Military families, especially moms, face different challenges than the average civilian family. Moms with young children may be deployed for long periods of time. These parents miss all of the important milestones at home, including first words and first steps.
These military moms, in Colorado and throughout the U.S., face other issues like divorce, homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder, all while trying to be a provider for their children.
We look to our law enforcement officers to protect us and our families. Especially when it comes to domestic violence issues, we rely on the authorities to respond quickly and act efficiently. Detailed and accurate reports are critical for courts to issue protection orders for the victims of domestic violence and keep them safe from their offenders.
What we do not expect is for police officers to work the system to their own advantage. A former police officer in Colorado Springs recently pled guilty to attempting to influence a public servant. The former officer admitted that she lied about being a domestic violence victim.
Coloradoans wasted no time in taking advantage of the new civil union law. At the stroke of midnight on May 1, civil unions became legal in Colorado. County clerk's offices in Denver and Boulder stayed open as late as 3 a.m. to issue licenses of civil unions. Once the documents were signed, couples participated in official ceremonies. Local judges and even a state representative helped officiate the ceremonies.
The new law makes Colorado the eighth state to legalize civil unions or enact similar legislation to provide more rights for nontraditional families. The civil union legislation was presented to the governor this March, which he then signed into law.
Military families face unique and potentially challenging issues. Thankfully, the military recognizes these issues and has programs in place to assist military families in every way. Once such program is established at the Peterson Air Force base in Colorado Springs. The program is made up of volunteers and allows member to gain access to information for their spouses and families.
When servicemembers are deployed, it presents a number of issues for the spouses or children that stay behind. In order to maintain a strong and effective combat force, the military needs to make sure that servicemembers aren't worried about their families while they are away. This program helps to provide that reassurance.
Continue reading Colorado air force base offers support system to families
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Colorado takes seriously the safety of its children. Domestic violence is a reality and state-run programs are in place to lookout for the welfare of children living in dangerous home. The Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman is tasked with investigating complaints against the state's child protection workers. The head of this program is leaving just two years after the creation of the ombudsman position.
The ombudsman said that she received quite a big of resistance from local communities when her office would look into allegations of wrongdoing.
We've all heard of the ridiculous stories of couples learning of breakups via text message or email. But no one really expects to learn of their divorce this way, much less find out about it online. One reality TV star recently learned about her divorce online and through social media.
Kordell Stewart, played football for the University of Colorado football player and Pittsburgh Steelers. He recently filed for divorce against his wife, reality TV star, Porsha Stewart. She originally hoped to work out the situation especially in light of how she learned of the divorce but has since come to terms with the filing.
A recent news headline just goes to show that no one is immune from child support obligations but judges are still willing to be flexible in order to help both the parents and children involved. Child support enforcement efforts are critical for Colorado families who rely on the monthly payments. But regardless of these efforts, there are still instances where the non-custodial parents cannot make the payments or simply choose to ignore their obligations.
As it goes to show, the recent Powerball jackpot winner himself owes $29,000 in late child support payments. The 44-year-old winner is a father of five but it isn't clear which of these children are owed the child support. The payments go back as far as 2009.
Divorcing couples may make the mistake of assuming that property division will be a quick and simple process. But often times, asset and property division during divorce is not as straightforward as dividing everything in half. If couples have been married for a substantial period of time or have acquired hefty assets during the marriage, this can set the stage for a lengthy dispute over property division.
Now that Colorado recently approved civil union for same-sex couples, those who choose to legally separate or dissolve such a civil union may face the same type of divorce issues when it comes to asset division and property division. Same-sex couples will be required to go through the same proceeding in district court upon dissolution or separation in order to reach an agreement on assets, child support and maintenance of the other party.
Continue reading Colorado civil unions similar to marriage, even during separation
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Military families deal with many distinct issues and struggles that the typical American family can't understand. Military families are often relocated, moving around the country and never settling down in one place. Families also have to deal with deployment. Counselors can help these families deal with the difficult issues and the financial aspects of being in the military. Servicemember should understand how their retirement benefit plans and survivor benefit plans operate. Servicemembers should also understand the tax implications of being in the military.
It is also important that legislators continues to provide these benefits and support the needs of military families. A Colorado bill was recently signed into law that continues to ensure money from the military family relief fund stays free from taxes. This is especially relevant as April 15 approaches and families are preparing to file their taxes.
Most families work hard to protect their financial well-being. But many people underestimate the impact that a divorce can have on a family's financial situation. In Colorado, the goal of the divorce process is to be fair to both spouses. The system is called equitable distribution but equitable doesn't always mean fair.
Depending on which spouse earns more, this money-make may be required to pay more in the divorce settlement or many even be required to pay spousal support. If minor children are involved, the non-custodial parent may be asked to pay child support so that there are enough financial resources available to provide for the children's needs.
Continue reading Coloradoans should think twice about do-it-yourself divorce
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Lynn Landis-Brown, P.C
1622 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs,
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80904
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