Marriage Fraud

Couples decide to split up for a wide variety of reasons, such as financial problems, infertility, and infidelity. That said, some people may find themselves involved in a union that was the result of marriage fraud. This is something you need either a divorce or an annulment lawyer to help you with. In Salt Lake City, Utah, and across the country, this offense can carry harsh penalties and it is important for you to carefully assess your options if you find yourself involved in a fraudulent marriage.

WHAT IS MARRIAGE FRAUD?

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marriage fraud occurs in order to elude immigration law in the United States. Marriage fraud cases may take a number of forms, whether an American citizen is tricked into a false marriage or knowingly participates in marriage fraud in order to profit financially.

Those who find themselves facing marriage fraud charges may face severe penalties, such as $250,000 in fines and a prison sentence of five years. Because of the serious nature of this offense, it is especially important for people who have found themselves in the middle of a marriage fraud case to take a close look at their circumstances.

If you tied the knot and later found out that your spouse only married you to escape immigration law, you may have a number of questions. As if divorce isn’t troubling enough, the ramifications associated with fraudulent marriages could make even unsure about how to approach divorce, which is why you should carefully examine your options.

MARITAL DEBT AND OTHER PROPERTY DIVISION MATTERS

If you have made the decision to split up with your spouse, there are a plethora of legal issues that you may have to deal with, such as child support or custody and alimony, to name just a few. However, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and across the U.S., property division can be especially emotional and complicated for those who are going through a divorce.

If you are thinking about filing for divorce, it is important to understand how property division laws could affect what you own. Also, it is vital to recognize how marital debt is divided in divorce and be aware of which types of property and debt are not typically divided during divorce (premarital assets, student loans, etc.). Furthermore, you should prepare for the potential financial ramifications of separating from your spouse. For example, some people may experience negative financial consequences after splitting up with their spouse due to diminished household income, while others may be required to pay child support.

Sometimes, speaking to a mediator is a great way for couples to work through property division or any other divorce-related matters they are having difficulty with. If you are planning on divorcing your spouse, it is essential to do everything in your ability to simplify the process as much as possible and try to avoid unnecessary complications. On the property division section of our website, readers can take a look at more helpful information related to the distribution of marital property.

PARENT TIME AND HOLIDAYS

In a previous post, the possible impact of military deployment on parenting time was reviewed. However, there are other matters that can affect visitation in Salt Lake City and across Utah, such as holidays. From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day and a child’s birthday, it is pivotal for parents to understand how their parenting schedules are affected by certain days on the calendar.

Parenting time schedules outline how long a non-custodial parent can spend time with his or her child, according to the Utah Courts. Sometimes, parents are unable to agree on a parenting schedule, in which case the state has set forth a schedule which dictates the minimum amount of time non-custodial parents can spend with their kids (the guidelines vary for children of different ages). For children, as well as their parents, holidays are often a very special time to form memories and enjoy time together and these guidelines also dictate which holiday’s parents will have with their children.

According to the Utah State Legislature, children are able to spend time with their father on Father’s Day and their mother on Mother’s Day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each year. In Utah, non-custodial parents can spend time with their child on certain holidays during odd-numbered years (such as the 4th of July, Veteran’s Day and the first half of Christmas break). During even-numbered years, non-custodial parents have access to their kids on other holidays (such as the child’s birthday, Memorial Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the second half of Christmas break).