Melissa Heinig

Attorney · Cooley Law School
Physical and Legal Custody of Children in Divorce
Child custody isn't as simple as where the children will live after a divorce or separation. Courts break custody into two categories: legal and physical and knowing the difference between the two types of custody, and what the court expects from each parent is critical in any divorce or custody case. ... READ MORE

My Underage Child Is Pregnant
There’s not a parent in this world who wishes for their teenaged child to come to them with the news that she’s expecting. But, if your daughter is in this tough position, are you prepared to help her through it? ... READ MORE

Do I Need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst?
Financial disputes can result in a complicated and overwhelming divorce. Continue reading to learn whether hiring a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. ... READ MORE

Will My Ex's New Baby Affect How Much Child Support I Get?
Courts don't modify child support unless you can prove that there's been a significant change in circumstances, and depending on where you live, a new baby may be enough. ... READ MORE

Divorce and Pensions: FAQs
Find answers to some common questions about how courts divide retirement accounts and pensions in a divorce. ... READ MORE

Residence & Domicile Requirements in Divorce
Before you file for divorce, it's important to understand whether you meet your state's minimum residency requirements. ... READ MORE

My Spouse Is Having an Affair: How Do I Prove This in Court?
If you've recently discovered your spouse's infidelity, your first instinct may be to run to court and show that your spouse's actions caused your breakup. Before you do that, you should learn more about a fault-based divorce and whether it's worth the added time and money. ... READ MORE

Can I Stop Paying Alimony After My Ex Wife Gets Remarried?
In most states, alimony ends when the supported spouse remarries, but it's not always simple to stop the payments. What happens if your ex moves in with a new partner, but doesn't remarry? Depending on where you live, you may be able to terminate your monthly payments. ... READ MORE

Can I Force My Ex to Let Me Skype With the Kids?
In today's modern world, electronic communication with children is almost a guarantee, especially when parents are divorced. It's common to request telephone, video, or text communication with a child, but what happens if the other parent refuses access? ... READ MORE

My Ex Wants to Move Out of State With the Kids: How Will the Court Decide?
It’s becoming increasingly common for parents to move for a better job opportunity. But what happens when a custodial parent’s move affects the noncustodial parent’s time with the children? ... READ MORE