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Useful “Stay at home” Resources for Children

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CoVID-19 has had a powerful and immediate impact on us all. Businesses and schools are closing for indefinite periods. Like many companies, at Modern Family Law we have implemented a work-from-home policy. Our team and their families now find themselves with a lot more time staying at home together. This presents challenges, even as this…

My Ex Is Taking The Kids Out During COVID-19

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Even under the best of situations, parents do not always see eye to eye on decisions about their children. Disagreement often worsens after a break up when parents go their separate ways and possibly find new partners. What if the difference of opinion rises to the level of a safety issue? What if my ex … Continued

Navigating Child Support During COVID

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With the latest news from California Governor Gavin Newsome shutting down all “non-essential” businesses starting March 17, 2020, in the six local bay area counties, many parents may be wondering how to keep up with their child support payments during a time of possible unemployment. Some of my clients are lucky enough to be working…

Divorce and Women’s Health

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Going through a divorce can be the most challenging time in a woman’s life. Changes come fast and furious. It’s hard enough to adjust to being single again, but if you compound this with the financial and emotional adjustments of a divorce, a woman’s mental and physical well-being may be at risk.  The stress of … Continued

Modifying Orders in Parenting Cases

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Parenting time orders almost always need modification. Circumstances change as the children get older or as parents moved to new locations. Parenting time order that doesn't need modification at some point, are rare.  Modifying orders is a common feature of parenting time cases.  Parenting time orders are designed around the circumstances at that time. Occasionally, … Continued

What Should I Know About Divorce

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There are many important things to keep in mind when starting a divorce, such as creating financial reserves, seeking out financial assistance, and contemplating where you're going to be living. Other considerations are more emotionally based, designed to help survive a divorce and chart a course for a successful future after its conclusion. Top 5 Practical … Continued

Taking Emergency Action To Modify A Parenting Plan

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When it comes to our children's welfare, every decision is urgent. Once we’ve decided what's best for our kids, we want action right away. When it comes to emergency parenting, the urgency we feel often comes up against the hard reality of the court system.   It's a slow process, getting a judge’s attention, and … Continued

When to Move Out

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Once a spouse has decided a divorce is going to happen, continuing to live together under the same roof can be a really bad idea. Many times though, alternatives to this bad situation aren’t so clear.  Money is scarce. Options seem limited. It’s hard to see how life is going to move forward. What’s a couple supposed … Continued

Alcohol or Drugs and Time with Your Kids

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Substance abuse is a common factor of conflict for parents in a divorce. Divorce parties may turn to alcohol and drug use during the divorce process to handle stressful and sadness. With these cases, addictions can result in the separating parties choosing between family or addiction. In any circumstance, families and legal counsel will want … Continued

Overview: The Decision to File in Colorado

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The choice to file for divorce may be the most difficult decision. The challenges a family faces during such a process can be especially significant. Spouses commonly fear the impact this decision will have on their loved ones or career. Many fear they’ll lose what’s important to them, such as their family, children, assets, or…

Divorce Mediation or Bust

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If you filed for divorce, family court mediation is, more than likely, coming your way. And that’s a good thing. Regardless of whether or not you’ve retained counsel, courts very often order mediation before you’re allowed to set the case for a final hearing. Most often, mediation is conducted by a trained mediator at a…

Protecting Mothers Rights

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In family law cases, mothers face the competing interests of the needs of their children and the involvement of the father. A court must evaluate the needs of children involved and the mother's rights. With strategy, mothers can obtain favorable results for themselves and their families. Protecting mothers rights is an essential part of any … Continued

What Does Parental Alienation Look Like?

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Parental alienation occurs when a parent poisons the relationship between the other parent and his or her children. Its effects are highly destructive on the children and the parents. Experts warn that parental alienation if left unchecked, may have a lifelong impact on a child. Also, the child's relationship with both parents is negatively affected. … Continued

Key to Parenting Time: Cooperation

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Splitting parenting time can be fertile ground for conflict  Parties get fixated on percentages and the number of overnights, instead of cooperation and what may work best for the kids. It’s best to focus discussions on child-centered schedules. If you walk into court describing your kids like a pie to be divided, you’ll lose credibility…

Fathers Have Rights, Too

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"Is my state a father’s state, or a mother’s state?" It's a common question, and we get it all the time from clients worried about gender bias in our courtrooms.  Father's rights cases are on the rise.  You hear men in divorce cases concerned, "fathers have rights, too" Family law statutes in most states are … Continued

Understanding Child Custody In California

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The word “custody” is what most people think of when they talk about time with their kids after a divorce. Most family law professionals, including lawyers and judges, stay away from this term. Instead, “parenting time” and “decision-making” are commonly used in its place. The phrase, “custody” implies ownership or control of something, so “custody”…

Avoid Overpaying Attorney Fees

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Family law clients have a significant degree of control over attorney fees incurred within their cases. The biggest factor in the overall cost of divorce is conflict. If a client manages the level of conflict, carefully picking and choosing their battles, it will have a big impact on the cost of the case. Divorce can … Continued

Child and Family Investigators (CFI)

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A Child and Family Investigators, or CFI, is an expert appointed by a court to help a judge resolve parenting time and decision-making conflicts. Not every case involving children requires a CFI.  CFIs are usually only appointed to cases where one, or both parties request this expert.  A judge may also determine on his or … Continued