to pay Bristol $21,561.12 as backpay for support dating back to the date of birth.  Levi has a child support order going forward of $1,688.42 per month. 

The 19-year-old father had a big year in 2009, filled with modeling and acting gigs and income generated from interviews and appearances.  He went from never making more than $10,000 per year to over $100,000 in 2009. 

But are these earnings what the aspiring actor/model can expect to receive in 2010 and thereafter? 

By Erica Christian

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Click here to read Part 2.

Although this is not the scenario you hear on the news everyday, let’s say you had a great year financially in 2009.  Sales were up, bonuses were paid, and overtime was plentiful.  You look at your 2009 W2 and sigh as you know 2010 will be a drastically different year.  You took a pay reduction, sales are crawling, and your boss is talking about potential layoffs.  Well for a person who is ordered to pay child support, this fluke year could drastically affect any modifiable support order. 

Such might be the case for Levi Johnston.  On Nov. 3, 2009, Bristol Palin filed a legal petition seeking sole custody of their minor child, Tripp, and $1,700 per month in child support. Reports indicate that Levi is ordered to pay Bristol $21,561.12 as backpay for support dating back to the date of birth.  Levi has a child support order going forward of $1,688.42 per month.  The 19 year old father had a big year in 2009, filled with modeling and acting gigs and income generated from interviews and appearances.  He went from never making more than $10,000 per year to over $100,000 in 2009. 

But are these earnings what the aspiring actor/model can expect to receive in 2010 and thereafter? 

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• Questions about a mutually-owned home during a divorce
• My ex wife got a restraining order against me so I can't even go to our church. What can I do?
• I was awarded my 401(k) and pension in our decree.My has threatened to take me back to court to get half of it. Can she do this?
• I've been paying maintenance for seven years and will retire soon. What factors will determine my chances of ending or reducing maintenance payments when I am on a much lower fixed income?