When a child is placed into the foster care system, the goal is to protect the child and to allow them to grow up in a healthy, stable, safe environment. While for many the objective is for reunification with the birth family, it is important to remember that that is not always the best option for the child. When a child has been successfully reunified with their parents, Social Services has deemed the home safe for the child’s return. A reunification marks the closure of their case and the child is no longer part of the foster care system.

How Can I Protect My Assets in a Divorce?

Think of marriage as a binding contract between you and your spouse. Once you are married, you as individuals become one household, and most assets are shared, in the eyes of the court. Unless you can prove a piece of property is truly separate — we can advise you on whether that’s the case — it will most likely be considered community property by default. That said, you can protect your assets ahead of time with a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, but those agreements need to follow a strict format to hold up in court.

What is the difference between a negotiator and a mediator?

Negotiation is a process where two parties in a dispute reach a settlement between themselves that they can both agree on. A professional negotiator is only on the side of the party that they represent. A third-party individual, or group, is called a mediator. The mediator facilitates communication between the parties without being on one side or the other.

Reasonable Efforts to Preserve or Reunify Families

“Reasonable efforts” is a legal term that refers to the activities of a state’s social services agencies that are focused on providing assistance and services needed to preserve or reunify a family. Federal mandates require States to make reasonable efforts to reunify families prior to the placement of a child in foster care. The goal is to prevent, or eliminate, the need for removal of the child from their home. And above all, to make it possible for a child to remain, or return, safely to their home.

Child Custody Relocation Considerations

Often when families are considering moving, they will plan to do so in the summer months, as to not disturb the school year for their children. Child custody relocation is not uncommon following a divorce, or a separation. But there are rules in place and guidelines to ensure that the best interest of the children is protected. Even in tough economic times, it is important to weigh some considerations before you relocate your kids.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Custody Schedules

Summer break can allow for great opportunities for parents who are divorced to spend quality time with their children that is less interrupted with school schedules and normal activities. Summertime is especially important for those who do not have equal or substantial parenting time with their children during the school year. Below are a few tips to take full advantage of summer breaks.

Child Custody Tips for Summer Vacation

Summer vacation memories fill many hearts throughout their lifetime. The idea of having extra time with family doing fun activities is something many look forward to all year long. For divorced couples, maneuvering scheduling of summer vacations can be problematic. The goal for most divorced couples is to find a compromise in fairness for spending time with their children over the summer.

How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Adoption Community

While much of life came to a screeching halt in 2020, adoptions continued. Though adoptions have moved forward during the pandemic, it has not come without challenges and obstacles for birth parents and adoptive parents alike.

Understanding the Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities

Often children are removed from the home or at risk for removal and the court will intervene to determine the best path forward. In most states, if a child welfare case requires court involvement it will come before juvenile or family courts. While the court experience can seem intimidating or overwhelming, proper legal representation can help ease the burden.

What to Expect in a Child Welfare Court Case

The primary, and most important, role of a juvenile or family court in child welfare cases is to protect children and help their parents provide a safe environment. Child welfare cases are heard in civil court, not a criminal court, and the hearings are often less formal than the Hollywood version of court. Everyone in the court has the same goal – making sure the child is safe.

Who needs a prenuptial agreement?

With marriage comes a lot of unification and the marrying of not only two people, but their lives, their assets, their families and so much more. Most do not go into marriage thinking of a future demise of the relationship, but realistically there are certain protections that should be considered. Many seek out marriage counseling before they tie the knot, some even seek out legal counsel to ensure they have all their affairs in order.

What Does It Mean When A Lawyer Offers a “Free Consultation?”

Today when you are searching for a lawyer online you will see that their website mentions a “free consultation.” Like anyone else, lawyers only have so much time in a day and they are trying to make a living. But often you will see the offer for a free consultation, which is not just for you but also for the attorney.

4 Reasons You Should Use an Attorney During an Adoption

The choice to adopt a child, or even give up your own child for adoption, is not one that should be taken lightly. Adoption brings about a list of complications and can tend to be emotionally charged. The reality is that adoptions are not done overnight, and the lengthy process can be complicated and confusing. Because of this reason, both birth parents and prospective adoptive parents should consider working with a family law attorney during their adoption journey. Below you will see a few reasons why this decision would be in your best interest.

The Role of a Child Welfare Attorney

Having a child welfare attorney can ease the angst of the process. You are fighting to protect your right to keep your family together and you find yourself facing a battle no parent wants to face.

Should You File for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?

First, and foremost, if you are being hurt, threatened or stalked, please call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. While the decision to file a domestic violence protection order can be stressful, there are times where it can very well be a matter of life or death.

What Does ‘Getting Custody’ mean?

There are two kinds of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Judges typically make the final decision on custody and visitation, but typically they find themselves simply approving an agreement by both parties. Typically, judges do not make decisions until both parties have met with a Family Court Services mediator.

What to look for in an adoption lawyer

Finding the right adoption attorney is not as easy as it sounds. You’ve already made the big decision to adopt, now it’s time to find the right attorney to help make your journey as smooth as possible. Not an easy feat, but with the right attorney, it can definitely be better than you think.

Unhappy with your divorce settlement?

Your divorce is final, you settled or there was a court decision, and you find yourself unhappy with the results. Either spouse may still have an opportunity to challenge certain decisions made by the court. You, or your former spouse, can seek to appeal or modify your divorce decree.

Family Law 101

One thing that most people assume is that family law focuses only on divorce proceedings, or even child custody agreements. The term family law is so loosely thrown around but fewer people actually know what it is comprised of.

What happens to your case when a crisis strikes?

“Patience is a virtue” can only carry a person so far. At the end of the day, you still want your hearings completed, your settlements done and your lives moving on. But unfortunately, when there is a crisis, specifically one that shuts down the court systems, you aren’t always going to get what you want, when you want it.

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