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?
Highly contested child custody cases are hard on everyone. The children's routines change. The parents lose the ability to see their children 24/7. None of it is pleasant. But can parents make it worse? Absolutely!...more
Every parent wants to make their child’s dreams come true, especially during the holiday season. Sometimes a child’s only stated wish is to have his or her divorced or separated parents celebrate the holidays together....more
In 2021, I wrote on this blog about a case where a court delayed reunification therapy because a 12 year old child didn’t want to do it. To this day, this continues to be one of the most read posts on our blog, more than...more
On April 15, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 55, “Kayden’s Law,” making changes to the Pennsylvania child custody factors set forth in Title 23 in an effort to provide further protection to children’s safety....more
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
Since the US Supreme Court decided Troxel v. Granville in 2000, grandparents have had an uphill battle obtaining grandparent visitation. While the New Jersey standard was set in Moriarty v. Bradt a few years later (a case...more
Grandparents may seek custody of, or visitation with, a minor child. However, custody and visitation, although often used interchangeably, are not synonyms under North Carolina law. The distinction is important, especially as...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
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
In family law cases in North Carolina, parental rights can seem particularly complex, especially when children are born to unmarried couples. Navigating this terrain involves a legal process known as legitimation, which aims...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
Lauren Stone and Joey Worner gave birth to G.W. late in 2018. The couple separated in 2021 and it appears dad moved back with his parents, Ted and Adelina at about that time. These grandparents and mom’s mother provided...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
In the United States, we enjoy certain fundamental rights, including the right to interstate travel and live wherever we want. If, however, you are divorced or separated from your spouse, and you have a child together, you...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
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
It’s a common scenario: You don’t want a court to determine your family’s affairs, but you do want a structure in place to ensure you (and your children) get a fair outcome....more