Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

By Rachel D.S. Schmidt

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

When Gov. Pat Quinn signed the Civil Union Act in January, Illinois joined about a dozen other states in providing legal protection to same-sex couples.

The bill allows for civil unions defined as a "legal relationship" between two persons of either the same or opposite sex. Civil unions give same-sex couples many of the same rights traditional married couples receive from their state.

However, not all states recognize civil unions and the federal government currently does not recognize civil unions either.

By Jill A. Duffy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Note: This is Part 2 of two-part series on breaking down The List. I previously examined the seven "cardinal rules" that should be considered the law in your divorce litigation.

The Dads Divorce Forums are extremely popular and one of the more valuable features on DadsDivorce.com. In particular, one post called "The List" has received a lot of attention since it was posted in 2005.

Although the seven cardinal rules in The List provide solid and sound advice for filing and proceeding with your contested divorce or custody case, you must adapt and tailor them to your specific situation.

Every person involved in litigation must realize that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Here are four key points to keep in mind when going through a divorce.

By Nancy Shannon

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell P.C., Omaha, Neb., office

Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on active military members and common questions about their rights. Click here to read Part 1.

Active members of the United State’s Armed Forces may be able to seek protection from civil actions under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA). Tracing its origins back to the Civil War when a freeze was placed on all civil actions against federal soldiers, the SCRA provides expanded protection over it’s predecessor, the Solders’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940.

Servicemembers are at a disadvantage when faced with defending a civil lawsuit or fulfilling financial obligations while also serving their country. The SCRA provides protection to active members of the armed forces, in addition to reservists and members of the National Guard, in some circumstances. There are several different types of protections, ranging from lowered interests rates to eviction restrictions.

For any parent (or alleged parent) in the military, the SCRA provides a valuable benefit when faced with child custody and child support issues.  It’s possible for parents in the military to stay, or suspend, civil actions brought against them during their service, and for a brief time after, in some situations.

Read on for common questions about SCRA.

By Nancy Shannon

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell P.C., Omaha, Neb., office

Note: This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on active military members and common questions about their rights. Click here to read Part 2.

Active members of the United State’s Armed Forces may be able to seek protection from civil actions under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA). Tracing its origins back to the Civil War when a freeze was placed on all civil actions against federal soldiers, the SCRA provides expanded protection over it’s predecessor, the Solders’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940.

Servicemembers are at a disadvantage when faced with defending a civil lawsuit or fulfilling financial obligations while also serving their country. The SCRA provides protection to active members of the armed forces, in addition to reservists and members of the National Guard, in some circumstances. There are several different types of protections, ranging from lowered interests rates to eviction restrictions.

For any parent (or alleged parent) in the military, the SCRA provides a valuable benefit when faced with child custody and child support issues.  It’s possible for parents in the military to stay, or suspend, civil actions brought against them during their service, and for a brief time after, in some situations.

Read on for common questions about SCRA.

Question: I have one child; he is 5 years old. I have raised him together with his mother since birth. We were engaged but have not married. She announced she is breaking it off and moving to another county and taking the child. What are my rights in Kansas and more importantly, what can I do to prevent him from leaving the current county and school district?