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What Is the Average Child Support Payment in 2026?

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Updated July 29, 2026 •Based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau child support report •12-minute read The average child support amount due in the United States was approximately $533 per month, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report. Custodial parents actually received an average of about $342 per month, reflecting both full and partial … Continued

Custody Battle Blunders: Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid

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Last Updated: July 2026 •Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes The biggest custody battle mistakes are usually avoidable behaviors that create conflict, undermine credibility, or shift attention away from the child’s needs. Ignoring court orders, sending hostile messages, missing parenting time, involving the child in adult disputes, posting about the case online, and arriving unprepared can … Continued

Contempt of Court in Family Law: The Ultimate Guide

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Last UpdatedJuly 23, 2026 Reviewed ForCurrent U.S. Family-Law Enforcement Landscape Reading Time24 Minutes Contempt of court is the violation of a court's authority or a court order; in family law, it most often involves a parent or former spouse who willfully fails to follow a clear order for child support, parenting time, custody, maintenance, property … Continued

Domestic Partnership: A Complete Guide to Rights, Benefits and State Laws

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Last Updated July 23, 2026 Reviewed For Current U.S. Federal & State Family Law Reading Time 22 Minutes A domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship for two unmarried people who share a committed life together. Depending on the jurisdiction or employer, it may provide rights involving health insurance, medical decisions, property, inheritance, leave, or … Continued

Who Claims a Child on Taxes When Parents Share Custody?

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Updated: July 22, 2026 Current for: 2025 federal tax returns filed in 2026 Estimated reading time: 16 minutes The parent with whom the child lived for more nights during the tax year generally has the first right to claim the child for federal tax purposes. In a 60/40 schedule, that is usually the parent with … Continued

Common Law Marriage States: Which States Recognize It in 2026?

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Updated: July 22, 2026 Estimated reading time: 16 minutes As of 2026, eight states—Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and Utah—have a current path for recognizing a new common law marriage. The District of Columbia also recognizes common law marriage. Utah generally requires a court or administrative determination, while New Hampshire has a … Continued

Ghosted During Divorce? What to Do When Your Spouse Will Not Respond

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Updated: July 22, 2026 Estimated reading time: 15 minutes A spouse generally cannot stop a divorce by ignoring messages, refusing to sign papers, avoiding service, or failing to participate. Once your spouse has been properly served and the response deadline passes, you may be able to request a default and ask the court to move … Continued

If I Make $1,000 a Week, How Much Child Support Will I Pay?

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Last reviewed: July 2026 • Estimated reading time: 15 minutes • Reviewed by Modern Family Law If you make $1,000 a week, you earn about $4,333 per month or $52,000 per year before taxes. That income alone does not reveal exactly how much child support you will pay. Every state uses its own guidelines, and … Continued

Texas Child Support Laws (2026): Current Guidelines & Income Limits

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Updated July 22, 2026 15-minute read Reviewed for current Texas law 2026 Texas Child Support Update What Are the Current Texas Child Support Laws? Texas child support guidelines generally apply a percentage to the paying parent's monthly net resources. Since September 1, 2025, the upper monthly net-resource amount subject to the standard guideline calculation has … Continued

What Happens To Property Owned Before Marriage?

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Last Updated: July 2026 Estimated Reading Time: 16 minutes Property you owned before marriage is generally treated as your separate property, but it is not always completely protected in a divorce. The outcome can change when marital income is used to pay a mortgage, the property increases in value during the marriage, ownership is transferred … Continued

What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle?

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Last Updated: July 2026 Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes Anything that raises concerns about your child’s safety, stability, or well-being may be used against you in a custody battle. This can include hostile messages, social media activity, substance abuse, criminal conduct, repeated violations of court orders, unsafe living conditions, neglect, or attempts to damage your … Continued

U.S. Divorce Statistics (2026): Rates, Trends & Key Facts

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Divorce trends in the United States have changed significantly over the past several decades. While divorce remains a common part of many families' experiences, the overall divorce rate has steadily declined and is now at one of its lowest levels in nearly 50 years. Whether you're researching the current U.S. divorce rate, wondering what percentage … Continued

The Stages of Divorce: Emotional and Legal

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Last Updated: July 2026   |   Estimated Reading Time: 15 minutes Quick Answer The five emotional stages of divorce are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Adapted from the Kübler-Ross model of grief, these stages help explain many of the emotions people experience during the end of a marriage. Not everyone experiences every stage or moves … Continued

Is Colorado a 50/50 Custody State? Colorado Parenting Time Laws Explained (2026 Guide)

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No. Colorado is not a mandatory 50/50 child custody state. Colorado courts determine parenting time based on the child's best interests rather than requiring equal time with each parent. While many families receive near-equal parenting schedules, judges are not required to award a 50/50 arrangement.   Last Updated: June 25, 2026 Reading Time: 12 Minutes Key Takeaways … Continued

Georgia Divorce Laws (2026): What You Should Know Before You File

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Last Updated: June 23, 2026 Reading Time: 12 Minutes Attorney Reviewed Cynthia Griffin Managing Partner (Atlanta) | Georgia Family Law Attorney Key Takeaways ● Georgia requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months before filing for divorce. ● Georgia recognizes both uncontested and contested divorces depending on whether spouses … Continued

Is Colorado A Community Property State? Property Division Laws Explained (2026 Guide)

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Last Updated: June 17, 2026 Reading Time: 9 Minutes Key Takeaways ● Colorado is not a community property state. ● Colorado follows equitable distribution laws. ● Marital assets and debts are divided fairly, not necessarily equally. ● Separate property is generally not subject to division. ● Retirement accounts, homes, and debts may all be divided … Continued

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Child Support in Colorado? (2026 Guide)

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Last Updated: June 15, 2026 Reading Time: 12 Minutes Key Takeaways ● Missing child support payments can lead to wage garnishment, license suspension, tax refund interception, and contempt proceedings. ● Child support debt generally does not disappear and may remain enforceable for years. ● Courts can impose jail time in some cases involving willful nonpayment. … Continued

How To Enforce A Child Custody Order In Texas

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When a parent violates a child custody order in Texas, it can create stress, confusion, and disruption for both you and your child. Fortunately, Texas law provides clear legal options to enforce these orders and hold the non-compliant parent accountable. To enforce a child custody order in Texas, you typically file a motion for enforcement … Continued