Don’t let your kids write to the judge
Posted May 18th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Some parents think they can gain an edge in a child custody case by having their children write to the judge. Worse yet, they help the children put their words on paper, effectively ghostwriting private notes to the judge. This is wrong on many levels. First, most judges disapprove of children getting in the middle […]
Read MoreKnow the difference between factual testimony and opinion testimony
Posted May 17th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
As a general rule, witnesses can only testify to facts of which they have personal knowledge. They cannot give their personal opinions. Only a qualified expert witness can testify as to an opinion. Thus, an attorney could question a non-expert witness as to what he observed your ex-spouse doing around the children on a particular […]
Read MoreChoose the right doctor for your child
Posted May 16th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Who is the best doctor for your child? Is it the well-known pediatrician in your neighborhood? Is it the family doctor recommended by your friends and colleagues? Is it the physician with the best credentials listed in the local medical society or medical directory? Choosing the “right” doctor for your child is a personal decision. […]
Read MoreDon’t forget the art of the sting: Broken promises, false declarations under oath, and plans that never materialize.
Posted May 12th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Time and time again, a parent stands in family court and tells the judge something that is not likely to be true, or to come true. For example, a father exercising his visitation rights files a petition for increased parenting time during the day, claiming that his employer now requires him to work more night […]
Read MoreIf a social worker entered your home right now and began looking around, what would she see? What would she say?
Posted May 11th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Are you ready for the white-glove inspection? If a social worker arrived at your front door right now, toting a clipboard and an inspection sheet, what would she see? What would she write down as her observations? Here are seven things to think about: CHILDREN’S TOYS: Are the age-appropriate? Are they in good repair? Does […]
Read MoreOrder the Medical Records if You’re Being Blocked Out
Posted May 10th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
One of the common complaints by parents involved in child custody disputes is the failure to communicate about health issues affecting the children. Often, one parent will call her lawyers complaining that the other parent took their son to the emergency room of a local hospital — without even notifying her, until after the fact. […]
Read MoreKeep Track of Contradictory Requests Made By Your Opponent.
Posted May 9th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
It is sometimes alarming to learn that a parent asking for custody of a child originally wanted nothing to do with the child. Indeed, parents sometimes make ill-advised requests from the court that indicate their disinterest in child custody, and then later turn around and make a pitch for full custody. If you’re the responding […]
Read MoreHandle emergencies collaboratively. Tell the other parent when you’re at the hospital with your child!
Posted May 8th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
By Shaun Armstrong Guest Blogger Worse case scenario: Your daughter is rushed to the hospital following a serious accident or a deteriorating illness. Doctors say she will need surgery. Medical emergencies like these can be stressful for any family, but they are particularly stressful in a family with shared custody. It is important that the […]
Read MoreDo not file custody and support motions at the same time
Posted May 7th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Do not file a child custody petition and a child support petition at the same time. If you live in a state where custody and support motions can be combined in one document, then resist the urge to ask for them simultaneously. Even if you need to apply for a custody order and a child […]
Read MoreDoes a change in health warrant a change in custody?
Posted May 6th, 2016.
Categories: Custody Tips, Family Law.
Changes in the physical or mental health of one of the parents, or of the children, can require a change in custody or visitation rights….but not every kind of health situation will lead to a modification of the current custody order. The ultimate test remains the “best interest of the child.” Therefore, if the new […]
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