Negotiating With Your Wife

Almost everyone would prefer to have an amicable divorce assuming they can get what they want out of it.  Many of our clients also believe they can do well negotiating directly with their wives and some do.  Negotiation is a skill and doing it well requires strategy.  We don't frequently refer to other family law blogs but this one has a good basic strategy http://markchinn.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-negotiate-without-causing.html.  Of course knowing what to go for and sealing the deal are also helpful.  We assist with setting objectives and making your deal enforceable all of the time.

Banking Alerts

We are regularly called with fears about the wife taking the contents of the bank account.  Once a divorce is filed  the court is able to issue orders prohibiting such action.  However, not everyone is ready to file divorce.  If you aren't and aren't able to take exclusive control of the bank account, then keeping a close eye on banking activity is important.  Banking alerts, available with most major banks, allow you to set up email or text alerts that notify you of transactions.  They are also available with many major credit cards.  Once the alerts are set up, keep an eye out for unusual transactions.  If she does drain the account, make sure you get help right away.  If you let time pass she may be able to spend it before we can help.

Inability to Get Along: Change of Custody?

Recently, the Court of Appeals found that parents’ inability to get along and agree with respect to their children was sufficient grounds to review a custody order.  Constant disagreements between parents that negatively impact children are generally not taken lightly by the court.  As we have previously posted, it is often onerous for a parent to request a modification of custody once it has been established by a court order.  While requesting a change of custody is still very difficult, it is important to document all issues regarding custody or parenting time as they occur.  We highly recommend using e-mail exchanges to provide proof to the court.   If you feel that you have some facts that may justify a change of custody, it is advisable to contact an attorney.