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Divorce Checklist
It is not uncommon for someone to consult with our office when they are just beginning to contemplate the possibility of divorce. Often, they want basic information about the legal process and their rights as well as advice on how to prepare for such a major life event. My clients […]
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED?
Summer is upon us and as a general rule this is a time when our office gets calls from parents regarding their teenager or young adults arrest or questioning by police. Have this discussion now. One time is not enough. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that I hope will […]
Co-Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus
There is no road map that allows us to provide hard guidance on how to manage parenting during this difficult time. Families are in unfamiliar territory. However, there are some things that hopefully will help you navigate co-parenting. Follow existing court orders. Parents must follow existing court orders. This is […]
Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship
There was a period in my practice that guardianship seemed like the only option for families of disabled adults. That is no longer the automatic solution. In our office we have always emphasized that there is no one size fits all. Guardianship does not solve most issues facing families with […]
Apps for Divorcing Parents
It centralizes communication and helps with organization. Even for divorcing or divorced parents it has been my experience that the apps provide a less emotional vehicle for communication. Using an app can also limit the he said, she said phenomenon. FAQ: What can an app do to help with […]
The Holidays and Divorced or Separating Families
The holidays can be fraught with tension for many families who are divorced or who are in transition. Over the years of my practice as a family law attorney, I have developed a list of those things that can help during this complicated time of year. 1. Plan ahead. That […]
The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem in Divorce or Parentage Cases
What is a guardian ad litem? A guardian ad litem is an attorney who is appointed to investigate the best interests of the child. In any proceeding involving the allocation of parental responsibilities, parentage, support, relocation, property interest, abuse or general welfare of a minor or dependent child, the court […]
Elements of an Effective Parenting Plan for Divorcing Couples
There is no one size fits all parenting plan. It should be based upon the best interests of your children and what works for your family. I have created a checklist that is a good starting point for parents who are contemplating divorce or separation to address the numerous issues […]
Attorney Assisted Mediation: An Option for Divorcing Clients
Mediation is increasingly used by divorcing couples as an alternative to litigation as a means of both reducing conflict and cost. The mediator in divorce is a neutral professional (often an attorney trained in mediation) who assists the parties in creating an out of court settlement of all of the […]
Special Needs Considerations in Divorce
There are no “typical” fact patterns when it comes to divorce when a child or children have special needs. From the beginning of the case, our office makes it a priority to understand the unique needs of these families. This often means asking certain essential questions that will guide our […]
Responding to DCFS: What to do if The Department of Children and Family Service (“DCFS”) calls or shows up?
In my experience this is a call that causes panic in even the calmest among us. Visions of their children taken from their homes and the notion that some harm has been caused and that the parent is being accused of some wrong doing makes families feel exposed and scared. […]
Selected Bibliography for Children and Divorce
Two Homes by Claire Masurel Dinosaurs Divorce by Lauren Krasny Brown and Marc Brown My Family’s Changing by Pat Thomas The Invisible String by Patrice Karst It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky I Don’t Want to Talk About It, by Jeanie Franz Ransom What Can I Do? […]
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