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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
People in just about every form of business find a time of year when life becomes difficult. For accountants it’s tax season. Firefighters have August when forest fires rage. For family lawyers it’s Christmas or just about...more
This year brought a return of holiday gatherings with families and travel. Although most people look forward to the holidays those who are going through a divorce don’t always have the same anticipation during the holidays....more
Holidays are a magical time, full of whimsy, togetherness, and memory-making pastimes. Thanksgiving is my personal favorite. I love the food, the company, and the uninterrupted time I get with my family....more
It’s November 1st… “All I want for Christmas” was on every radio station at 12 a.m., Target stores have rapidly replaced all Halloween aisles with winter holiday decor, the rush to shopping begins, and we start to think about...more
We all create checklists when preparing for summer travel. The standard checklist includes making sure you have the right clothes, snacks, activities, electronics, chargers, and medications packed. When you are dealing with a...more
Remember your focus should be on the children and what is best for them. Even if it is not your ideal scenario, encourage them to have a wonderful holiday and to enjoy themselves....more
Is travel during the holidays safe? Many parents who usually would travel over the holidays may have to change their plans. Parents should observe all quarantine rules and restrictions specific to each state. Make sure to...more
As he did at the start of the pandemic, the Chief Justice of the Probate & Family Court issued an open letter to parents, encouraging them “to continue cooperating with each other to ensure that children have safe, healthy...more
I received an email from a client earlier this week with the subject line “New Year, Same Divorce.” This made me pause and think about how many clients probably feel the same way as he does. While the time between...more
The holiday season tends to bring out the best, or the worst, in people. It is a time to celebrate the joys of life and let the stress of the prior year slip away. Unfortunately, divorce and the holidays tend not to mix well...more
That comment was once delivered to me across a crowed lobby during a negotiation for the upcoming holiday. My client had proposed that the other parent have custody Thanksgiving morning until the afternoon. It was an attempt...more
Holiday parenting time issues are extremely common. They often create strong emotional responses from each parent because not only is it their parenting time, but also it frequently includes extended family members visiting...more
Holidays are supposed to be a time of merriment and conviviality. Experience has taught us that they are also a time of immense stress. This is especially true where families are no longer intact. ...more
As the holidays approach, many divorced and divorcing parents can get into disputes about the holiday schedule for the children. The holidays are an important time. Parents can feel a wide-range of emotions. And parties are...more
With Chanukkah almost behind us and Christmas rapidly approaching, the time for being jolly is unfortunately also a peak time for parental conflict in divorcing and divorced families. What one would think (hope) would be a...more
The holidays are supposed to be a time of good will and cheer. For those going through a divorce, however, the situation is often not cheerful and may even be grim. With some thoughtful planning and the right outlook,...more
When you are divorced with kids, Christmas and Hanukkah can become minefields that make previous family headaches look simple. But there’s good news: There are a number of steps that you can take ahead of time to make things...more
The holidays are not upon us but they are not far away either. If you are separated and your holiday plans for sharing custody are not, “set” it is well-nigh time to begin the discussion because November is not a good time...more
As we approach the holiday season, clients often wonder how the first Christmas that the parties are separated will be handled, especially what will happen with the children. Will Santa Claus really visit both Mom and Dad’s...more
In a recent post on Avvo’s Naked Law Blog, I discussed the effect of divorce on children and offered some tips on how to deal with custody in light of a separation and/or divorce. Issues regarding custody become magnified...more