The new year from a new perspective

The tree is down, the Santa cookie jars are put away and the kids are back in school.

Time for parents, couples, grandparents, individuals and business owners to think about what you want to do in the new year.

It could be a summer vacation, a change in your home, a change in your family or business, or possibly an addition to your family.

This is the time many folks come into our office to plan for the new year and get their legal matters in order.

• Parents: If you’re a parent, this is the time to consider if the custodial schedule you share with your former spouse or partner is really serving the best interest(s) of your child(ren) or if the child support meets with the Idaho Child Support Guidelines.

How long has it been since those original orders were evaluated by a professional?

If a custody modification is filed soon, the chances of having it resolved before the next school year starts is high.

Hopefully you were advised by your previous attorney that a significant and material change in circumstances is required for the court to entertain a change in the school or summer schedule, or even child support.

We can easily review and determine if those changes can support a modification.

• Couples and individuals: If you’re entertaining an addition to your family or home, many people consider creating or modifying their existing will or trust.

Any additions or changes to your family unit may mean a change to your existing will or trust will better serve your needs. We can help.

• Wedding bells: And for those of you who hear wedding bells calling, these days it’s not uncommon that couples consider talking through their plans for protecting their financial future and putting it in writing so that each one is clear on how finances will be handled in the event of a blended family, retirement or an unexpected change in health or in the relationship.

The courts are considering those documents that put a couple’s desire outcome and comparing them with the laws of the state, which may differ greatly.

We have assisted soon to be married couples navigating through the various possibilities.

• Business owners: This is the time most business owners are doing their (last) year in review and making decisions as to how to better their business in the coming year.

Questions commonly asked by our clients are: should they start a new business, change entities, continue doing the same or even winding down.

We are glad to assist them in ensuring the legal matters of their business are properly handled.

We have been serving the needs of families, couples, individuals, and business owners in the North Idaho area since 1997 and would be happy to consult with you on these matters and more in preparation for the new year.

Call Merrilee A. Parr, Attorney at Law at (208) 667-1227, and arrange to meet her in her downtown Coeur d’Alene office, next to the courthouse.

We are happy to help you review these all-important decisions.