Parents of minor children have numerous options when it comes to creating a child custody and visitation framework. However, finding the right solution can be stressful and confusing. Terms describing different types of arrangements can sound similar. For example, “joint custody” and “joint shared parenting” are not synonymous. Understanding the distinction between these terms and the other available custody options…
If you don’t have minor children, a divorce will let you walk away from a spouse with a narcissistic personality once the financial details are worked out. However, a parent in the process of divorcing a narcissist should take active steps to protect their son or daughter. Someone’s personality problem not only affects the well-being of children in their home…
Most fathers do not envision needing to fight to prove they can provide the best home for their child. Yet, every day fathers across the country must go to court to seek full custody. Preparation, follow-through and consistency are keys to success. Family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, not the wishes of parents. Fathers who want to…
New York courts hold child custody hearings when parents cannot reach agreements on parenting plans. The hearing can be monumentally stressful, since emotions are likely to run high where parent-child relationships are involved. Going over the questions you are likely to be asked — and knowing your answers — may provide you with valuable peace of mind. The judge’s ultimate…
The coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges for parents dealing with child custody orders or agreements. Not surprisingly, some parents have simply run out of patience with self-help remedies and may feel like their only remaining option is to go to court, either to enforce an existing arrangement or to seek a formal modification of custody. However, any New York…
Over the holidays, you may need to adjust your child custody or visitation schedule to make sure both parents have the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. Here are a few examples of some of the ways parents split holiday time after a divorce. Alternate holidays: You might consider alternating the holidays for which you get the children…
Some people may wish to add provisions related to their children’s education and afterschool activities to their custody arrangements. Here are just a few common examples of some of these provisions. Important school information: The custody arrangement might contain information about the school the child will attend, as well as how each parent will be responsible for sharing information about…
Parents disagree, often vehemently, on many aspects of how a child should be raised, from what church or school the child should attend to what sports they should play. But such issues, as important as they may be, pale in comparison to a child’s gender. What happens when parents have opposing views on how a child should identify? That question…
While the general standard courts will use for determining child custody arrangements is always “the best interest of the child,” there are some unique considerations the court must factor into its custody plans for infants. For example: Frequency: When babies are very young, it is important for them to have frequent interactions and contact with both parents, even if the…
Co-parenting can be challenging under any circumstances. When you have shared custody during a global pandemic, the level of that challenge only increases. Here are a few examples of some issues that may arise within your family regarding shared parenting during the pandemic and some of the steps you can take to confront or overcome those issues. Essential workers: Parents…