Let's Talk Child Custody and Quarantines
Let's Talk Child Custody
I have written a lot on this blog regarding my love/hate relationship with the appointment of parent coordinators. In fact, one of the more read posts, to this day, is one from 2019 entitled The Futility of Parenting...more
In Washington family law cases, a Guardian ad Litem (often abbreviated as a ‘GAL’) may be appointed by the court to represent and protect the best interests of the parties’ children. This could be during a divorce, a...more
The end of a relationship often presents an opportunity for individuals to consider relocation to a new city or town, or even out of state. While it is true that neither a former partner nor the Court can tell someone they...more
When celebrities divorce, the headlines tend to focus on the drama. But behind the paparazzi photos and tabloids, celebrity custody disputes often mirror the same issues that parents in Maryland and Washington, D.C. face...more
On April 8, 2025, Ohio Senate Bill 174 (“SB 174”), a bill that would significantly change the way child custody matters are handled and heard by Ohio courts, was introduced in the Ohio Legislature by Senators Theresa Gavarone...more
Settling a divorce or family law matter is rarely easy. Many think that resolutions can come with speed or ease. Sometimes that can happen. But it is not always the case. However, once a divorce or family law matter...more
The start of a new school year can be exciting for children, but it can also bring stress for both students and their parents. I experience this with my own school-aged children each year! Feelings of overwhelm may be...more
The holiday season should be a time of joy, reflection, and connection — but for co-parents, it can also bring logistical headaches and emotional strain. Between custody schedules, travel plans, and differing traditions, it’s...more
In the UAE, custody of children is governed by the UAE family law, consisting of Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024 on the issuance of the Personal Status Law which governs Muslims in the UAE (“Federal Personal Status Law”),...more
When couples agree to divorce, one of the first questions that is often asked is: “Can I start dating?” The simple answer is yes you can, but there are things to keep in mind. Even after you’ve filed for divorce, you are...more
Sadly, in some child custody matters, sexual abuse allegations can arise. One party might allege that the other parent has sexually abused the children or poses a risk of doing so. In some cases, one party may even be a...more
If you are a parent and your child has been taken out of the United States without your consent, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and unsure of what to do next. International parental abduction is an...more
Parents often tell me that their individual therapist, former marriage counselor, or even their child’s therapist should have an opinion about the outcome of their custody case. They’ll ask why the judge cannot just speak to...more
In the first part of this series, we explored the various legal avenues available to grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren under Ohio law....more
One in four parents living with a child in the United States today are unmarried. Of these, 35% of all unmarried parents are living with a partner. In the event the relationship goes south, do unmarried fathers have rights...more
Anatomy of a panic attack: When your ex plays custody hostage negotiator - Sheer panic. That's what I see in the eyes of clients who first sit across from me after their spouse has filed for divorce, changed the locks on...more
If you and your spouse are undergoing a divorce with children, there’s a good chance you are thinking about what kind of custody arrangement you will end up with. In Washington, we refer to these as “Residential Provisions”...more
Welcome to "Lost in Translation: Blunders in International Estate Planning." This blog series explores the intricacies of international estate planning, uncovering potential pitfalls and providing insights to navigate...more
Black letter law is that to change a child support Order, the person seeking a modification must show a substantial and continuing change of circumstances. But what is the standard if there is a custody agreement, even if the...more
In this day, it seems just wrong to even write a word incorporating “terror.” It seems as if terrorism is everywhere and one place we could hope to elude it would be in contract drafting. Yet, as we shall see, these clauses...more
When it comes to the grandparent-grandchild relationship, many questions arise regarding visitation rights. In North Carolina, the extent of visitation, the ability to sue for visitation, and grandparents’ rights are common...more
The proper and legal use of medical marijuana treatment by a parent should not solely affect their custody proceeding. A parent is permitted to use marijuana in accordance with the law and pursuant to the doctor’s...more
We live in some extraordinary times; ones where citizens seem to think that they can or sometimes must take the law into their own hands. The idea that a parent could be guilty of a misdemeanor, let alone a felony, for...more
How are child custody orders being affected during the COVID-19 pandemic? Family law attorney John Zurzola discusses custody litigation during the lockdowns, the timeline of cases, how lockdown ordinances affect custody...more
Father adopted a child with mother. Mother died two year later. Father remarried the stepmother in 2012, with whom this litigation took place. Stepmother adopted the child a year later. The marriage lasted less than a...more