How Do These Trends Affect Your Divorce?

Family Law Trends for Divorce

When you’re not aware of trends in family law and divorce, you may be exposing yourself to fines, penalties and court fees that can affect you and your family. Divorce is one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. Being aware of important trends ensures that you’re not surprised as you deal with your proceedings.

New Year, New Beginnings

The month of January tends to be the busiest time of the year for divorce proceedings to begin. As you may imagine, many people who want to get a divorce don’t wish to do so during the holiday season. There are many different reasons why this is the case.

Some might wish to avoid upsetting their children or other family members during the holiday season. Others might have attempted to use the holiday season as a way to mend their broken marriage. Regardless of the reason, after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, couples are much more likely to get a divorce, starting their year with a new beginning.

Interference With Parenting Time

One of the recent trends when it comes to divorce are courts considering the alienation of the child from the parent in a harsh light. A recent ruling from a court in New York saw the case of a mother who told the judge that “she would do whatever it takes to keep the boy away from his father.”

Typically, the courts consider the payment of child support and visitation rights as separate issues. However, in this case, since the mother was upfront about her desire to keep her child away from the father, the judge ruled that the man wouldn’t have to pay child support anymore.

This trend has seen recent legislation take place is the state of Minnesota, which codified punishments for these cases. In fact, when a parent has been found to be intentionally interfering with parenting time, Minnesota now charges the parent under criminal proceedings. This can result in up to two years of jail time or a fine of up to $4,000. Civil remedies may consist of a $500 penalty and the payment of lawyers fees.

Contact An Experienced Professional

Ensure that you’re not suddenly caught by surprise during and after your divorce proceedings by contacting a lawyer experienced in family law.

Colgan & Associates, LLC is a trusted law firm that specializes in family law matters, traffic matters and criminal defense. We represent clients in both State and Federal Court, with offices in Harrisburg, York and Dillsburg.

Click here to contact us, or fill out the form on the right to arrange a free consultation. You can also call us at the numbers listed at the top of the page.