When first acquainting yourself with the landscape involving child support, understanding what constitutes “Gross Income” is crucial. The definitions of “Gross Income” and “Adjusted Gross Income” for child support purposes diverge significantly from their meanings in tax contexts. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations and elements included in child support calculations. Gross vs. Adjusted Gross Income For child support calculations, the Arizona Child Support Guidelines provide specific definitions for these terms, distinct from tax terminology. It’s vital to set aside tax-related conception ..read more

Selling a home amidst a divorce presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. During such emotional times, the financial implications of selling a shared property can either pave the way for a secure financial future or, if mismanaged, lead to long-term repercussions for both parties involved. Drawing from insights shared by Billie Tarascio from Modern Law and Arizona real estate agent Zach Nuetzman, who specializes in assisting divorcing couples, this blog aims to shed light on how to approach the sale of a family home during divorce proceedings, ensuring that financial ruin is avoid ..read more

How To Approach Child Support in High-Income Households Child support calculations can become complex, especially in scenarios involving high-income families. Suppose you find yourself in a situation where you and your child have been accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, thanks to a high-earning spouse. The dissolution of such a union raises concerns about maintaining the standard of living for your child. Here’s a closer look at how child support is calculated and the possibilities for adjustments in cases of significant wealth disparity. Understanding Child Support Calculations In Arizona, chil ..read more

In family court, the quest for sole custody is both emotionally charged and complex. The distinction between sole legal decision-making and sole physical custody (parenting time) is crucial, each with its distinct challenges and strategies for success. Understanding the Differences Legal Decision-Making vs. Parenting Time: Sole legal decision-making grants you the authority to make significant decisions for your child without the other parent’s agreement. On the other hand, sole physical custody pertains to where and with whom the child primarily resides. Strategies for Legal Decision-Making ..read more

When criminal justice and family matters intertwine, the expertise of seasoned professionals like Beth Hoel Goulden becomes indispensable. With 25 years of experience at Maricopa County Adult Probation and a specialization in sex offenses, Goulden brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She recently shared her experience with Modern Law family attorneys who sometimes find themselves helping clients dealing with criminal issues, particularly as they relate to sex offenses. Sex Offenses: Not a Monolith Sex offenses encompass a range of behaviors and circumstances, with the legal system often ..read more

Divorce is hard on the whole family, and kids often get stuck in the middle. Wouldn’t you like your child to have the “cheat code” to success for the rest of their life? Today’s kids are growing up connected more to their devices than to each other, creating an unprecedented change in children leaving them vulnerable to isolation, with an extra helping of helplessness. For listeners of the Modern Divorce Podcast, it may be a child suffering the emotional issues of a newly split family. But that can change, with real relationships that develop emotional intelligence and self confidence. The Cha ..read more

In a groundbreaking case that may set a precedent for how courts address parental alienation as abuse, a young mother, Amanda Diacos, successfully regained custody of her daughter after demonstrating to the court that her ex had engaged in behavior constituting parental alienation. This case, discussed in detail on the Modern Divorce Podcast with attorney Billie Tarascio, highlights the complexities of parental alienation and offers hope and a blueprint for parents facing similar challenges. Understanding Parental Alienation Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to tur ..read more

Re-entering the dating scene as a newly single parent in today’s digital age presents unique challenges, especially with the prevalence of catfishing and the casual nature of modern relationships. The following tips, inspired by a discussion from Modern Law’s podcast featuring Modern Law attorneys Billie Tarascio, along with former Olympian, Lanni Marchant, sheds light on the group “Are We Dating The Same Guy?” and offers practical advice for those stepping back into the dating world. Modern Dating Landscape “Are We Dating The Same Guy?” is a Facebook group where women are sharing experiences ..read more

The tragic case of the Gilbert Goons, the Gilbert, Arizona case involving the beating death of a 16-year-old and subsequent charges against seven teenagers, has sent shockwaves through communities and raised complex questions about parental responsibility, especially concerning stepparents. A civil lawsuit seeking $6 million from various parents, schools, and a stepparent aims to address these questions and highlights the potential legal liabilities of stepparents for the actions of their stepchildren. For divorced parents who may not have their eyes on their children full time, the case illus ..read more

When Lifestyles Clash Tackling the tricky bits of co-parenting when your ex introduces a lifestyle you’re not cool with is not easy. Here’s how to keep your cool and guide your kids. So, you’ve split up, and just when you think you’ve got this co-parenting thing down, your ex throws a curveball: a new relationship setup that’s way out of left field for you. We’re talking about situations where the other household introduces concepts like polyamory, or anything else that’s miles away from the values you and your ex shared when you were together. It’s enough to make you wonder, “What now?” The ..read more