Category: Child Custody

Did you know that a Centers for Disease Control survey shows more than 1 in 4 men will be victims of domestic abuse during their lifetimes. Click Here to download PDF. Domestic abuse is an equal opportunity offense that we see in our practice and that may have significant impact on how a divorce or custody case is decided. We encourage victims of both sexes to seek professional advice. If you believe you have experienced domestic violence, the attorney’s at Vacanti Shattuck are here to help you through this frightening and often embarrassing ordeal and help you regain control of your… Read More

When someone signs the acknowledgment they become the legal father regardless of any genetic test, which also means, he is responsible for child support, daycare and medical expenses. These are only used when the parties are not married. You only get 60 days to rescind the acknowledgment. Do not sign the acknowledgement without a paternity test. If you sign one, try to get to a testing center with your child and get one done after the fact. If needed take the child during your parenting time without the mother’s knowledge. It is simpler and will save a lot more money… Read More

Linda Nielsen’s recent review of shared residential custody (i.e. joint physical custody) research published in the American Journal of Family Law reached four general conclusions: Most children fare as well or better than those raised in maternal residence, especially in terms of the quality and endurance in their relationship with their fathers. Parents do not need to be exceptionally cooperative, without conflict, wealthy, well educated, or mutually enthusiastic about sharing the residential parenting in order for the children to benefit. Young adults who have lived in these families say that this arrangement was in their best interest, in contrast with those that… Read More

The Christmas holidays are supposed to be a great time for children. Aside from the gifts that they will receive, they have a chance to see relatives, they can enjoy unique Christmas treats and of course, they are out of school (for those who are of that age). However, for children of parents who are going through a divorce, all the festive tidings and good cheer may be irrelevant. The difficulties of divorce and child custody battles may be harmful to children, but these things can be avoided. This post will provide some guidance. Seek alternatives to litigation – Indeed, there will… Read More

Although January is the month where the most divorces are initiated during the year, many people who decide to split may do so without considering the effect it will have on school aged children. While a January divorce may signal a new beginning for one parent, it may be awkward for kids who are in the middle of a school year (even though they are ostensibly starting a new semester). Because of this, it is important that parents take their children’s feelings into consideration by thinking critically about the feelings of insecurity, anxiety and guilt that kids may feel as they… Read More

With this being the second full week of January, many people are still holding true to their New Year’s resolutions. Some may still be eating right (and staying away from sugar), others are still holding to their commitments at the gym, and others are actively looking for that new job. For parents who do not get to see their children as often as they like, seeking a modification to their custody (or parenting time) decree is still an unfinished resolution that may not be seen to fruition. But with some effort and some assistance from an experienced family law attorney, changes can… Read More

January is the symbolic month for New Year’s resolutions. (We call it symbolic because any month can be a catalyst for change). Nevertheless, it is not surprising that gym memberships, weight loss plans and new televisions are peddled more frequently than other months. With the theme of New Year’s resolutions in mind, we find it appropriate to set forth a few resolutions that divorcing parents should try to keep in 2014. Be more sensitive to a child’s feelings – After all, they didn’t choose the life that they are forced to live. Being shuttled between homes, only having short amounts… Read More

The mystique and wonderment behind Santa Claus is what makes Christmas so special for children. From sitting on his lap at the mall and telling him what they want, to writing letters and addressing them to the North Pole, making wishes (and having them come true) is part of the holiday season that children often never forget. Unfortunately, during the throes of a divorce (or a custody battle) one parent may try to hurt the other parent by ruining the mystery behind Santa Claus. Even more troubling, one parent may not want the child to even consider getting gifts from… Read More

Bode Miller has not endeared himself to the public in the past. Labeled a petulant crybaby, he was seemingly wasting his talent, and was sure to be a cautionary tale for others as to how not to conduct oneself. But with all athletes, life goes on, and Miller appears to be growing up. But news about his ongoing custody dispute with an ex-girlfriend is adding to propaganda that he has not changed. In the weeks leading up to a recent hearing in a Manhattan family court, Miller and ex-flame Sara McKenna traded public barbs regarding each other’s fitness for custody.… Read More

Let’s face it, no one actually plans to divorce during the holiday season. There are so many things that are going on (especially for potential divorcees with children) that many people simply try to put on a brave face and slog through the season. There’s a reason that many divorces originate in January. For those who are still in the process of getting divorced, there still is the complicated (and often contentious) exercise of negotiating a holiday parenting time schedule. This process can be troublesome because parents are used to having their children around during the holidays, and can be reluctant to… Read More