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
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
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
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
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
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
This year brought a return of holiday gatherings with families and travel. Although most people look forward to the holidays those who are going through a divorce don’t always have the same anticipation during the holidays....more
Holidays are a magical time, full of whimsy, togetherness, and memory-making pastimes. Thanksgiving is my personal favorite. I love the food, the company, and the uninterrupted time I get with my family....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