A more modern rite of passage for kids is going to the courthouse during their parents’ divorce proceedings to talk to judges about their living situations, about who does the majority of the parenting and about whom they feel the closest feelings of warmth and love. Aside from doing everything in their power to keep…
Our battle with COVID-19 has literally changed every aspect of our lives: how we grocery shop, how we socialize, how we work, and how we sanitize. It will most definitely change the divorce process as well. ABC News reports that family law attorneys predict an upswing in divorces caused by this pandemic, based on a…
Coronavirus is impacting every aspect of our lives and in ways that require more than simply “washing your hands.” The following are some key considerations to keep in mind when, in the midst of this epidemic, you are also in the midst of a divorce: Parent Communication. Parents should stay updated, and provide notice to the other…
What is the “right” thing to do in terms of co-parenting during a crisis such as this? If possible, be kind to your child’s other parent. If kindness is too much to ask, at least try for a polite business-like exchange. Your children are lacking the stability of their school and possibly daily contact with…
Seven Guidelines for Parents Who Are Divorce/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID19 Pandemic From the leaders of groups that deal with families in crisis: Susan Myres, President of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Dr. Matt Sullivan, President of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Annette Burns, AAML and Former President…
Mediation can take many different forms and has many different styles, but it’s essentially an alternative to formal court proceedings. A courtroom has an adversarial structure; generally there is a winner and a loser, and sometimes the results are unpredictable. Courtroom battles can also be drawn out and expensive. Mediation is not only for family…
Sometimes parents stay together “for the sake of their children,” even though they are living in great turmoil. An article discusses that staying in a toxic relationship is not always the better approach than getting a divorce. By staying in an unhealthy relationship for the sake of the kids, there could be effects on the…
A Parent Coordinator (PC) is usually a licensed mental health professional or an attorney assigned by the courts to manage ongoing issues in high-conflict parenting cases. The PC’s decisions then become court-ordered. We are also frequently seeing parents voluntarily engage a PC to help them with their conflicts around their children. The parents agree to…
Rather than going to court, embrace the idea of creating solutions for your future that will work for both of you through divorce and custody mediation. This is your chance to keep control of what you really want while creating a cooperative environment of giving your spouse what’s important to them as well. There is…
A brief guide to divorce in Pennsylvania Couples thinking of separating permanently or temporarily in Pennsylvania should be aware of the following: Pennsylvania state divorce laws To file for divorce in Pennsylvania, one or both of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least six months. Grounds for divorce Aside…