Q: I do not understand why the Judge appointed a Guardian Ad Litem when I have always done everything for the children, i.e., take them to school, help them with their homework, take them to their pediatrician, dentist, etc. Many judges will routinely appoint a GAL when both sides are seeking custody. If one […]
Ronne Kaplan
Guardian Ad Litem
Q: What legal authority does the court give a Guardian Ad Litem in a Family Law Case? When the Guardian Ad Litem is appointed it is very important to read the order appointing the GAL. Sometimes the judge will give special powers to the GAL, such as acting as a mediator for the parties. […]
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
What is a Guardian Ad Litem? Q: I just filed for divorce and I have always been the stay at home parent. My spouse suddenly wants to have the children half the time. We just had a temporary hearing and the judge appointed a Guardian Ad Litem (or GAL). The Judge did not explain what […]
Dating During Divorce
DATING DURING DIVORCE One of the most frequent questions I hear during my initial meeting with a client is: When can I starting dating? To a client who has been suffering in a marriage with limited or no sexual relationship, it is not unusual for the client to believe that when they have made […]
How to Be a Better Long Distance Parent – Part 2
Continuing our discussion of how to be a better long distance parent, the following are some additional questions I commonly hear when a long distance parenting relationship is imminent. Q: My child is 4 years old, what suggestions do you have for things to do to help improve my long distance relationship with my child? […]
How to Be a Better Long Distance Parent – Part 1
In my practice, I often see couples who divorce and then one parent moves to another city or state. Obviously, that makes parenting a challenge, particularly with younger children. It’s not an ideal situation, but if parents make an effort, and use sensitivity, such parenting plans can work. In general, when one parent relocates (whether […]
When Should You Get a Second Opinion for Your Divorce Case – Part 2
Q: My Friend, (relative, co-worker) says that my lawyer is not any good, what should I do? (continued from Part 1) If your friend, relative or co-worker tells you that your lawyer is “getting it all wrong,” it would be helpful for you to ask him/her to tell you what they mean. For […]
When Should You Get a Second Opinion for Your Divorce Case – Part 1
Q: My Friend, (relative, co-worker) says that my lawyer is not any good, what should I do? It is very common for well-meaning (or not so “well meaning”) friends, family and co-workers to voice their opinions about your divorce or other family lawsuit. Almost everyone will volunteer their opinions about your unique situation. Most […]
MEDIATION IN FAMILY LAW CASES
Q: Why is mediation in a family law case so much more complex than mediation in other legal actions, such as real estate law? Family law cases are often complex disputes involving many areas of the law. It is not unusual for a party to have tax, real estate, bankruptcy and criminal issues in addition […]
PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF MEDIATION
Mediation is a complex area. My clients often find that it offers an excellent way to work out their divorce and mediate family law issues without the pressure of a trial. Family law is unique in many ways. No matter what a court can do to terminate a marriage, it cannot end the family. Family […]