Many people (generally women) who took their spouse’s last name or added it to their own when they got married choose to go back to their previous name when they divorce. Whether or not to do so is a decision unique to the person, their profession, their relationship...
Stepparent adoption is a formal legal process. A stepparent who has already opened their home and their heart to a stepchild can ask the courts to recognize them as one of the legal parents of the child. Stepparent adoptions require an investment of time and money....
Marriage is an exciting chapter, especially when you are a young professional building your career and future. Talking about a prenuptial agreement may feel uncomfortable, or even pessimistic, but it is really about protecting what you have worked hard to earn. Here...
Many people hoping to adopt have heard concerning stories about the process. Claims about adoption costing tens of thousands of dollars or taking years to complete can leave people hoping to become parents feeling unsure about their options. Some aspiring parents use...
Courts have options when splitting up custody between parents. They can issue joint custody, which means that both parents share custody rights. The court can also issue sole custody in some situations. This is less common, but it means that one parent is given...
When it comes to love and money, things can get complicated fast—especially in South Carolina, where property laws can have lasting consequences even before marriage begins. Many couples assume that until they say “I do,” their finances are completely separate. But...
Marrying someone who already has children is a recipe for an instant family. Individuals who have not had children of their own may relish the opportunity to step into a parental role. They may grow very close with their stepchildren over time. Sometimes, stepparents...
It’s important for spouses to notice how their relationship is going. When both parties are alert and present it makes it more likely they can do something about minor issues before they turn into major ones. Yet this does not happen in many marriages. It’s why so...
One of the most important assets a couple can have may also be one they forget about as they’re determining how to divide things up – a 529 savings plan. These are tax-advantaged plans that parents often open to save for their children’s educational needs. These...
Going through a separation or divorce is difficult for everyone involved, often especially children. When one parent has narcissistic tendencies, the situation can become even more complex. Parental alienation, where a narcissistic ex alienates your children against...