Do We Need More and Better Court Intervention in Domestic Relations Cases?
In many types of civil litigation, the core issue is not whether time is of the essence, but whether one will eventually recover compensation, and if so, how much. Yes,…
What Could Be the Reasons for Someone to Return to an Abusive Partner After Filing for Divorce and Leaving Them Once Before? Why Would They Also Leave Their Children Behind?
Good reasons? Or any and all reasons? In no particular order: The abuse is not bad enough (or perceived as not bad enough) to justify terminating the relationship. Otherwise stated,…
My Wife Is Divorcing Me Because I Am Not Rich Enough. She Said It Will Take Me Years to Make Her Feel Financially Secure. I Was There for Her When She Had Mental Breakdowns. What Should I Do?
If your wife really is divorcing you, and not merely threatening to divorce you, because 1) you are not rich enough to suit her, and 2) you are not a…
2024 UT App 54 – Tilleman v. Tilleman – custody factors, income, fees
2024 UT App 54 - Tilleman v. Tilleman THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS MICHAEL ROBERT TILLEMAN, Appellant, v. MICHAL CHRISTINE TILLEMAN, Appellee. Opinion No. 20210637-CA Filed April 11, 2024 Fourth…
What are the child custody factors that judges consider?
What are the child custody factors that judges consider when determining what's in a child's best interest in custody disputes according to Utah’s family law statutes? The main factors are…
In Re K.T. 2023 UT App 5 – Substantiation of Child Abuse
2023 UT App 5 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.T., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.K., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
What do I do if my husband will not agree to a marriage separation but I desperately need a separation (he’s emotionally and mentally abusive)?
I cannot speak for the law in all jurisdictions governing divorce and separation, but I can tell you what the law is for the jurisdiction where I practice (Utah): One…
Is the Johnny Depp divorce trial actually newsworthy?
The divorce trial wasn’t all that newsworthy or memorable (celebrities divorcing is expected), it’s his defamation trial against his ex-wife that is newsworthy. Why? Although his defamation case is not…
How can I make my abusive husband divorce me?
Short of holding the proverbial gun to his head (i.e., forcing him to do so against his will), you can’t. While you might contrive to motivate your husband to file…
How can I help my stepdaughter get away from an abusive mother?
How can I help my 12-year-old step daughter get away from an emotionally abusive mother? Tell the child’s father (your husband) about the trouble and have him handle it. It’s…
Is it wrong for a parent to go to their adult child for emotional support?
Is it wrong for a parent to go to their adult child for emotional support concerning the parent’s marriage? I am a divorce and family lawyer and a parent, but…
How can I help my step-child get away from an abusive mother?
How can I help my 12-year-old step-daughter get away from an emotionally abusive mother? Tell the child’s father (your husband) about the trouble and have him handle it. It’s not…
Can I legally stop talking to my dad if he has custody (I live with my mom full time, but he’s still legally my parent as well)?
This is a good question because it deals with an issue that the law either has not addressed or cannot effectively address. First, is there any legally permissible and practicable…
Spouse abused me emotionally, so I get more money in divorce now, right?
My spouse abused me emotionally, so I get more money in divorce now, right? Strongly believing or feeling that “I deserve” an unequal division of the marital estate does not…
2019 UT App 208 – In re E.R. – termination of parental rights
2019 UT App 208 - THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF E.R., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.R., Appellant, v. STATE OF…
2019 UT App 207 – Peeples v. Peeples – modification of child custody
2019 UT App 207 - THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS ADAM LEGRANDE PEEPLES, Appellee, v. ANNALEISE T. PEEPLES, Appellant. Opinion No. 20180713-CA Filed December 19, 2019 Third District Court, Salt…
