What is a Child Custody Social Study?
A child custody social study, home study, or custody evaluation, is sometimes a court ordered document from which a judge may seek additional information on who should be the primary custodial parent. May times, especially in my home state of Texas, judges will ask social workers or custody evaluators to perform a social study to learn home details that they cannot otherwise determined through courtroom proceedings.
Teen Career Talk: Undecided Major is NOT an Option
When I started college 25 years ago, the number of friends that majored in “Undecided” was huge. We were told that a degree in anything would work and tons of my friends graduated with a degree in “General Studies.” That was fine when 18 hours cost about $500, but today a college semester can set you back to the tune of $7,500 at a state school.
5 Fathering Tips for Connecting with Your Kids
I thought I might share my five tips for connecting with your kids as a blended parent. All of these tips apply to any father—-married, divorced, step-father, etc. Thanks for being a great dad! As a dad, it is important that you have kid centric activities that are special to you and your kids alone.
7 Courtesy Tips When Talking to a Judge
[I]t doesn’t matter how much research or homework you do before you enter that courtroom as a defendant or plaintiff, it’s intimidating. Even if you have done everything right, or “by the book” in these circumstances, it’s still overwhelming. The whole atmosphere,...
No Longer Love, Now It’s Business
TThroughout life, our personal connections go through a metamorphosis. Parents go from being authority figures to counselors, confidants, sometimes even friends. Over time, the bond with spouses mature, and lives grow more nurturing. Most of the time. Sometimes, the...
Marriage Over; Family is Not
The divorce isn’t final, but it’s in the works. You know your relationship to your Ex and your children will change in many ways you can predict and other you cannot. But just because you are dealing with each other on a different plane, it’s critical you focus on one...
Court Conduct, 10 Tips for Inside the Courtroom
When entering the courtroom for your hearing, you should know a few ground rules and expectations. It was funny to watch Jo Pesci’s character, Vinny Gambini, get in constant trouble with his behavior in the 1992 courtroom comedy, My Cousin Vinny.
Unmarried Fathers Face Uphill Battle for Custody
Society likes parents to be married. Marriage creates a more solid bond and stability, and for the most part, a better environment for children. But today many parents aren’t married, and they like it that way. While such a set-up has some advantages, a breakup can...
Winning Your Case Depends On You
I am frequently asked, “Who else should I hire to help in my court case?” To answer that question, I have invited Joseph Goldberg to guest post. Joseph is the leading expert in Parental Alienation and a consultant on the subject. In high conflict divorce and...
Court Alternatives: Mediation vs Arbitration
What if you have a somewhat congenial relationship with your child’s other parent, but you both agree you don’t want to remain together? Your splitting is “nobody’s fault.” But you have children and both of you are painfully aware that today’s congeniality can be...
Five Considerations Before Remarriage
According to the National Center for Health Statistics more than half of those divorced will remarry within 5 years and another 25% will remarry within 10 years. Unfortunately, sadly these marriages have less of a chance of success than their first marriage. With a whopping 67% of them ending in divorce as well.
Court Conduct, You Never Know Who’s Watching
Years ago Tom was seen wandering around the court house. A gentleman, probably picking up on Tom’s confusing body language, asked if he needed some help. “Yes, I’m looking for the coffee machine.” “I’ll take you there. What brings you here today?” “I’m here for a...