Blog: Child Custody

2/22/18

Negotiating a custody schedule that works for your family

When you cannot negotiate, when you cannot talk, when you cannot reach agreements, then you have war. When it comes to your children, you don’t want to drag them into a war. You’ll want to negotiate. “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War Research has shown Collaborative divorce Both spouses commit upfront to resolve all matters without litigating. The process uses a team approach to aid...

2/14/18

Proposed bill seeks to formalize collaborative law in Pennsylvania

If you follow Pennsylvania politics at all, you’ve likely heard much about local redistricting fights and other contentious issues. What you may not have heard about is While many family law firms have been using collaborative law methods for years (including our own), this new bill seeks to formally encode the practice within Pennsylvania. Moreover, it recognizes the valuable contribution this less antagonistic approach to resolving disputes makes within our society. This may leave...

12/29/17

5 Tips To Spark Great Communication With Children in Transition

Divorce triggers many changes that can be difficult on the whole family, and especially on children. However, transitions to new living arrangements and schedules can be made easier when parents make communication a top priority. Here are some tips for parents on ways to keep the lines of communication open during this, and any, time of great transition. Observe Observations, is a key part of effectively communicating with your child. Is your son or daughter...

11/27/17

Co-Parenting Troubles—When Disengaging Becomes A Necessity

Articles and literature on co-parenting almost always reference the importance of communication and compromise. To successfully co-parent, it is essential that parents are able to discuss and come to an agreement about a range of issues related to their child and that dialog is ongoing. While the majority of co-parents do their best to navigate the rocky and unpredictable road that is co-parenting, the relationship between some parents is simply too hostile and volatile. What...

4/24/17

Summer Is Coming….Have You And Your Ex Discussed Custody Plans?

Spring has sprung throughout the Philadelphia metro and school-age children throughout the area are counting down the days until summer break. When it comes to summer vacations, camps, family trips and general day-to-day activities, for many parents, summer presents both opportunities and challenges. If you’re a After what may have been a shaky start to the school year, now roughly eight months in, you and your ex have finally hit your co-parenting stride. It’s...

10/19/16

Co-Parenting: How to Make it Easier

Getting divorced is never an easy process. This is especially true if you have young children. In fact, even in cases where both you and your ex amicably agreed to end a marriage and opted for a less-adversarial collaborative divorce, things can change after the ink on a divorce agreement dries. Having a child with someone means that, for better or worse, you and that person will forever be tied together. For divorced parents, this can...

8/10/16

For recently divorced parents, communication is key as kids head back to school

As summer winds down, school-age children throughout Pennsylvania are preparing to head back to school. For parents and children alike, this time of year can be stressful as the whole family must adjust to new daily routines and responsibilities. In cases where a child’s parents recently separated or divorced, heading back to school this fall may be a particularly challenging time for everyone. To help a child not only transition back to school, but also...

6/17/16

Do grandparents have rights when it comes to custody?

Grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives and the larger family dynamic. In the best case scenario, grandparents have consistent access to their grandchildren, with the parents’ blessing, and are able to develop close, positive relationships with them. However, best case scenario doesn’t happen all the time, and there are times when grandparents may find themselves facing an uphill battle trying to get access to their grandchildren. If you are currently dealing with...

6/3/16

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD – YOUR CHOICE

Scenario 1: Spouse 1 to Spouse 2 (in front of child): “If you don’t agree to what I want, I’m taking you to Court and the Judge will take Joey away from you! Just because you’re Mommy doesn’t mean you get to call the shots!” Scenario 1: Spouse 1 to Spouse 2 (in front of child): “If you don’t agree to what I want, I’m taking you to Court and the Judge will take Joey...

5/23/16

Parental relocation: what are the laws in Pennsylvania?

If you feel the need for a major lifestyle change or a fresh start after your divorce, you’re not alone. It’s common for other big changes, like a new job or a cross-country move, to follow your change in relationship status. However, if you have children with your ex and are planning on taking them along with you, there are rules and procedures that must be followed. In Pennsylvania, the term relocation usually refers to...