Many of us are still processing the the results of the 2016 Presidential Election. But if you are a member of the LGBTQ Community, there are a few steps I strongly advise you to take before the next administration is sworn in in January 2017.   SAME-SEX COUPLES WITH CHILDREN: If you and your spouse have children, I recommend that both parents secure their legal relationship to their children.

People put more on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media than ever before. But if you are involved in a legal dispute, it is in your best interest to keep your life offline. Litigants have begun requesting information from Facebook during discovery and using Tweets against each other in trial.

Divorced parents considering relocation with the minor children should always consider these three simple factors--both for the sake of their case and for the sake of the children. Communicate with your child's other parent Think about your child's best interests Be prepared-get a plan This is a great read from the Huffington Post about relating after a divorce/separation.   Definitely consult an attorney before acting rashly.

Mediation is designed to save you the emotional and financial burden of litigation by helping you and the opposing party reach an amicable solution, reduce that to a written agreement or stipulation, and file it along with the necessary paperwork to have the agreement enforced as an order of the court. Many family law clients find that mediation is the best way for them to resolve their differences in a time-efficient, cost-effective manner. Mediation requires that both sides participate "in good faith.

What is "joint custody"? When it comes to family law, there are two kinds of custody: legal custody and physical custody. When we talk about "joint legal custody,"  we mean two parents who share the rights, privileges, duties, and powers of a parent. With joint legal custody, both parents have the right to make educational, medical, religious, etc.

Minimum parent-time: What does it mean?   If you’re trying to figure out parent-time in Utah, you’ll probably hear the term “minimum parent time” get thrown around a lot.   Basically, in an ideal world, parents decide for themselves how they’re going to co-parent their children after a separation.   Many parents are able to come to an amicable solution through negotiation with their lawyers and a mediator.

A new study shows divorce rates are higher in conservative "red" states because pressuring young people to marry, frowning upon un-married cohabitation, teaching abstinence-only, and restricting access emergency contraception all results in less stability for couples and children.   Think about it. Is that a surprise?  An interesting article we thought we'd share.

   I am already legally married in another state. Do I need to get married in Utah as well? Technically, no. However, as a matter of practicality, I have heard conflicting reports from different county clerk offices.

  1.        Do I have to be married to adopt in Utah? No. Single people are eligible to adopt in Utah, though married couples are given a preference.