Columbia Family Divorce Law Blog

Collaborative Divorce: Core Principles and Benefits Over Traditional Litigation

Collaborative Divorce: Core Principles and Benefits Over Traditional Litigation

The end of a marriage can be emotionally overwhelming, financially demanding, and mentally draining—not just for the couple involved, but for their children and extended families as well.

Mediation between marriage, husband and wife during divorce process

Complex Divorce Cases: Managing High-Net-Worth Assets, Business Interests, and Executive Compensation

Complex Divorce Cases: Managing High-Net-Worth Assets, Business Interests, and Executive Compensation

Divorce is never easy, and when significant assets, businesses, and executive compensation come into play, the process can feel overwhelming.

A difficult divorce negotiation

When Collaborative Divorce Fails: Transitioning to Contested Proceedings Without Burning Bridges

When Collaborative Divorce Fails: Transitioning to Contested Proceedings Without Burning Bridges

Divorce is one of the most difficult journeys a family can face. When embarking on the process, many couples hope to work together amicably, choosing collaborative divorce as a way to minimize conflict and foster a respectful separation.

Frustrated senior couple, headache and fight in divorce

What Happens When a Parent Refuses to Follow the Custody Schedule?

What Happens When a Parent Refuses to Follow the Custody Schedule?

Going through separation or divorce is a challenging experience, especially when one parent refuses to follow the custody agreement. Whether it’s missing drop-offs, withholding visitation, or significantly altering the schedule without notice, these disruptions take a toll on everyone, especially the children.

Gavel, sound block and little wooden figures of parents and children placed

What Happens to BAH and Military Housing During Legal Separation?

What Happens to BAH and Military Housing During Legal Separation?

Legal separation can lead to uncertainty, especially regarding your finances and living arrangements. For military families, the added layer of military benefits, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and access to military housing, can make things even more complicated.

Judge gavel deciding on agreement prepared marriage divorce

What the Courts Expect in Parenting Plans for Active-Duty Service Members

What the Courts Expect in Parenting Plans for Active-Duty Service Members

Being a parent while serving on active duty presents unique challenges. Deployments, relocations, and unpredictable schedules create a dynamic family structure that can make co-parenting particularly complicated. Despite these challenges, courts recognize the additional complications military families face and are committed to crafting parenting plans that account for service members' responsibilities while prioritizing your children's best interests.

Woman in camouflage clothes kissing her daughter

Can You Relocate With Children After Divorce? Legal Barriers and Exceptions

Can You Relocate With Children After Divorce? Legal Barriers and Exceptions

The end of a marriage is challenging for any family, but the challenges don't always stop once the divorce is finalized. When one parent wishes to relocate with their child, it can create a situation that is fraught with emotions, questions, and concerns. If you're facing this situation as a parent, we know how much you care about your child’s stability, future, and happiness.

Child holding doll among cardboard boxes

When One Parent Tries to Alienate a Child: Legal Remedies That Work

When One Parent Tries to Alienate a Child: Legal Remedies That Work

Families are built on love, trust, and connection, but when these bonds are tested, it can cause profound heartache. For many parents, raising children together, even after a divorce or separation, is challenging yet rewarding. However, what happens when one parent actively tries to harm the relationship between a child and the other parent?

Mother looking at her daughter while she holds on tightly to her father

What Happens When Only One Parent Wants to Terminate Parental Rights?

What Happens When Only One Parent Wants to Terminate Parental Rights?

When it comes to family law, few topics are as challenging as terminating parental rights. It’s a decision that cuts to the core of family relationships and carries profound implications for all involved, especially the child at the center of the case.

Gavel on table with divorced parents and child in background

Military Divorce and the 10/10 Rule: What It Means for Retirement Pay

Military Divorce and the 10/10 Rule: What It Means for Retirement Pay

Divorces involving military service members bring unique challenges that civilian couples rarely face. One of the most significant issues revolves around military retirement pay and how it may be divided during a divorce.

Hands of soldier male who is about to taking off his wedding ring