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Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Cohabitation Agreements

Some people think cohabitation agreements are anti-relationship. It’s not, it’s a contract, a deal between the two parties, not married and living together, that defines the financial, property arrangements and estate planning between them. Sharing yourself and your life with your loved one not only involves physical and emotional love, but there’s also a business angle. Look, this is your life, you are building a life together, and it’s important to discuss “ upfront" your s

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Use Your Emotions During The Divorce Process

Dissolving a marriage is emotional. At the heart of any divorce are two people who once were in-love and now find themselves at a crossroads in life. So it’s no wonder that divorce can bring out the lunatic within us. Rage, anger, depression, sadness, resentment, and blame are just some of negative emotions that can run wild in the best of us. For this reason we often hear people telling divorcing couples not to get “emotional” during your divorce process. As an attorney for

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

My Spouse Doesn't Want A Divorce, But I Do.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman. If you find yourself wanting a divorce when getting divorced is the last thing your spouse wants to do, you are not alone. When marriages fall apart, it's pretty typical that one partner wants to end it and the other does not. So, although you may be thinking “ What can I do when my spouse doesn't want a divorce"? The real question you should ask is, “How to go about it without making any already difficult situation worse”?

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Bird Nesting—What is it and is it right for your family?

While we would all agree that the breakup of a marriage can be distressing for everyone involved, the breakdown of the relationship between parents often means that children have to deal with dramatic changes in their lifestyle which can leave most children feeling worried, confused, hurt, or even angry. All too often I see families confine themselves to traditional models of parenting after separation without considering a model or arrangement that might be better suited to

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Taking control of Valentine's Day before and after your divorce

The single most important thing you need to ensure a good Valentine’s Day is not a new husband or wife. It’s the decision to take control of your life knowing you have every situation covered. Planning is one of the most important activities to engage in during and after a divorce so you can emerge stronger and ready to move forward into the next chapter of your life. Here are the issues you should be thinking about. Revoke your will and make a new one Start by revoking your

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Communication breakdown with your Ex? There’s an App for that.

Divorce or Separation can be a difficult time for partners and their children. Finding a way to communicate politely and respectfully with your former partner and keep them in the loop is a struggle. Many couples use phone calls, emails and text messages to communicate and plan. However, these methods of communication come with their own set of possible problems: The messages are not all kept in the same place. Many parents don’t want to have their children subjected to hear

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

How to Propose Mediation or Collaboration to Your Spouse

So you have just learned there is a new kinder, gentler, less expensive why to get divorced using either the collaborative or mediation divorce process, and you have decide to propose mediation or collaborative into your divorce. When doing this it’s important to convey to your spouse your willingness to consider his or her point of view on whether, when, how, and with whom to start the process. Provide your spouse with information without making your spouse feel like it’s ab

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Divorce: The Process Can Impact The Outcome.

How you get from being married to divorced is a process and this process can figure into the final outcome. I strongly believe and advocate for a process that is fair and where both parties have an open table to speak. How do you get this process? Through mediation or the collaborative process. Mediation is done by a neutral professional who has been trained in mediation. I recommend the use of attorneys who have practiced family and divorce law and then taken that added st

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

When Do You Really Need A Lawyer?

I get asked, on a regularly basis, “Do I really need a lawyer”? for any number of issues. When I answer yes, some folks scoff and say it is because I am a lawyer and just want to make money. True, I am a lawyer and this is the way I make my living. But my making a living is by providing legal advice, counsel and legal services. There are many types of legal issues that might require a lawyer's help. Some common situations where assistance from a lawyer may be necessary inclu

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Divorce And Your Egg Nest

One of the most difficult aspects of ending a marriage is figuring out how to divide your assets. Almost universally I am asked why do I have to share my pension, 401(k) or other asset with my soon to be former spouse. To the person asking this question it appears to be “not fair” or something they find offensive. The account holder worked hard building their egg nest and they do not want to share. Perhaps you diverted some of your earnings into a 401(k) or were required to

Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.

Dividing Your Property During Divorce

Everyone knows divorce is emotional situation, but it can also wreak havoc on your finances. One of the many decisions the two of you need to make during a divorce is, what to do with your house. Should one of you stay in your primary residence to keep the kids in the same school, or should it be sold so that the profits can be divided according to an agreed-upon formula? There is no one right or wrong answer, but there can be wrong decisions. The best way to protect yoursel