Back to the “New” Normal

The pandemic isn’t over, and we all need to remain vigilant, especially with those high risk people, but Courts have, for the most part, reopened for hearings.

However, your court hearing may take place via videoconferencing, pretrials are being held by phone, Courts are trying to minimize contact. Each Court has a different set of rules and procedures, but reaching an agreement without having to litigate an issue is more important than ever.

Family law, divorce, dissolutions and custody issues, are always very personal and emotional, especially for children. At Maciorowski Law, we always advise you on not just the financial cost, but the emotional cost of legal action.

We remain open for new client appointments and we will work to your comfort level. We can schedule appointments by Zoom, Skype or FaceTime, but if you want to come into the office, we have take appropriate precautions so our clients can feel safe.

Please call to schedule.

Essential Legal Services – We Are Open

Unfortunately, the Stay-At-Home Order has exacerbated family tension and put a strain on existing parenting time orders. These issues can sometimes be resolved with a letter, but Court action is often necessary.

The Court’s remain open, as does our office. Like all businesses, we are making changes to accomodate the need for physical distancing. We have appointments available by Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and telephone.

We are still scheduling in person consultations and using all recommended precautions.

Let us know your comfort level and we will make the appropriate arrangements.

Please contact our office to schedule.

https://www.mmmlawllc.com/contact-us/

-M

Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic violence resources are still available through shelters, outreach and the Courts. If you are at risk, you can contact my office for a discreet consultation, or contact any of the resources below.

Montgomery County – Artemis House – https://artemiscenter.org/

Warren County and Statewide Resources – The Ohio Domestic Violence Network – http://www.odvn.org

Greene County – Family Violence Prevention Center – http://www.violencefreefutures.org/get-help/

Clark/Champaign Counties – Project Woman – https://projectwomanohio.org/

Miami County – Family Abuse Shelter – https://familyabuseshelterofmiamicounty.org/

Nationwide – RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – https://www.rainn.org/

Call 911 in an emergency or contact these resources for advice. You can contact our office and we will email you a Civil Protection Order packet.

Stay safe.

Michelle

Stimulus Checks and Child Support

As part of the recently approved stimulus package, individuals and married couples are entitled to receive stimulus checks. However, if you owe back child support, the State may intercept your stimulus check and distribute it to the person or entity to which you owe child support. The amount of that check will be credited against your child support arrearage in the same manner as a tax refund.

If you’re entitled to a stimulus check as a married couple and one spouse has a child support arrearage, that entire check may be intercepted and the spouse who does not owe an arrearage may have to file to have his/her share of the check released.

These is ‘new’ territory for all of us, including the employees at your local Child Support Enforcement Agency.

If you have questions about your stimulus check and child support, please call or email our office to schedule a Skype/FaceTime appointment.

Stimulus Checks and Divorce – Uncharted Waters

As part of the stimulus package passed into law to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, checks of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 per minor child are being issued by the federal government.

For already divorced couples, the minor child award is going to be sent to the parent who most recently claimed that minor child on their federal taxes. But what if that’s the parent who pays child support? Or that parent doesn’t provide primary care for the child? Shouldn’t that money go to the parent who has the child most of the time?

Those are all great questions. Right now, we are in uncharted territory. It is highly likely that Family Courts will consider motions regarding allocation of those checks, but it’s not something that’s going to happen quickly and there are no clear answers. Further, the future tax consequences for the receipt of that check should be allocated to the parent who received that check.

For parties in the middle of a divorce, it’s important that allocation of those funds be addressed in any final decree of divorce.

If you have questions about filing a motion for allocation of a stimulus check or how to address those stimulus funds in your decree, feel free to call the office or email michelle@mmmlawllc.com to schedule a Skype or FaceTime appointment.