family-law-blog

Rowe Undecided On Whether To Seek Custody

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:07:05 +0100

According to an article on Yahoo News, the mother of two of Michael Jackson's children is undecided on whether she will seek custody of the children. Currently Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, has temporary guardianship of her son's three children. A guardianship hearing was rescheduled for July 13.

To view the full article click here.

'Jon & Kate' Divorce due to an Irretrievably Broken Marriage

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:11:57 +0100

According to an article by the Associated Press posted on the Chicago Tribunes website, Kate Gosselin says her marriage to Jon is "irretrievably broken." The TLC "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star filed for a no-fault divorce Monday in Montgomery County Court. She said in the divorce papers that she is willing to "negotiate a fair and reasonable" settlement with her husband of 10 years.

The couple's marital problems have recently been showcased in tabloids and on television. Monday night's show, in which the couple announced their separation and divorce, drew a record audience of 10.6 million viewers. The couple has just recently been living separate and apart.

Kate recently stated to the media that "Jon's activities" over the weekend had left her "no choice but to file legal procedures in order to protect myself and our children." She did not elaborate. Both Jon and Kate deny tabloid accusations that they cheated on each other.

Jon responded by saying, "To be honest, I was hurt by Kate's statement about the divorce. I have always done everything I can to protect our family. This weekend, I was home with the kids for four days, just being a dad. No nannies, just the kids and me." He added that while "emotions are running high for both of us right now," he hopes to "resolve things amicably."

The couple plan to spend equal time with their children at the $1.1 million house they moved into last year, with Kate staying elsewhere when he has custody and Jon making other living arrangements when it's her turn, according to the statement.

Kate's lawyer, Cheryl Young, said Tuesday that the couple has already started negotiating the terms of the divorce.

To view the entire article click here.

Usher Files For Divorce

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:13:50 +0100

According to an article in CBS News, Usher has filed for divorce from his wife Tameka Foster Raymond. The couple were married in August of 2007 and they have two sons. The petition did not give any details concerning the split between the couple.

To view the full article click here.

Drew Peterson Considers Divorce

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:13:31 +0100

According to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times, Drew Peterson met with a prominent Chicago divorce attorney on November 11, 2009 to consider the possibility of divorcing Stacy Peterson. Stacy Peterson went missing on October 28, 2007 with Drew Peterson becoming a suspect in her disappearance. Peterson has denied any wrongdoing. Illinois law allows desertion or abandonment as two possible grounds for divorce if the spouse has been gone for more than a year. Peterson claims his wife left him voluntarily.

To view the full article click here.

Unemployed Parents Struggle to Pay Child-Support Amid Tough Economic Times

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:13:05 +0100

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, many parents who lost their jobs as a result of the dismal economy are struggling to pay their child-support obligations. One such parent is Itasca resident Brian Kalina. Mr. Kalina was divorced in November and ordered to pay $600.00 per month in child-support payments to his three children. A month later he found himself out of a job and struggling to meet his child-support obligation. Mr. Kalina went to court to try to lower his child-support payments until he could find a job. He has applied at dozens of locations, but was unsuccessful in attaining a position.

In Illinois, judges have the power to modify child-support payments if the parent making the payments is experiencing financial problems. However, Judge Raul Vega ultimately denied Mr. Kalina's request for a reduction in child-support payments. Mr. Kalinas was ordered to periodically appear before the court to tell the Judge about his job search efforts.

This is an unfortunate situation that happens all too often, especially amid the dismal economic conditions we currently face.

To see the full article click here.