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Equitable Distribution Concept with Balanced Scales
Divorce Law Family Law
Marital Property Division

What is equitable distribution?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Equitable distribution is the method most states use to divide marital property in divorce by awarding a fair—though not always 50/50—share to each spouse. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and contributions, and future financial needs when deciding what’s “equitable.” This article explains how equitable distribution works, what counts […]
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Couple Reviewing Community Property Documents Together
Divorce Law Family Law
Marital Property & Asset Division

What is community property?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Community property is a marital property system in which most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned 50/50 by both spouses. It applies in nine U.S. states (with variations) and can significantly affect divorce, death, and financial planning outcomes. This article explains what counts as community vs. separate property, key exceptions, how property […]
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Couple Signing Postnuptial Agreement with Lawyer
Divorce & Separation Family Law
Marital & Prenuptial Agreements

What is a postnuptial agreement?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
A postnuptial agreement is a written contract spouses sign after marriage to define how assets, debts, and potential spousal support will be handled if they separate, divorce, or one spouse dies. Its enforceability depends on state law and typically requires full financial disclosure and voluntary, fair terms. This article explains what a postnup is, what […]
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Couple Signing Prenuptial Agreement with Lawyer
Divorce & Separation Law Family Law
Marital & Prenuptial Agreements

What is a prenuptial agreement?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed before marriage that sets rules for dividing property, debts, and sometimes spousal support if the marriage ends. It helps protect separate assets, clarify financial expectations, and can reduce the cost and conflict of divorce, though it generally can’t predetermine child custody or child support. This article explains […]
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Family Holding Hands with Adopted Child
Adoption Law Family Law
Guardianship Law

What is adoption?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Adoption is the legal process that permanently transfers parental rights and responsibilities from a child’s birth parents (or the state) to adoptive parents, making the child their legal child. It is typically finalized by a court order and can involve domestic, international, agency, private, or stepparent adoptions, with requirements varying by state. This article explains […]
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Parent and Child Visiting Together During Scheduled Time
Child Custody and Visitation Divorce and Separation
Family Law

What is visitation rights?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Visitation rights (also called parenting time) let a noncustodial parent spend scheduled time with their child under a court order or agreement. They’re designed to maintain a meaningful parent-child relationship when parents separate or divorce, consistent with the child’s best interests. This article explains how visitation is set, common schedules, and enforcement or modification options. […]
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Parent and Child Reviewing Documents Together
Child Custody and Visitation Divorce and Separation
Family Law

What is a parenting plan?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
A parenting plan is a written co-parenting agreement that sets custody time-sharing and how parents will make decisions for their child. It clarifies schedules, communication, transportation, holidays, and dispute-resolution to reduce conflict and keep the child’s best interests first. This article explains the key components to include in a comprehensive parenting plan. A parenting plan […]
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Parent Holding Child's Hand in Custody Context
Child Custody Law Divorce Law
Family Law

What is sole custody?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Sole custody is a custody arrangement where 1 parent has primary authority over a child’s care and major decisions. The other parent typically may receive visitation or parenting time, but does not share decision-making power unless the court orders otherwise. This article explains how sole custody works, types of custody, and what courts consider. When […]
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Parents Sharing Custody of Child with Legal Documents
Child Custody and Visitation Divorce and Separation
Family Law

What is joint custody?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Joint custody is a custody arrangement in which both parents share legal responsibility for their child after separation or divorce. It often includes shared decision-making and may also involve a parenting-time schedule where the child spends time with each parent. This article explains joint custody types, how it differs from sole custody, and how courts […]
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Parent and Child Walking Hand in Hand Outdoors
Child Custody and Visitation Divorce and Separation
Family Law

What is physical custody?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert
Physical custody is the court-ordered arrangement that decides where a child lives and who provides day-to-day care after parents separate or divorce. It covers the child’s daily routine and overnights, while legal custody governs major decisions like education and healthcare. This article explains physical vs. legal custody and common parenting time schedules. Physical custody refers […]
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