Let's Talk Child Custody
What is a Parenting Coordinator and Why Do We Need One?
Can my ex-spouse see our children if he/she does not pay the court ordered child support?
On April 15, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 55, “Kayden’s Law,” making changes to the Pennsylvania child custody factors set forth in Title 23 in an effort to provide further protection to children’s safety....more
Many are familiar with the term parental alienation. However, many are entirely unfamiliar with the term realistic estrangement. Parental alienation is where one parent begins a campaign to demean and defame the other...more
Since the US Supreme Court decided Troxel v. Granville in 2000, grandparents have had an uphill battle obtaining grandparent visitation. While the New Jersey standard was set in Moriarty v. Bradt a few years later (a case...more
Grandparents may seek custody of, or visitation with, a minor child. However, custody and visitation, although often used interchangeably, are not synonyms under North Carolina law. The distinction is important, especially as...more
Co-parenting applications are becoming increasingly popular in divorce or family law matters where there are children. In cases where these matters are not resolved amicably, or where there are continued disagreements, more...more
Summer break is often a joyful time for many children but can be a common point of conflict for divorced or separated parents. With the family’s typical school routine derailed, parents may need to revisit parenting schedules...more
Individuals who are engaged in protracted custody litigation in Pennsylvania may come across the concept of a parenting coordinator during the duration of their custody matter. The below covers the basics of a parenting...more
Missouri recently followed many other states by making equal parenting time a rebuttable presumption in divorce and child custody matters. The rebuttal presumption was enacted as part of Senate Bill 35, which went into effect...more
While the rights of parents to see their child hold a high importance in the law, when it comes to custody, the best interest of the child is the family court’s number one priority....more
Legislation aimed at protecting children involved in custody battles emerged from tragic events occurring in 2018, marked by the murder of seven-year-old Kayden Mancuso at the hands of her father, Jeffery Mancuso, despite her...more
In family law cases in North Carolina, parental rights can seem particularly complex, especially when children are born to unmarried couples. Navigating this terrain involves a legal process known as legitimation, which aims...more
We have done a lot of complaining lately about some pretty bizarre cases. Then, along comes Schultz v. Schultz and Passetti; an important case that merits being published because it makes important law and is a credit to the...more
In many custody cases, it is common for the parties to participate in a custody evaluation. While the process will vary, the evaluator often meets with each parent individually, the child(ren), each parent and child...more
Lauren Stone and Joey Worner gave birth to G.W. late in 2018. The couple separated in 2021 and it appears dad moved back with his parents, Ted and Adelina at about that time. These grandparents and mom’s mother provided...more
There are numerous reasons why a parent may desire to move from the state of New Jersey. Most often the move is job-related, but a parent may move for a romantic partner, to be closer to family or friends, for better schools...more
Mediation is a confidential process where parties in family law matters, such as divorce, paternity, modification, or enforcement actions, work towards resolving their issues. It involves the parties, along with their...more
Grandparents can play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. Undoubtedly, many children have deep and inseparable bonds with their grandparents. When parents are married, or together, many grandparents can get...more
One of the important areas of child custody law as it has evolved in the past decade relates to when a grandparent has the legal right (or standing) to pursue claims for partial custody of a grandchild. This is a place where...more
One of the least pleasant tasks to lawyers who do custody work is advising the client that a planned relocation to support a new intimate relationship may not get off the proverbial runway. Yesterday’s decision in Leytrick v....more
One of my favorite holiday movies is Four Christmases (in addition to Home Alone, Elf, Christmas Vacation, Planes Trains + Automobiles… okay, call me basic). In the movie, a non-married couple played by Reese Witherspoon and...more
The holiday season is often a joyous time for family, friends, loved ones, traditions, vacations, and New Year’s resolutions. It can also be hectic and nerve-wracking....more
When a couple chooses to separate or divorce, one party may seek a fresh start by relocating to a new residence, town, or even a new state. If the couple has a child or children, then custody can become complicated,...more
The concept of child custody has evolved over the years. In the past, having sole legal custody was relatively common, but as family dynamics have shifted, with both stay-at-home and working parents playing essential roles in...more
In the United States, we enjoy certain fundamental rights, including the right to interstate travel and live wherever we want. If, however, you are divorced or separated from your spouse, and you have a child together, you...more
Divorce is an emotionally charged journey that can take a toll on all parties involved, particularly when children are caught in the crossfire. Within the Jewish community, divorce comes with its own set of considerations,...more