Kansas City Legal Blog

Kansas residents are likely aware that allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein helped to give rise to the #MeToo movement. The popularity of the hashtag and the seriousness of the allegations it often accompanied has prompted many companies in the entertainment sector to reconsider their casting and business decisions, and this has given rise to lawsuits filed by men who feel that they are being treated unfairly.

One such lawsuit was filed by the renowned director Woody Allen against Amazon. In 2017, the online retailer entered into a four-movie deal with Allen that guaranteed the director at least $68 million. The agreement was seen as a major coup for Amazon at a time when the company was trying to establish a presence in the film distribution and video streaming sector, but all this changed when old allegations involving Allen and his adopted daughter resurfaced because of the #MeToo movement.

Going through a divorce can be very difficult for a Kansas couple, especially when children are involved. Child support, visitation rights, alimony and retirement funds are typical things that must be resolved before a settlement can be reached. However, few issues cause more contention than what to do with the family home. In some cases, one of the spouses will take ownership of the home and assume the existing mortgage. In other cases, that may not be possible.

It might make sense for a spouse to assume a mortgage when the existing rates are better than those of a new mortgage. Assumption fees may also be less than refinancing fees. In some cases, assumption fees can be as low as $1,000. Assuming a mortgage sounds like it would be a simple matter; however, that is rarely the case. Furthermore, it is common for divorcees to have misconceptions about the mortgage assumption process.

Homeowners in Kansas who are getting a divorce may decide along with their future ex-spouse to sell the family home during the divorce. This solution is a common one among divorcing couples who have to address what will happen to the home. However, before they take any steps to sell the home, it is important that both parties understand that selling a home during a divorce is not the same as a traditional home sale.

Having the right real estate agent is an important factor in selling a home during the divorce process. The agent should have some experience with selling during a divorce as it will be necessary to know how to avoid being dragged into the conflict that can be common among divorcing couples. The right agent will also know that it is unwise to choose sides between the two parties and that providing objective selling advice is the main priority.

Spousal support is one of the most sensitive matters in any divorce. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse may be in disagreement over the issue of financial support, and you may have concerns as the higher-earning spouse that you will be stuck with a very expensive alimony order. It may be beneficial for you to learn more about spousal support and how it works.

The intent of spousal support is to provide support to the spouse who earns less or who stays home to help offset the economic inequity brought about by a divorce. However, you have the right to pursue a final order that does not leave you with an unmanageable financial burden. If you will not be able to settle your spousal support issue out of court, it is prudent to know what a Kansas family law court looks at when making a determination on alimony.