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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pennsylvania codified its custody laws in 1985 and at that time it drew a statutory distinction between decision making power (legal custody) and actual possession of the child (physical custody). In the 1980s there was a...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
It’s not a humorous topic but according to psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, it is becoming a more prevalent one. Coleman published an article about Father-child estrangement in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal. This is not a...more
In December 2022, we reviewed the warning signs to watch for if you suspect your former partner may be engaging in parental alienation. If you believe you are a victim of parental alienation and/or your co-parent is refusing...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
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