3 Things to Know About Military Child Support

A career of service in the military involves a respect for military regulations and for the military rule of law.  Oftentimes in battle, following orders and sacrificing care for oneself and for the care of those around you can mean the difference between life and death. In the same way, as a member of the military, no matter your marital status, you are expected to accept full responsibility for supporting your dependents. This is a prerequisite in maintaining good standing in the military regardless of what branch of the service you are in. Failure to provide timely and sufficient military child support, no matter the excuse or situation, can lead to devastating consequences for your military career and eventual “hell to pay.”

Your Responsibilities to Pay Military Child Support are Different than for Civilians 

The difference between a civilian’s responsibility to pay child support and a service member’s responsibility to pay military child support is that the service member is expected to support his dependents without regard to his/her marital or custodial status. In the military, it also does not matter if a non-military parent has primary custody or even if there has not yet been a final court order of child support. In either case, the service member’s commanding officer can be contacted and appealed to and can meet out various non-judicial punishments if military child support is not paid properly and on time.

Failure to Pay Military Child Support Can Lead to an Investigation by Your Commanding Officer 

Every branch of military service has its own set of regulations for determining military child support payments and a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for dependents. Once this amount has been determined (usually by a state court), the military parent must follow the designated schedule of payments even when on deployment overseas or when there is no access to the service member’s bank account. If there is a failure to pay military child support for any reason, a parent can request an investigation by the commanding officer which, as mentioned, can result in severe penalties.

Penalties for Not Paying Military Child Support Including Court Martial

Non-Judicial punishments ordered by a service member’s commanding officer for failure to pay military child support can range from extra duty assignments, a drop-in rank or a lowering of pay rate. If there is a habitual refusal and ignoring of a commanding officer’s order to pay military child support, a service member can eventually be court-martialed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Court Martials can be brought under Article 92 (Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation), Article 90 (Willful Disobeying of a Commanding Officer’s Order to Pay Child Support) and Article 134 (Bringing Discredit on the Armed Forces).

It is an honor to serve one’s country in the Armed Forces, but this honor comes with the caveat that all service members must behave in a manner that is honorable and just. This includes paying one’s debts and honoring court orders to pay military child support. Even if court orders have not been finalized, great care must be taken to ensure the payment of support for dependents. For a free 30-minute consultation and a no obligation case review from respected Salt Lake City, Utah attorneys experienced in military law call Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC today at 801-441-2388.


About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Common Types of Divorce Modifications

At the point when a couple finishes a divorce in Utah, the court issues a request sketching out their commitments regarding divorce settlement. While these mandates are viewed as perpetual, individuals working in the legal framework know that conditions change. It's normal for individuals to return to the decision and request alterations. Given below are the three types of modifications that normally happen.

Alter Child Support

A standout amongst the most generally asked for and affirmed divorce request alterations is an expansion or abatement in child support. To pick up court endorsement, you'll have to show a critical change in your or your previous partners money related conditions. Motivations to change child support include:

• Custodial or non-custodial parent has turned out to be jobless

• Critical increment or loss of pay

• Higher average cost for basic items

• Medicinal expenses of child have expanded

• Cost of teaching children has expanded

• Unexpected hardship of a parent caused by disease

• Unanticipated monetary hardship

A change in child arrangement or guardianshipIn the event that any of these progressions have occurred and you need to continue with adjusting a divorce arrangement, a movement to change should be documented with the court. You should meet certain guidelines and limits for the court to acknowledge the request. An appeal to change child support that is over three years has specific requirements.

Adjust Child Custody

Guardians have thoughts regarding how they need their children raised and the court for the most part thinks about those needs. In any case, the court will just engage a demand to change child arrangements if that it is in the best interest of the child. While thinking about a change, courts regularly take a look at noteworthy changes in their lives. These include:

• A parent remarries

• A parent can't sufficiently watch over the child

• Unfit parent, household accomplice or new life partner

• Disregarding the child

• Moving locations for work, training or family reasons

• Childrens medical problems

• Child performing poorly in school

• Changes in religious connection and convictions

While exploring a movement to change authority, a judge will assess the family's history, the nature of the divorce and each parent's association with the child. Courts contemplate an extensive variety of variables all intended for settling on a choice that serves the best advantages of the child.

Change Alimony

Much like child support, divorce settlement installments can likewise be adjusted because of a noteworthy change in money related conditions. These may include:

• Subordinate companion remarries - The end of help is by and large programmed upon marriage unless a request stipulates progressing installments.

• Changes in business - The payer can ask for a lessening because of loss of work. The reliant party can request an expansion because of lost work.

At Wall & Wall Attorneys  At Law PC, we give experienced divorce and family law portrayal. You can contact us for a free post-divorce adjustment conference at our available contact number. We are always ready and prepared to help.



About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.



Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

5 things to Reduce Stress as a Divorced Single Parent

Being a single parent can be a really tedious and challenging task as you frequently encounter some new trouble or hurdle every time. We have some tips for you to reduce the single parenting stress and to make it a less formidable task.

Handle your finances-

One of the greatest challenges of being a single parent is, managing the finances. Parenting alone comes up with the tedious task of raising the kids on one income. Try to budget your time and money efficiently. Give priority to the expenses that cannot be avoided and limit your luxurious expenses. Think about the long-term investments and retirement plans.

Remove the communication gap-

Always speak up to your kids regarding the circumstances of the family. Don’t let them stay in the dark. Tell them the truth, answer them honestly and in an age-appropriate way, and make them feel loved.  It is very important to make them feel protected and wanted. Remove any communication gaps and build a strong relationship with the kids to create a healthy environment in your home. Treat kids like kids and don’t let your adult burdens and troubles pass on to them.

Take time for yourself-

If you are a single parent, it doesn’t mean you don’t have an adult life. Be open to others, make friends and do things that you love because the relationship with yourself is the most important relationship that one can keep. Eat healthier, exercise more often, and set a good example for your children.  Stress busters like meditation or yoga will help you to stay calm even in stressful situations. Even the small things like warm bath, or reading a book can help you refuel yourself with positive energy and thoughts. The inner happiness will also nourish your relationship with your kids.

Stay positive-

Always stay positive because there is always a greater plan for you and your kids. If you complain and vent often, your kids can learn those behaviors. If you are divorced, it is advised to not complain about your partner. Just focus on how to let your kids feel important for both the parent. Count your blessings and tell the kids to be thankful for what they have.

Have a support system-

There is no harm in asking for help when things get out of your hand. You can have someone to look after your kids or you can have someone to talk and share your problems with. Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family members to help you out.

Abolish guilt from your heart and mind for you and your kid’s well-being. Focus on little things and find happiness in them.

We at Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC are backed by years of experience and offer the best guidance and solutions to the single parents.  Please visit our website, WallLegalSolutions.com or give us a call at 801-441-2388. We are here to help.



About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Tips to Successfully Manage Co-Parenting Conflict

However you ended up in your co-parenting situation, co-parenting isn't easy when you're not together anymore. You might have different parenting styles, or conflict from other parts of the relationship may spill over into the co-parenting part of the relationship.


A good family law attorney in Utah can help you hammer out a co-parenting agreement that spells out such details as who has custody, what the visitation schedule is, and how much and when child support is paid. This can be helpful for cutting down on conflict, but there are still other areas where conflict can arise that can't be put into an agreement on paper.
With that in mind, here are three tips for successfully managing co-parenting conflict:

Choose your battles wisely

As a parent, we always want what's best for our kids, in every aspect of life. Sometimes this desire for the best can lead to unnecessary battles with our child's other parent.


So it's important to choose your battles wisely. Fighting over every small thing is exhausting, creates tension for the kids, and sets up a negative relationship with your ex. It's hard to let go of control and trust your ex to do what's right by your kids sometimes, but to create the best co-parenting relationship and a healthy family for your kids, you have to do exactly that.


Decide what's most important and save the arguments for the big things: education, religion, dating, etc. If you only argue the big points, your co-parent will be more likely to listen to what you have to say and consider your concerns.

Back up the other parent whenever possible

Differences in values and discipline styles can often be one of the biggest points of conflict for parents who are no longer together. One parent disciplines the child in a way that the other parent wouldn't, or disciplines for something the other parent wouldn't. When this happens, it's easy to tell your child that you disagree with their other parent, and to ignore whatever discipline has been meted out.


Whenever possible, however, you should back the other parent up, even if you disagree. Express your disagreement in private to your ex, if you must, but always present a united front to your child. Otherwise, your child will begin to think they can play you against each other, and this will create more conflict between the two of you.

Limit "outsider" involvement

A family law attorney in Utah can help create agreements to make co-parenting smoother. A therapist or family counselor can help everyone express their thoughts and feelings. But beyond that, you should limit the involvement of people outside the two co-parents and the children. Step-parents, new partners, grandparents, and family friends all may mean well, but they simply muddy the water with their opinions.


Co-parenting isn't easy, but a family law attorney in Utah can give you a good base on which to build a better co-parenting relationship. Call Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC today for more information.


About the Author:
The Wall's have over more than 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Tips for Thriving Financially After Divorce

A divorce always takes its toll on both parties both emotionally and financially. Your standard of living decreases because you no longer have two salaries on which to depend in your household. Sadly, most people don’t prepare themselves for that particular consequence of divorce, but there are certain tips that can help you thrive financially after your marriage has ended.

Learn How to Budget

Knowing how to budget is the key to having financial success after a divorce. You probably already lived on a budget during your marriage, so it’s just as important to continue doing so after a divorce. After all, your finances are now less because you are relying only on your salary and other assets. It may be a challenge if you have never budget before, but it’s simpler than you might think. A good way to start is to make a list of all your income post-divorce, including alimony and child support. Then, list your fixed expenses like rent, car payments, insurance, utilities and others. Calculate all of those amounts and then you can determine how much money you have left over for the month for other things, such as paying a debt, paying for your children’s education, savings, and entertainment.

Pay Off Debt

One of the best ways to unburden yourself financially is to pay off your debt. It will also help you to thrive financially after you get a divorce. This should be part of your budgeting and you should think about any and all debt that you currently have and whether you would be able to reduce some of your expenses so that you can pay it off. It’s all about priorities, so, for example, if you have credit card balance owed, consider what you might be able to cut from your budget so that you can pay that debt.

It’s important to know what you have in terms of debt. Make a list of all outstanding debts, regardless of type. Always factor in any interest rates, loan terms, and other details so that you can determine the best way to pay back your debts. Generally, you should start with the debt that has the highest interest rate and works your way down.

Reevaluate Your Retirement Savings

It is extremely important to reevaluate your retirement savings after a divorce. When you were married, you probably pooled your finances with your spouse’s to go toward retirement, but now that you are newly single, you will have to think about how to save for yourself. You should include saving for your retirement in your monthly budget. Regardless of how much you put in, there should be enough that your retirement account can earn interest and grow over time.

If you live in Utah and are splitting up with your spouse, you need a skilled Salt Lake City divorce attorney representing you. Contact the office of Wall and Wall, Attorneys at Law to speak to a Salt Lake City divorce attorney at your earliest convenience.


About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Tips for Making Visitation After Divorce Easier

If you have children and your marriage is ending, your biggest concern is likely their well-being. One of the biggest issues for children of divorce is visitation with the non-custodial parent. While this can be a challenging adjustment for parents and kids alike, you can take steps you can take to make transitions go more smoothly.

Stay Positive

Regardless of your feelings about your former spouse, you should avoid expressing negative feelings in front of your children. Instead, help them anticipate visitation with the other parent in a positive way, perhaps by talking about the fun they will have while there. By the same token, reassure your child that you'll miss them but will be fine while they are gone. Children may feel guilt if they sense that you are sad about the visit. When the children are with you, show them your love and affection by being present in the moment. Play games with them and have special moments together; avoid working and sending emails and texts when possible.

Be Polite and Respectful

One of the best things you can do for your children is remaining on good terms with the other parent. Respect their time by promptly dropping the children off or arriving at the designated meeting spot on time. If they are picking the child up at your house, make sure he or she is ready when they arrive. Avoid changing plans at the last minute when it's not absolutely necessary (flat tire, for example). Fostering an agreeable environment will help your child love and care for both parents without feeling guilty, an important component of self-esteem and healthy relationships. If possible, spending time together as a family, whether having lunch or seeing a movie, will help your child feel better about the divorce and ease the co-parenting relationship.

Have a Plan in Place

A written custody plan supports successful co-parenting and helps children and parents alike feel a sense of stability that will ease the transition into a two-parent household. This plan spells out information about visitation, including visitation with grandparents and other family members. It can also include details about school, activities, and rules to be followed at both homes. Once your divorce attorney Utah helps you create a plan that both partners agree on, stick to its terms for visitation. Communication about the plan should always be between the parents; children should not be relied upon as go-between to bring messages from one parent to another. Avoid talking about sensitive issues such as custody or support in front of the children. When children know what to expect and what is expected of them, they feel more secure and are able to adjust more easily to the divorce.

If you need a divorce attorney Utah, contact us for knowledge and expertise about the ins and outs of child custody and visitation.


About the Author:

Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Tips to Speed Up a Divorce in Utah

Statistics show that 8.2% of men and 10.2% of women in the state of Utah have been divorced. Getting divorced can be a stressful experience; therefore, it is wise to have a divorce attorney Utah on your side to help the process go as quickly as possible. At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC, we can make your divorce proceedings as painless as possible. Here are 3 tips that we use to speed up a divorce in Utah.

Get the Waiting Period Waived

The courts in Utah are not favorable on divorces; therefore, the law states that there must be a 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be final. However, if a divorce attorney Utah can prove there are extraordinary circumstances, he might be able to convince the courts to disregard the 90-day period. These circumstances can be difficult to prove so Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law will work hard to provide evidence to the court that the circumstances, in this case, are unique.

Be Prepared

If we can get organized as quickly as possible, we can speed up the divorce. We will help you collect necessary financial documents and any other paperwork that can be beneficial in your divorce. Some things that will be useful include tax returns, pay stubs, investment accounts, and credit card statements. If you have everything ready when you meet with us, we can get the ball rolling as quickly as possible to speed up the divorce proceedings. Have your questions written down so we can help you understand how the process will work. If a child is involved, we need to discuss child support options or if you wish to gain full custody of the child. We will ask you numerous questions so we can understand the situation.

Be on good Terms with your Spouse

We realize that this is easier said than done; however, a divorce will go much smoother if you two can cooperate. Having said this, cooperation doesn’t mean giving your spouse everything he or she wants. If you can communicate effectively with your soon to be ex, things will go quicker. There are deadlines that need to be met and papers that need to be signed. If both parties involved will get things done as quickly as possible, your divorce can be finalized quicker.


When you get married, you expect it to be forever. However, sometimes, life happens and things do not work out like we planned. Divorce can be very painful, so you want it over as quickly as possible. If you need a divorce attorney Utah, contact Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC to assist you with your divorce. We will work hard to get your divorce finalized in a timely manner. Contact us today! You can then move on with your life and put this chapter in your life in the past.


About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388