How Your Parenting Plan Can Keep You in Embroiled in Court Battles
When going through a custody dispute, whether from divorce or custody coming to an agreement in custody &/or visitation can be taxing. A parenting plan, custody order or parenting agreement are all a part of custody matters. It is a legal and binding document that addresses how each parent will split time, their rights & […]
Parent Education in Divorce or Custody Matters
I’m a big advocate for parents improving their knowledge, skills, aptitude to be the best parent they can be. Parent education comes in various forms and numerous methods. Some are much more advanced than others, but it doesn’t hurt to participate in the basic ones. What is Parent Education? Parent education is the training, informing, […]
“Good” and “Not so Good” Co-parenting is Still Coparenting
Co-parenting can go as smoothly as the parties allow it to. It doesn’t have to be complicated or have a lot of conflict. However, it does not mean that when parties disagree on issues that it is unsuccessful. Co-parenting simply means that parents communicate effectively and collaborate on important decisions regarding their child(ren). Disagreements, confusion, […]
Grandparents Rights to Visitation & Custody
Since 2000, grandparents’ rights to visitation and/or custody has been ruled “unconstitutional” in many states. This landmark case (Troxel v. Granville) established that state laws that mandated grandparents rights to visitation & custody violated parents’ rights to due process. As a result, although most states have some laws on the books granting grandparents rights, some […]
Best Interests of the Child Custody Each State
Each state has some sort of guidelines when it comes to deciding the best interests of the child custody. The best interests of the child is the standard courts use to determine custody & visitation. Even though these standards follow basic principles across all states, the factors used to make this determination varies from state […]
Guardian ad Litem vs. Judge In-Camera Contested Custody
Contested custody cases requires the use of “unconventional” methods with respect to gathering facts to help it made rulings. The parties to the custody action can appear pro se, where they speak for themselves, or by their family lawyers. But children’s interests must also be given considerable consideration with respect to custody and visitation. This […]
Contempt in Family Court: What it Is & it is Not
I’ve touched up contempt in family court several times in the past. But what is or is not contempt in family court matters is worth a lengthy discussion. It is defined as “the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful toward a court of law and its officers…”. (Wikipedia) This covers orders, rulings, decisions issued […]
Child Custody & Out of Marriage Children
I recently suggested to a group member that she refrain from referring to her child as property in case of child custody. Her post had a part where she said “keep my child all to myself. She was asking for advice on whether she should let the Dad sign the birth certificate when their child […]
Pro Se Divorce or Pro Se Child Custody?
Pro Se Divorce or Pro Se Child Custody – Which is better? Attorneys, judges, legal personnel all think pro se divorce or pro se child custody litigants are insane. Even with Uncontested Divorce, they believe that taking the risk of botching the child custody or child support terms is too high. For those of you […]