Q: What alternatives do I have to a divorce?A:
Instead of a divorce which is the dissolution of a marriage which eliminates the legal duties and responsibilities of a marriage, you can seek legal separation or an annulment.
If you choose a legal separation this simply means that you have acknowledged that you can’t live together but do not wish to end the marriage. A legal separation is granted after a signed petition is made to the court. It takes care of child support, alimony, living arrangements, custody etc.
Q: How do I know if I am the legal father?
A:
In the eyes of the law even if you are the biological father, if you were never married to the mother you are not the legal father unless your paternity was established. You can establish paternity by either signing a voluntary form called an ‘Acknowledgement of Paternity’ or filing a court petition to have the court determine the paternity of the child.
Q: Why should I have a will?
A:
A will is important as it helps to truly dictate your wishes for your property and other matters after you have died. Apart from conveying your wishes for property distribution, it also helps in relevant tax planning techniques and in the determination of guardianship if young children are involved