Your Lawyers for Life - Vol. 3 Issue 3

YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE

Family Law

ALIMONY 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW When facing divorce, alimony, or spousal support is a common concern. To help you understand how it works, here are five key points about alimony. 1. What is Alimony?

elements, including: • Length of the Marriage: Longer marriages may lead to higher chances of alimony being awarded. • Financial Situation: The court looks at each spouse’s income, assets, and financial needs. • Contribution to the Marriage: If one spouse supported the other’s education or career, this may influence the decision. 4. Duration of Payments A common myth is that alimony lasts forever. In reality, many alimony agreements are temporary and designed to help the receiving spouse transition after the divorce. The

duration can depend on the length of the marriage and the specific circumstances of the case. 5. Modification and Termination Alimony can be modified or terminated under certain conditions, such as if the receiving spouse remarries or if there’s a significant change in either spouse’s financial situation. It’s important to stay informed about these possibilities to protect your financial interests. Understanding these key aspects of alimony can help alleviate some worries during an already stressful time. By knowing what to expect, you can better prepare for your financial future after divorce. ■

Alimony is a financial payment made from one spouse to another after a divorce. Its purpose is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living to what they had

during the marriage. 2. Not Guaranteed Many people assume they will

automatically receive or have to pay alimony, but this isn’t always the case. Alimony is determined by various factors, and not every divorce results in spousal support. 3. Factors Considered by the Court When deciding whether to award alimony, the court considers several

How to HELP YOUR TEEN Survive Screen Time in a VIRTUAL WORLD With screen time ever-increasing, teens are exposed to more blue light, which are high energy wavelengths emitted from the sun, LEDs, and digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Overexposure to blue light can lead to difficulty falling asleep and inhibit the ability to reach REM sleep.

refreshed – as well as more engaging family communication. MAKE TIME FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Go for an evening walk. Play a game of catch. Find a sport the whole family enjoys. A little physical activity goes a long way. It provides time away from screens and numerous benefits for physical and social health. Before you let your teen buy a new video or computer game, do a little research, and find out what they are getting. Pay attention to ratings and try to limit them to games rated T (for teens) or younger. You can also use screening tools on TVs, computers, and tablets to block your teen’s access to inappropriate material. And remember, a productive conversation goes a long way. Be open with your teens and follow these tips to help them set screen time boundaries. ■ REMEMBER: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S ON YOUR KIDS’ SCREENS

To help reduce effects of blue light, here are some strategies to help find a better balance for your teen. BE A HEALTHY-HABIT ROLE MODEL Parents have an important opportunity to be a positive influence when it comes to healthy behaviors. They learn from everything you say – and more importantly, what you do. Limiting your screen time is the most effective way of reducing blue light exposure, by limiting your own screen time you show your kids how to treat media. Encourage time together as a family without screens or devices present. SET CLEAR RULES Teens often lack the maturity to moderate screen time on their own. Establishing clear rules will provide structure and help your kids make better choices. For example, try sticking to a rule of no screen time during the hour before bed and enforcing electronics-free meal times. This allows everyone the opportunity to sleep better and wake up

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