Monthly Archives: September 2020

The Financial Aspects of Divorce When Children Are Involved

Ending a marriage is particularly hard when you have children. It is such an emotional time, yet you need to think clearly and rationally as you make financial decisions.

Your child custody attorney Boise ID can assist you with your parenting plan, which includes money matters. Here are some child-related financial issues you are likely to encounter in your divorce proceedings.

Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash

Child Support

The court will determine the amount of child support the custodial parent receives. Each situation is unique, but the amount is typically calculated according to established state guidelines. In Idaho, payments may be made in several different ways: through an employer, online, by check or over the phone.

Shared Expenses

Child support will not cover all of the expenses associated with raising your children. Educational expenditures, extracurricular activities and medical expenses not covered by insurance can add up. Such costs are generally split by parents, and your divorce agreement should identify how payments will be made. Expense tracking apps can help parents record expenses; mobile payment services allow parties to transfer money with little interaction.

Be sure to agree on expenses ahead of time. No one likes to be blindsided by a bill or have to make continuous demands for money. Be precise in your divorce agreement and you may avoid undue conflict in the years to come.

Health Insurance

Most divorce agreements state which parent should provide health insurance for the children. If both parents have access to health coverage, you may choose the most comprehensive or most affordable plan.

Taxes

The IRS only allows one parent to claim each child, so you and your spouse should decide ahead of time who will claim the children as dependents. Your decision can affect who files as head of household, who claims the dependent care credit and who qualifies for the earned income tax credit.

You make many tough choices during divorce proceedings. Be especially careful when making financial decisions — they can affect your children’s lives for years to come.

5 Questions About Posting Bail for a Loved One

When your friend or family member is facing jail time, you may also be facing a new and stressful situation. If you haven’t considered it before, you may wonder whether you’re willing to help pay the bail amount. It’s reasonable to want to know more about the situation before turning over any of your cash or property.

1. How much will it cost?

Your costs are determined by the amount of bail. Many bail bond companies charge a percentage of the bail price and may also charge a fee. If your percentage of the cost is too high for you to pay immediately, some agencies allow you to make payments toward your share. They may also require something as collateral, such as a vehicle or a property deed.

2. What does it mean to be a co-signer?

When you co-sign for your friend or family member, you are accepting the responsibility to pay the bail money and to make sure your loved one attends all required court dates. This is a lot of responsibility so carefully consider your risks before accepting them.

3. How can I decide whether to become a co-signer?

Judges consider several factors before offering bail and setting a bail amount. You should also consider these factors. Does your loved one have a criminal history? How serious are the charges? Are there patterns of drug or alcohol abuse? How sure are you that your friend or family member will attend all court dates? Remember that you won’t get your money or property back if your loved one doesn’t comply fully with the judge’s orders.

4. How soon will my loved one be released?

After you’ve completed the paperwork with the pennsylvania bail bonds agency, it may be only a few hours before your loved one gets out. This can be affected by the workload of the agency and the jail. It’s important to remember that release times may also vary by county.

5. What happens if I don’t post bail?

If you don’t post bail, your loved one will remain in jail or be moved to a detention center. He or she will remain in custody until the case is resolved. All of this time in custody will be considered part of time served when sentencing is complete.

The Impact of the First Step Act

Those who have been arrested on drug charges and are awaiting their day in court have a bit of hope for their future. It’s more than just the opportunity to use the bonding company Yadkin NC services to get released on bail. It’s the effect that the First Step Act will on mandatory minimum sentencing practices.

The Ways of the Past

Many have complained about the inconsistencies of criminal sentencing, especially in nonviolent and first offense cases. There are over two million people incarcerated across the United States, with many serving harsh sentences for crimes wouldn’t have thought to carry so much weight. The demands of funding on the prison system are draining to the taxpayer, and the labor requirements are overworking already underpaid staff. Long sentences, limited resources, and personnel challenges complicate an already complex justice system.

The Future Hope

Through the passing of the First Step Act, there is new funding and new guidance for prison reform. It starts with reassessing the sentencing practiced for nonviolent drug offenses, but it will also influence the creation of in-prison programming to reduce recidivism. Drug treatment, vocational training, and education are just a few of the opportunities that can help those who are incarcerated actually change their life and have for a post-prison future. Some programs allow inmates to work toward early release or a transfer to prerelease custody.

The Present Help

According to Justice Department officials, more than 3,100 people were eligible for immediate release from federal prisons all over the nation because of the First Step Act. The act provided an increase in the number of days that could be earned toward early release, and the prison system is reporting that up to 85% of people in federal prison will benefit from the change.

Prison reform has been an issue for years, but with the First Step Act, progress has been made. The efforts of activists, politicians, and nonprofits can continue to address the concerns of the American justice system.