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Minnesota Adoption Basics
As an adoptive parent, you could make a positive difference in the life of a child who desperately needs your love and care. Options abound; you can adopt domestically or internationally through an agency. You can adopt your new spouse's child or get involved with Minnesota's foster program. No matter which avenue you pursue, you'll need to abide by local legislation. Not sure where to start? We offer a first look at the Minnesota adoption process below:
Couples who make it through the first two years of marriage stand a far better chance of also making it to their ten or even twenty-year anniversary. Many marriages end while couples are just barely emerging from the honeymoon phase, however. These divorces often differ from the splits that follow long-term marriages. If you're ready to divorce after just a few months or years, keep the following considerations in mind:
Substance abuse is unfortunately prevalent in Minnesota, where it plays a key role in the breakup of many marriages. Data collected by the Minnesota Survey of Adult Substance Usein 2014 and 2015 reveals that five percent of adult residents suffer alcohol abuse, while two percent meet established criteria defining drug use disorders. If you believe that your spouse meets these criteria — and that divorce is your best option — you'll want to proceed carefully to ensure the best outcome for you and your children.
Minnesota Resources for Domestic Abuse Victims
Domestic abuse plagues far too many Minnesota families, with data from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women revealing that a tragic 24 Minnesotans died at the hands of partners or other family members in 2017. Many others experience considerable physical and mental suffering. Few seek the help they deserve. Resources are within reach, however, and many local organizations are ready to lend a helping hand — as highlighted below.
Whether you've happily moved on from your ex or regret your divorce, you're likely to feel at least a tinge of jealousy as your former spouse hits the dating market. That jealousy will only increase if your ex enters into a serious relationship. These suggestions will help you move forward:
Common Post-Judgment Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
A decree has been issued and the divorce drama is finally over — or is it? Sometimes, legal issues continue long after the perceived conclusion of a divorce. Unfortunately, many people let down their guard at this point, leading to major problems down the road. Read on to learn how you can avoid the most common post-judgment mistakes.
5 Healthy Financial Habits to Establish After Your Divorce
From court fees to alimony, divorce can be a costly affair. Financial suffering often follows, especially as divorced spouses transition from two incomes to one. By establishing the following prudent habits early on, you can set yourself up for success without your spouse's financial contributions.
Parenting a Teenager During a Divorce: Best Practices
Parenting teens can be tricky in the best of times. What happens, then, when you combine the emotional volatility of adolescence with the upheaval of divorce? The results are rarely pretty, and yet, if you're like many couples, divorce may be the best path for your family. The good news? Your divorce need not destroy your child's teenage years. Many teens thrive, even as their parents deal with the fallout of dissolution. Ultimately, it all comes down to your parenting approach. Follow these tips to ensure the easiest possible transition:
Tips For Hiring the Best Family Law Attorney
From alimony to adoption, your family lawyer plays a key role in your life and the lives of your loved ones. With such high stakes, you obviously don't want to leave these sensitive legal concerns to just anybody. Why, then, do so many clients take attorney selection so lightly? Minnesota may be home to several excellent attorneys, but not every legal representative will prove an ideal match. The more thoroughly you vet your future lawyer, the better. Keep these essential tips in mind as you choose the best possible representative to handle your case:
Do You Suspect Your Ex of Hiding Money? What to Do
Divorce is largely a financial affair. In an ideal scenario, both spouses would be completely honest and transparent in the interest of expediting the process — but often, financial deception is just as evident in divorce as it was during the ill-fated marriage. Don't let your ex get away with deceptive behavior that could destroy your ability to get a clean shake in the divorce process. With a little help, it may be possible to uncover hidden funds — and alter your divorce arrangements accordingly. Keep the following in mind if your spouse's financial status seems shady:
