Horenstein Family Law Blog

Happy New Year
Posted: January 5, 2011

The New Year is always a time to examine our lives and make resolutions. Most people resolve to save money or get healthy, but people in a troubled marriage often do not know what to do. They consider counseling, divorce, legal separations and they ponder the emotional and financial realities of these decisions. If you are considering a divorce or a legal separation, it is invaluable to gather all the information necessary before you make the decision.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Posted: December 24, 2010

As the new year approaches it is a time for reflection and resolutions.

If you are in a family law case or if you are contemplating being in one, you should seriously resolve to consider alternate forms of dispute resolution for your case.

Holiday Season and Divorce
Posted: December 6, 2010

It is a difficult time a year for couples with children when you are going through a divorce. How do you continue family traditions and yet accommodate the consequences of divorce? Do you divide Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, do you try and share the holidays as you always have, or do you just let one parent have both days and the other parent celebrates on another day during the month?

The one thing I know for sure is that I have never met a child who did not like having two or three Christmas celebrations. It is about being together in a warm and loving way for your children and for yourself. Parents who keep that goal in mind can figure out the new holiday schedule. It is important to try. If you cannot agree, then a judge will decide how you will spend Christmas with your children.

Working Hard to Save a Marriage
Posted: November 15, 2010

Many of my clients ask me why their marriage failed when they worked so hard to make it last, to make the other person happy. I never really had an answer for them. I am not a counselor, just a family law attorney. However, a friend who is going through a divorce said, well, tell them maybe it was because they were the only one working. This rings true to me: sometimes one person is doing all the work while the other person is slacking, not working, just playing around and eventually the marriage fails because it takes two to keep it going, two people motivated to put the marriage first, two people willing to work hard.

Bankruptcy Information Website
Posted: October 26, 2010

It is helpful for clients to have basic information before meeting with an attorney. In the Columbian newspaper, a wire service article listed several consumer information sites on bankruptcy law. The most basic site and easiest to understand can be found at www.bankruptcylaw.org/Basics/Good-People.html. This site does not provide legal advice, only legal information, and is no substitute for consulting with a bankruptcy attorney.

Divorce Movies To Make You Smile, Laugh, Cry
Posted: October 15, 2010

In the last twenty years or so, Hollywood realized people wanted to see divorce themed movies. I have categorized some of  my personal favorites.

Divorced Fathers Stepping Up:
Kramer vs. Kramer with Dustin Hoffman, Mrs. Doubtfire with Robin Williams, Liar Liar with Jim Carrey.

Couple Finding Romance after Divorce or Relationship Break-up:
When Harry Met Sally with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.

Siblings Helping Each Other Through Divorce:
E.T. and the Parent Trap.

Revenge Movies for Cast Away Wives:
First Wives Club.

Children have a Stepmother:
Stepmom with Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts.

Unexpected Consequences to Filing for Divorce
Posted: October 13, 2010

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are five of the possible stages you might go through when your marriage is ending. Even if you wanted the divorce, you may find yourself feeling angry and depressed. Sometimes divorce brings unpleasant consequences you did not anticipate.

I Gave The Car Back. Why Am I Being Sued?
Posted: October 10, 2010

Many people believe that when you cannot afford your car payments, the bank or credit union will repossess the car and forgive the debt. This is not always true. According to an article today in the Columbian newspaper, several banks and local credit unions are taking the cars back and suing the debtor for the difference between the value of the car and the debt remaining. As always, make sure you understand the consequences of giving the car back. Talking to your bank or credit union to see if the loan can be modified or extended until you are able to start paying again might be an option.

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