Friday, April 30, 2010

Access and the Adolescent

Adolescence has a way of changing everything – including access. Separated parents who have long settled into an access regime now must contend with the wishes of their teenager when determining visits and even with whom they live.

Two key issues come to mind when considering these changes. The first is the changing demands of school, social and working life of the teen. The second is when the sins of the parent come back to haunt them.

When the teenager’s life gets busy, access is viewed as an inconvenience. As such many access parents are confronted with voice messages saying their teen isn’t coming over this weekend. This of course is met with dismay and if there was ever any concern about the custodial parent undermining access, this scenario is certainly a set-up for conflict.

Access parents whose teenagers challenge the terms of access need to talk with them to restructure visitation with particular concern for the teen’s experience. This is certainly a new stage of life and any parent who thinks they can control their teen’s needs, will be sadly mistaken. This is not to say the tail now wags the dog, but rather, the access parent must appreciate the needs of their teen and in the interest of a good relationship, they must show flexibility.
By: Gary Direnfeld

To view this article in its entirety, please click here.

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/--

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Coming Clean with your Counsel

Divorce and separation are a difficult process. The person we have been with for years, that knows us inside and out, has drifted away. We must now pick up the pieces and move forward as a single individual. In many instances, there are things known by the person we once shared everything with, that are not known by others. We may feel embarrassed to reach out and share some of these intimate details with another person. However, as difficult as it may be, the person who needs you to confide in them is your lawyer. It is confidential, bound by attorney/client privileges, and can be a major stepping stone in achieving the results we want in our case. It is difficult to tell another person that you or the children were physically abused or that your spouse used drugs or drank to excess, however these facts are key components as to why your children should have you as the primary parent. Without telling your lawyer all issues in your matter, your children may be placed in dangerous situations. In order to be the best parent we can be, it is important that we share everything with our counsel.

Written by Dawn Miller/Law Offices of Renee Marcelle

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/--

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Signs of an Internet Affair

Its obvious online affairs are prevalent today so what can you do? This epidemic is causing the breakup of countless marriages. How do you know if your spouse is violating the marriage vows by carrying out an online affair? Let's look at typical indicators I personally discovered while investigating affairs. If your marriage is in trouble these clues will help you be the judge. Caution: These clues are not confirmation of affair just feasible indicators for you take into account.

1. Your spouse or partner spends excess time on-line. Who doesn't use a computer today? I know a few people. They are excellent for paying bills, staying in touch with family, friends, customers, finding street locations, and a host of other productive endeavors. We can not live without them and shudder when a lighting storm threaten our usage. Just look at kids and their instant messaging. They will go without dinner just to keep in touch with their circle of friends. Try to pull them away, it's no easy task. Does your spouse resemble your kid's magnetism to the computer? Discover why this need is so powerful before it's too late.

2. Passwords, instant message "buddy lists", internet email accounts and emails are concealed - even protected from you! Do you find your spouse needing his "own space" at the computer? Is there a real reluctance when you ask to know his passwords? What's there to hide? These questions all have obvious answers. The act of hiding information is deceptive by nature. Of course, those of us who have worked in "Corporate America" understand the need to protect company secrets.

To read this article in its entirety, please click here.

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/




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Five Divorce Mistakes To Avoid

1. Swing from the hip instead of doing some careful planning - There are so many things you can do to improve your chances of success in a divorce. Just as important, there are many ways to damage your chances. People make many decisions by random chance. Wouldn't it be a great idea to do some pre-divorce planning? A visit with a divorce attorney, financial planner, and a custody advisor can make a huge difference in your results.

2. Send stupid, mean letters, text messages, and emails to your soon to be ex. This may make you feel great, but will become embarrassing evidence later on. Attorneys are great at saving messages, massaging them, packaging them, and then presenting the result in court many months later. Don't provide the other attorney with an opportunity to embarrass you.

3. Fail to prepare financially. If you have some money then squirrel it away. If you don't have any money, borrow some. If you cannot borrow money, get credit cards. You should consider selling things. The goal is to build a war chest. We are talking about a chest of money or preparation that can pay for a lawyer, and sustain you for the coming hardships. Financial preparation can take the form of downsizing your expenses. Whatever you have the capability to do - do it now.

To view this article in its entirety, please click here.


For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/




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Legal Separation

Legal separation is the solution when you’re neither married nor divorced. If one of you have already moved out, please consider making it legal to protect yourself concerning child custody and support, taxes, and any new debts that might be incurred. It can also help form a basis for negotiating your eventual divorce settlement. All states except Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas recognize legal documentation of separation.

Paperwork
When you consider separating from your spouse, ask what the legal ramifications are in your state, and have your lawyer draw up the separation agreement to best protect you. If you feel up to it, you can also fill out your own separation papers and file them yourself. Here is a site that you can look up legal separation agreements for your individual state.

Precedence
When you are considering moving out during this period, realize that this might set a precedent for what is awarded in the divorce. If you own a home, it is best not to give up your rights before divorce papers are drawn up. Try to spell out who will be awarded the home in your separation agreement. If you are renting and choose to move out, this is only relevant if children are involved.

To view this article in its entirety, please click here.

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/




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