Family Law. Plain-English guides, state-by-state.
Every family law guide we've published — fees, timelines, procedure, and calculators for the numbers that matter.
28 guides in Family Law.
Alimony Calculator: How Spousal Support Works by State
Understand how alimony is calculated in every state — formula states vs judicial discretion, duration guidelines, and what factors courts weigh when setting spousal support.
16 min read
Child Support Calculator: How Payments Work by State
Learn how child support payments are calculated in all 50 states — Income Shares, Percentage of Income, and Melson Formula models explained with real examples and specific numbers.
15 min read
How Is Alimony Calculated? State-by-State Guide
A state-by-state breakdown of alimony calculation methods — which states use formulas, which rely on judicial discretion, and what specific factors determine your spousal support amount.
15 min read
Child Support and College Expenses: Which States Require Contributions
Find out which states can order parents to pay for college expenses after divorce, what factors courts consider, and how to plan for post-secondary education costs in your divorce agreement.
7 min read
Divorce and Your Mortgage: Refinancing, Selling, and Buyout Options
A practical guide to handling your mortgage during divorce, including refinancing, selling, buyout strategies, and how to protect your credit and financial future.
9 min read
Modifying Alimony: Cohabitation, Retirement, and Job Loss
A practical guide to modifying alimony when life changes—covering cohabitation, retirement, job loss, and other grounds courts accept for reducing or terminating spousal support.
8 min read
Hiding Assets in Divorce: How Courts Find Hidden Money
Learn how courts and forensic accountants detect hidden assets in divorce, the legal consequences of concealing property, and what to do if you suspect your spouse is hiding money.
7 min read
Property Division in Divorce: Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution
Understand how marital property is divided in divorce, including the difference between community property and equitable distribution, what counts as marital vs. separate property, and how to protect your interests.
11 min read
Alimony and Taxes: What Changed After the 2017 Tax Reform
Understand how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the tax treatment of alimony, including what it means for new divorce agreements and pre-2019 orders.
7 min read
Creating a Parenting Plan: Schedules, Holidays, and Decision-Making
Guide to creating a parenting plan that covers custody schedules, holiday arrangements, decision-making authority, communication rules, and dispute resolution.
9 min read
How Long Does Alimony Last? Duration Guidelines by State
State-by-state guide to alimony duration, covering how long spousal support lasts, what factors determine the length, and when alimony terminates automatically.
9 min read
Types of Alimony: Temporary, Rehabilitative, Permanent, and More
A clear explanation of every type of alimony—temporary, rehabilitative, durational, reimbursement, and permanent—including when each applies and how they affect your divorce.
8 min read
Relocating With Children After Divorce: Legal Requirements by State
Understand the legal requirements for relocating with children after divorce, including notice requirements, court approval, distance thresholds, and how courts evaluate relocation requests.
9 min read
How Custody Time Affects Child Support Calculations
Understand the direct relationship between parenting time and child support amounts, including how different custody schedules affect your monthly obligation in income shares states.
7 min read
Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody: Key Differences and When Each Applies
Understand the differences between joint and sole custody, including legal custody, physical custody, when courts award each type, and how the decision affects your family.
8 min read
Child Support Enforcement: What Happens When a Parent Doesn't Pay
Understand the enforcement tools available when a parent fails to pay child support, including wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt of court, and federal criminal penalties.
9 min read
Custody Evaluation: What to Expect and How to Prepare
A practical guide to custody evaluations—what they involve, how much they cost, who conducts them, and how to prepare so the evaluation accurately reflects your parenting.
9 min read
How to Modify Child Support: When and How to Request Changes
Learn when you can request a child support modification, the grounds courts accept, the step-by-step process, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to denied petitions.
8 min read
Income Shares vs. Percentage of Income: Child Support Models Explained
A clear explanation of the two main child support calculation models—income shares and percentage of income—with examples showing how each affects your obligation.
9 min read
Dividing Retirement Accounts in Divorce: 401(k)s, Pensions, and QDROs
Learn how retirement accounts are divided in divorce, including 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and the QDRO process—with tips to avoid costly tax mistakes.
10 min read
How to File for Divorce Without a Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to filing for divorce without an attorney, covering eligibility, required forms, filing procedures, common mistakes, and when you should hire a lawyer instead.
11 min read
Child Custody Explained: Types, Factors, and What Courts Consider
Guide to child custody covering legal and physical custody, joint vs. sole custody, best interest factors, parenting plans, and what to expect in a custody dispute.
15 min read
Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation: Which Path Saves Money?
Compare the costs, timelines, and outcomes of divorce mediation versus litigation to decide which approach makes the most financial and emotional sense for your family.
9 min read
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: Cost and Timeline Differences
Understand the key differences between uncontested and contested divorce, including average costs, timelines, and how to determine which path is right for your situation.
10 min readFree legal calculators
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