The impact of realistic estrangement on child custody matters
How to Put Your Children First in Co-Parenting
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
As the school year comes to an end, parents are planning their vacations. Now is the time to check your Custody Orders and make sure that you are following all the terms and conditions. Most Custody Agreements have provisions...more
When determining child custody, Courts must weigh all factors based on what the judge feels is in the “best interest of the minor child.” Often, it can feel ambiguous in knowing how a judge may rule under this standard, but...more
This Father’s Day, fathers in Florida have more rights than last Father’s Day. As of July 1, 2023, new laws were enacted in the state. One law requires that a minor child have frequent and continuing contact with both...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
You filed for a Temporary Restraining Order against the other parent of your child and, after a hearing, were granted a Final Restraining Order. The other parent is now restrained from communicating with you either directly...more
When a divorcing parent asks this question, their attorney might respond with the common saying, “Children have a voice, not a choice.” In Washington state, the extent to which a child’s voice is heard in establishing a final...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
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has substantially revised Standing Order 3-23, which requires completion of a four-hour online parenting course, which has been renamed “Two Families Now.” The revised Standing...more
Clients often ask whether a nesting arrangement (also called “bird nesting”) in a child custody or divorce matter is a good idea. There is no right or wrong answer, as it depends upon the specific separating parents, the...more
In many divorces, emotions run high, resulting in hurtful comments, emotional pain, and anger toward the other spouse. For spouses with young children, it can be hard to keep those emotions in check in the presence of the...more
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has issued Standing Order 3-23, which requires parties to divorce, annulment, parentage, and modification actions involving custody or parenting time filed on or after November 1,...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 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
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
Marylanders voted that beginning July 1, 2023, adults 21 and older may possess, smoke, and grow cannabis (with some limitations). For many divorcing couples, the question looms – how might legalizing marijuana impact your...more
After a Family matter is started, and the parties have children under the age of 18, they will be ordered to attend the Parent Education Program. This takes place either at the Courthouse, or via a remote session, depending...more
WHAT IS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM? It is no secret that, inherent in any legal proceeding, are a copious number of Latin terms and phrases. For those not trained in the law—as well as for those that do not have any prior...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
Imagine being a kid; any age over four. Unless you are well north of age 100, you have never seen anything like this. Adults fighting about everything and demonstrating some levels of rudeness not seen since the school...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