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Can my ex-spouse see our children if he/she does not pay the court ordered child support?
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
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
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
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
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
It can feel overwhelming going through a divorce when you have children. There are so many things to consider that it can be tough to know where to start. If you have children under age 18 and are getting divorced in...more
In recognition of Father’s Day this past weekend, a change in the law may be of particular importance to fathers. Effective July 1, 2023, a new law signed by Governor DeSantis now acknowledges rights of “unwed fathers.”...more
CO-PARENTING WITH A VERY YOUNG CHILD - Without a doubt, making the decision to physically separate from your spouse and/or partner is extremely difficult. It’s not a decision that anyone takes lightly, nor is there ever a...more
In any child custody lawsuit in Ohio, there are two major matters that underpin each and every child custody order. In particular: What is the relevant custodial arrangement? What is the governing parenting time...more
As the holidays approach, it can be a wonderful time for families and traditions. However, when you are going through a divorce or custody proceedings, it can also be a stressful time. There are a lot of unknowns during the...more
When summer and school vacations approach, many divorcing spouses wonder: what happens with the children and the parenting plan? Do I get to take them for vacation, and sign them up for camps? What happens if my coparent...more
If you have children, your relationship with your ex isn’t over once the divorce is final; you will need to have a solid co-parenting relationship. Some people fall into this easily, but for others it’s a struggle,...more
Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Marriage with a high needs kid is harder. Divorce with a high needs kid is harder—and most of all for the high needs kid. My husband and I are blessed with two children. My oldest...more
With the school year coming to an end and the beginning of summer here, it’s a good time to pull out your parenting plan and review your summer time-sharing agreement. Since every parenting plan is tailored to each individual...more
I recently participated with a client in an uncontested divorce hearing where the Probate and Family Court Judge presiding over the matter said something I have not heard many judges say at an uncontested divorce hearing. ...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
A May 8, 2020 New York Times headline proclaimed, “The Pandemic has Slowed the Divorce Process. Here’s What to Expect.” A litany of nightmares follows -- inability to commence the process, ongoing cases at a standstill,...more
In divorce and child custody matters, courts issue custody orders at the end of the case. In some states, these are referred to as parenting plans. Sometimes, a temporary order, known as a PDL Order in some states, is...more
In divorce and family law matters where custody and visitation of children are at issue, many wonder whether keeping a custody log will help. In other words, does it make sense to get a calendar and take notices of who has...more
This time of year is especially popular for special family events such as weddings, graduations, and bar/bat mitvahs. For families going through a divorce, these events can pose unique challenges. ...more
The Hollywood gossip this week revolves around an Order issued in California in the custody dispute between actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. That Order outlined a summer custody schedule for the six children while...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
While we await news of Tom Brady's Deflate-Gate appeal, the National Basketball Association playoffs coming up fast, and the latest hints that Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian may not follow through with their divorce after...more