
Co-Parenting Strategies
Co-Parenting Strategies
As Guardian Ad Litem, most of my child clients say they want to see both of their parents as much as they can.
As Guardian Ad Litem, most of my child clients say they want to see both of their parents as much as they can.
When it comes to divorce, child custody and visitation disputes are no picnic. These events can be a very emotional and intense process. Frequently in divorce, child custody, or visitation disputes a Guardian Ad Litem, also known as a GAL, will be appointed.
In Alabama, a GAL is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the “best interests” of the child or children involved. A GAL’s duty is not necessarily to advocate for what the child wants which can sometimes be opposed to what is in the child’s best interests. The Guardian Ad Litem will often be asked to present a report and recommendation to the Court for consideration at the conclusion of the case, and, while the Court will take into consideration the recommendation of the GAL, the Court is not bound by what the GAL recommends.
A Guardian Ad Litem is not only appointed in divorce and custody cases but might also be appointed in cases such as;
• Minors involved without living parents
• Juvenile Delinquency Cases
• Child Abuse and Neglect cases
• Guardianships, Conservatorships and Decedents’ Estates in Probate Court.
• Civil Suits of all kinds where minors are involved.
Is it Time for You to Consider a Child Support Modification in your case? Whether you are the person who receives child support or whether you are the party who pays child support for the benefit of your minor children, there are several factors that influence the amount of child support paid:
The Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 32, is the Rule of Court which governs the method used to calculate child support in Alabama. A new set of Child Support Guidelines under Rule 32 became effective on January 1, 2009. If your order of child support pre-dates January 1, 2009, you may need to consider taking another look at your child support order.
If there has been a significant change in the income of either the party paying or the party receiving child support, it might be time to re-evaluate child support, as same is based on the income of both parties in the state of Alabama. Some examples of such changes are if one party was unemployed at the time of the last order and is now employed; a party has become disabled and unable to work; a party has been promoted and received a significant salary increase; a party formerly received bonuses or overtime and no longer receives same, etc.
Work-related day care for children under the age of 12 is included in the child support calculation in Alabama. Day care can be very costly, so if children are no longer in day care or if day care is not work-related, this can effect the amount of child support in a very significant way.
The above items are just some of the various fact situations that could result in a child support modification. If you believe it may be time to consider a child support modification in your case, contact your attorney to schedule a consultation.
*The above post is for educational purposes only and is not meant to provide legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice, contact an attorney.*
For most children the holidays are happy, fun and exciting. Children are on a break from school, and the holidays serve as a time to see friends and relatives and enjoy special food and family traditions. For some children, however, the holidays can be stressful and confusing. When parents are newly divorced, the holidays often remind children of what has changed in their lives. Although things have changed, it is important to make sure that both the children and the parents have peaceful holidays.
For those parenting out of two households, seasonal festivities often send stress levels soaring. But with these useful tips, these stressful situations can be manageable for the children as well as the parents.
1. Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
2. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention
3. Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
4. Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
5. Lacks adult supervision
6. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
7. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
1. Shows little concern for the child
2. Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems in school or at home
3. Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
4. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
5. Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
6. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
1. Rarely touch or look at each other
2. Consider their relationship entirely negative
3. State that they do not like each other
For more information on child abuse and neglect, visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/identifying.
Divorce can be a difficult situation for all parties involved, especially the children. Many children are confused about the situation and do not understand why their parents are separating.
Although this can be difficult, talking with children is a crucial part of the puzzle when you are dealing with a divorce. Parents often put off talking to their children about divorce because they are unsure how to explain such a complex situation. But a delay in talking with your children can actually make the divorce more difficult for the children in the long run.
When children are suddenly surprised with the divorce of their parents, they go through a great deal of emotions. Many feel as if it is their fault that their parents are separating, while many begin acting out and become angry with others. This is another reason why explaining to your children why you and your spouse are divorcing is very important.
To help you make this process easier, here are six strategies for talking with your kids about divorce. While it may seem beyond your capabilities, just remember that there are ways to make it easier on both yourself and your children.
Remember, every family is different. Talking about your divorce with your children can be difficult, but will be a critical step forward in the healing process.