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Divorced With Children: Knowing Your Power

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Divorce isn’t easy on adults much less on children. Many times, custody is given to the mother because children attach more to her. Sometimes during divorce proceedings a mother’s care is questioned as inadequate or unsafe for her children. In this case, a mother should know her rights.

Mother’s Rights

Legal Representation

Hiring a family lawyer is a good way to protect your parental rights. Attorneys who specialize in family law will know the ins and outs of the law and the system. They will advise what mother’s rights in child custody hearings are.

Witnesses

In many divorce cases and custody hearings, testimony is a matter of “he said, she said” with little evidence to prove either one correct. If you’re going in to dispute accusations of your parenting, bring witnesses with you. Your lawyer will depose witnesses beforehand.

Physical Evidence

Any physical evidence that will help matters. This may include documents or receipts for financial support or doctor statements. If you have any proof of abuse or neglect on his part, give it to your lawyer.

Factors Influencing Custody

There are many factors that influence custody that the court will consider:

You can provide a stable home.
You are mentally and physically able to care for your children.
You were the primary caretaker of your kids. Children have a stronger bond with the parent that did most of the nurturing.
Your kids can voice their desires to the court.

If the Court Rules Against You

Sometimes the court will award custody to the father. In this situation, mothers have certain rights.

Visitation

A mother has the right to regular visitations with her children. You may schedule activities during this time. Visits must be free from the interruptions or threats from the father.

Petition

A mother has the right to petition the court to enforce visitation. You can also request a hearing when you feel that the agreement has been violated or visitation has been denied.

Injunction

A mother has the right to stop the father from taking kids over state lines. Many missing children are abducted by parents. You can get an injunction preventing him from taking your kids to an unknown or unreachable destination.

Mother’s Obligations

Not only do you have rights, but you have responsibilities as well. You must obey court orders and behave in your children’s best interest at all times. You must report any signs of abuse or neglect. Whether you want to or not, you have to work with your ex -husband and maintain an amicable and cooperative relationship.

Going through custody hearings is stressful, but knowing what you’re rights are beforehand will help you protect your relationship with your kids.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Bankruptcy Fraud

It’s no secret that the economy experiences large swings from year to year. Sometimes, businesses thrive and consumers flock to spend all their disposable income. In a matter of a few months, those same small businesses are closing their doors, and those once-carefree spenders are pinching every last penny.

When financial times are good, it’s important to stash that cash and save certain funds for those times when finances are leaner. If consumers aren’t seriously careful, they might find themselves filing for financial hardships, defaulting on loans and mortgages, etc. When this happens, there are serious legal penalties for lying to the bankruptcy court, and it’s important to be safe and smart with money to avoid legal trouble. Stay informed, and take a look through our best list of ways to recognize the warning signs of bankruptcy fraud, and learn how to avoid it in the future.

Image Courtesy of Tax Credits via Flickr.

Concealing Assets

If a friend of loved one confides he or she is doing some strategic shuffling to hide or conceal financial or material assets, it could be a huge red flag. Especially in the world of business, concealing valuable collateral points towards sub-legal activity. Sure, every business owner wants to save his company, but not at the expense of his reputation. Help steer him in the right direction and seek legal help together before proceeding.

Large Transfers

Huge amounts of money can sometimes be transferred to a different account, under the legal radar. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for any similar bank activity, especially if you own a business and have a hand in the finances. Remember that Uncle Sam will surely examine bank statements and financial history in a bankruptcy court and you can’t be too careful.

Gifting the Grandkids

Baby boomers who own successful, thriving companies know all too well that gifting the grandkids can be one of the best ways to push money out of a large account, tax-free. But be wary of a business owner who seems to be a little too generous. He or she might know a financial crash is looming, and is trying to preserve every last dollar, which could be a financial warning sign.

Now that you have a firm list of a few those tell-tale warning signs of bankruptcy fraud, you’ll know how to avoid them in the future. Spread the word to loved ones—especially those with small businesses—and learn how to safely stash any extra funds for times when finances are leaner. You’ll never regret being financially responsible, even if it costs a few extra dollars in the long-run. Live by a few smart finance rules, and always enjoy a business—or even family budget—happily in the black, despite financial and economic swings.