California Family Law

How Do High-Conflict Divorces Affect Kids?

High conflict divorce can affect kids in negative ways.

Tensions often dramatically increase when going through an extremely disagreeable divorce. Called high-conflict divorce in the legal community, these hotly contested breakups can cause children much emotional rage, resentment and pain.  However, there are a number of ways to end the family uproar and come to a more peaceful resolution.

No doubt, children pay a huge price for parental conflict, but what steps can be taken to minimize the hurt and pain during a highly-disputed divorce? After firstly hiring a qualified divorce attorney to give you first step solutions into the legal and financial challenges, here’s some more advice for those undertaking this traumatic life journey:

Who Gets the Pets in a Divorce?

Increasingly, pets have become a bone of contention in divorce cases. Yes, cats, dogs and even exotic animal companions are more and more being treated like child custody cases when it comes to divorce.

So what’s the best way to resolve pet custody issues? A qualified family law lawyer can help negotiate “pet custody” when it comes to your divorce.

In fact, a 2006 study by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) found a significant increase in “pet custody” cases since 2001. This means pets are increasingly becoming part of the divorce process because they are now viewed as part of the family much like children.

Custody Lawyers: Protect Your Rights – and Your Children’s

California Child Custody Law
The decision to get a divorce is difficult, but the process immediately afterward is even more emotionally taxing, complex, and confusing. One of the most common reasons why a divorce is contested is because of children and determining custody. Who will care for your child? Who will pay support, and how much? What will your visitation schedule look like? Do you think your ex-partner should have visitation at all? Custody can be incredibly complicated, and the best investment you can make in your future, and the well being of your child, is hiring a qualified attorney to represent you. Custody lawyers specialize in custody and support issues and can help protect your rights.

What are Fathers’ Rights?

Fathers Rights in California
Many would argue that there is a gender bias in family court. What is interesting is that some vehemently argue that the court favors women, while others claim that the court has a bias towards men. Each side sees bias; in fact, the court used to routinely award custody to the mother, assuming that she was the more “nurturing” parent. Today, states like California assume that each parent has equal rights and responsibilities regarding a child, but many feel that fathers’ rights are systematically ignored in favor of the mother. Is this true? What matters is whether or not it is true in your case.

Adoption Law Varies from State to State

Dishon & Block: Family Law, Adoption
According to census information, about 120,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. It is estimated that between six and ten million citizens are adopted; half are typically “stranger adoptions,” in which the child is adopted by people who are not related. The other half is adopted by family members, primarily stepparents. Just as individual cases vary greatly, so too do laws from state to state. What do you need to know about adoption law?

Is Joint Custody Better for Children?

Dishon & Block: California Divorce and Family Law
Is a child better off when both parents have custody? Determining child custody is one of the most difficult aspects of many divorces; while it may not be in the best interest of the child to live with both parents in a single household, the bulk of research shows that joint custody is better for the child’s health and well being. It is not the specific living situation, per se, that contributes to well being, but the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

« Older Entries