An emerging trend in the field of alternative dispute resolution, the collaborative law concept is a structured and cooperative out-of-court approach to problem-solving. It allows those in a legal dispute to work together with their attorneys toward a solution in a positive, results-focused setting. ...

After a divorce becomes final -- whether through settlement agreement or after a court decision -- either spouse may still have an opportunity to challenge certain decisions made by the court. One or both spouses can seek to appeal or modify their ...

The divorce has been hard enough, and now there might be a trial? Trials may look good on television, but in most cases a settlement outside of court proceedings can be a better way to go. If you and your ...

The divorce petition is a legal document filed in court by a spouse who seeks a divorce. Also called the "complaint" in some states, the petition informs the court of the filing spouse's (called the "petitioner") desire to end the ...

For divorcing couples who meet certain eligibility requirements in their state (usually must have no children and minimal property/assets), a streamlined divorce process called “summary” or "simple" divorce (or dissolution) may be an option. Basically, this type of divorce is ...

After a divorce/dissolution petition is filed with the court, the petitioner (usually through his or her lawyer) makes sure that the petition is "served" (legally delivered) on the other spouse. The spouse who has been served with the divorce/dissolution petition is called ...

State courts have power (or "jurisdiction") over divorce proceedings, so the spouse seeking a divorce files an initial document called a divorce "petition" or "complaint" with his or her state court -- usually in the county or district branch of the ...

You’ve decided you’re ready to get divorced, but what do you need to do next? You need to learn how the process works. While divorce is generallly an adversarial action, pitting spouse against spouse, the following articles and legal resources ...

The law considers marriage a contract between two people. The law in the state where the married couple resides will govern their property rights. A prenuptial agreement, also called a premarital agreement, allows a couple to set the terms of the property ...

Legal issues related to marriage can range from understanding requirements for getting married in your state to protecting the financial and property rights of new spouses. Whether you need information on getting a marriage license, or would like to create a prenuptial agreement, ...