Category: Family law

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Monday November 13th, 2023.

Today, the world is dominated by technology everywhere—even in co-parenting. By having the right tools and strategies, parents can have a smooth process during the time of shared custody. Let’s take a deeper look into the tools and tips that can make co-parenting in the digital age a success.

1. Embrace Digital Calendars

One of the biggest challenges in co-parenting is coordinating schedules. Digital calendars like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar allow parents to share events, appointments, and important dates. This ensures that both parents are on the same page and reduces the chances of miscommunication.

2. Communication Apps

While texting and calling are always options, specialized communication apps like OurFamilyWizard or Coparently offer features tailored for co-parenting. These apps provide a platform for messaging, expense tracking, and even documenting communication for legal purposes.

3. Online Expense Tracking

Managing finances is another crucial aspect of co-parenting. Tools like Splitwise allow parents to track shared expenses, ensuring transparency and fairness. Parents can log expenses, split them accordingly, and keep track of who owes what.

4. Virtual Visits

For parents who live far apart, virtual visits can be a game-changer. Platforms like Zoom or Skype allow children to maintain a connection with both parents, even if they can’t be physically present. It’s a way to ensure that distance doesn’t dilute the bond between parent and child.

5. Set Digital Boundaries

While technology offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to set boundaries. This might mean designating tech-free times or ensuring that discussions about sensitive topics happen face-to-face rather than over text.

6. Stay Updated on Tech Trends

The digital landscape is ever-evolving. Staying updated on the latest tools and apps can provide new solutions to co-parenting challenges. Join online forums or groups where co-parents share their experiences and recommendations.

Conclusion: Navigating Co-Parenting with Digital Assistance

There are ample digital tools to ensure that co-parenting is easier and more effective in this digital era. Through the use of these tools and continued dialogue with their children, parents will be ensuring that both sides are satisfied. As the team at Wickersham and Bowers often says, “Adapting to the times ensures that we provide the best for our families.” 

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Monday October 16th, 2023.

The journey through child custody agreements is often fraught with emotional turbulence and legal intricacies. However, with the right approach, parents can navigate this challenging terrain while ensuring the best interests of their children remain paramount. Here’s a guide to best practices that can pave the way for a smoother custody negotiation and implementation.

1. Prioritize the Child’s Well-being

At the heart of every custody agreement should be the child’s well-being. Parents must set aside personal differences and focus on creating an environment that fosters stability, love, and growth. This means considering factors like the child’s school, social connections, and emotional needs.

2. Open Communication Channels

Transparent and respectful communication is the linchpin of successful custody arrangements. Parents should strive to keep each other informed about significant life changes, school events, or medical issues. Utilizing tools like co-parenting apps can streamline communication and reduce potential conflicts.

3. Seek Mediation When Necessary

Sometimes, emotions can cloud judgment, making it challenging to reach a consensus. In such instances, mediation can be invaluable. A neutral third party can facilitate discussions, helping parents find common ground and craft an agreement that respects both parties’ wishes and the child’s needs.

4. Document Everything

In the realm of child custody, documentation is crucial. From communication logs to visitation schedules, maintaining a record can prevent misunderstandings and provide clarity during disputes. It’s always wise to have a paper trail, especially when it comes to decisions affecting your child.

5. Stay Adaptable

Flexibility is key in custody agreements. Whether it is a job relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or other unforeseen circumstances, parents should be open to revisiting and adjusting the agreement as required, always keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.

Navigating child custody agreements is undeniably complex, but with empathy, open communication, and a child-centric approach, parents can create a harmonious and emotionally secure arrangement. Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide a nurturing environment for the child, irrespective of the challenges that arise. By adhering to these best practices with the unwavering support of Wickersham and Bowers, parents can lay the foundation for a brighter, more stable future filled with love and stability for their children. Take action today for your child’s brighter tomorrow.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Wednesday September 13th, 2023.

The decision of who will raise a child may be emotionally taxing and logistically challenging. This guide offers a concise summary of important factors that should be considered while planning for child custody. The end goal: Ensuring the continued health and happiness of the children in the event that their parents no longer live together.

1. Communication is Key 

Open and honest communication between parents is essential. Discuss schedules, routines, and significant decisions to create a cohesive parenting plan.

2. Types of Custody

Understand legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves decision-making authority, while physical custody determines where the child primarily resides.

3. Best Interests of the Child

Courts prioritize the child’s well-being. Stability, emotional bonds, and a safe environment influence custody decisions.

4. Cooperative Parenting

A cooperative approach benefits children. Maintain consistency in rules and routines between households.

5. Mediation and Legal Help

Mediation can ease conflicts, but legal help might be necessary. Consult a family law attorney to understand your rights and options.

6. Detailed Parenting Plan

Create a comprehensive plan outlining daily schedules, holidays, vacations, and communication methods.

7. Flexibility Matters

Be open to adjustments as children grow and circumstances change.

8. Child’s Voice

Consider the child’s age and maturity. Their preferences might be considered in custody decisions.

9. Document Everything

Keep records of agreements, schedules, and any arising disputes. This documentation can be helpful later.

10. Focus on the Positive

Foster a healthy connection between the child and the parent with whom the child does not live. It is best not to say anything unpleasant about the parent.

11. Adapting to Change

Life is unpredictable. Be ready to make changes to the custody arrangement if they become necessary.

Empathy, compromise, and maintaining a focus on what is best for the child are all important traits to have while negotiating child custody agreements. Keep in mind that this is an ongoing journey that demands patience and comprehension. Guardians can create a stable and affectionate environment for their child, fostering wholesome growth by always prioritizing the child’s best interests in their choices.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Thursday August 17th, 2023.

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, especially when it comes to dividing marital property. Family law plays a pivotal role in ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of assets during divorce proceedings. Property division involves not only tangible assets but also emotional ties and financial implications.

Equitable Distribution

Most jurisdictions follow the principle of equitable distribution, which aims to divide marital property fairly based on factors like each spouse’s financial contributions, duration of the marriage, and potential future needs. Equitable distribution doesn’t necessarily mean an equal 50/50 split but rather an allocation that is just and reasonable under the circumstances.

Categorizing Property

The first step in property division is categorizing assets into two main types: marital property and separate property. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, such as income earned, real estate purchased, and investments made. Separate property, on the other hand, encompasses assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts received by one spouse.

Valuation of Assets

Determining the value of marital property is a crucial aspect of property division. This process involves assessing the current worth of various assets, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and personal possessions. Professional appraisers or financial experts may be consulted to ensure accurate valuations, especially for complex assets.

Mediation and Negotiation

In many cases, couples may opt for mediation or negotiation rather than litigation. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping the couple reach an agreement on property division. Negotiation allows the spouses to work together with their respective legal representatives to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Legal Assistance

Navigating property division in divorce proceedings requires a solid understanding of family law. Engaging experienced family law attorneys is essential to protect your rights and interests. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and advocate for your best interests.

Managing property division in divorce proceedings is a multifaceted task that involves legal, financial, and emotional considerations. While the process may be challenging, seeking professional legal assistance and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods can pave the way for a smoother transition into the next chapter of life.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Friday July 14th, 2023.

Divorce can be an emotionally exhausting and taxing process for any family. Amid all the turmoil, it’s crucial to prioritize the wellbeing of your children while protecting financial interests of the family unit. Here we will explore insights on divorce, child custody and settlement agreements.

Child Custody and Co-Parenting

Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions, so it’s essential a positive co-parenting relationship exists between yourself and your ex-spouse – this might include creating a parenting plan outlining visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities and communication protocols.

Legal Representation

Consulting an experienced family law attorney will help guide you through this process while protecting your rights and advocating for your family’s best interests. They will assist with understanding all available options as you make informed decisions regarding child custody arrangements, financial settlements or any other legal matter that arise.

Financial Settlements and Asset Division

Divorce often requires the division of assets, liabilities and determining financial support payments. Being aware of your family’s assets, debts and income will help you understand its current state and make informed decisions regarding property division, spousal support or child support payments. Working closely with financial advisors or accountants is crucial when planning for divorce.

Documentation and Records

Documenting all aspects of your divorce proceedings is absolutely vital. Keep records of financial transactions, asset valuations, correspondence with your spouse and any other pertinent details that could serve as evidence during negotiations or legal proceedings. An organized approach ensures transparency while safeguarding family interests.

Emotional Support for Children and YourselfDivorce can be emotionally trying for both parents and children. To provide emotional support to your children as they adjust to change and uncertainty, encourage open communication, seek professional counseling if needed and reassure your children of your love and commitment to their wellbeing. Similarly, make time for yourself by seeking support from friends, family, or therapists as you navigate the emotional terrain associated with divorce.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Monday June 12th, 2023.

Family is at the core of society, and ensuring its health and happiness is of upmost importance. Family law plays an invaluable role in providing legal solutions to issues within families and relationships that arise; providing a framework to navigate complexities while safeguarding rights and protecting interests of those involved. In this blog post we’ll look at how family law helps build solid foundations by addressing legal matters within relationships and families.

Family law refers to all matters concerning familial relationships, such as marriage, divorce, child custody and adoption as well as domestic violence. Family law exists to bring clarity and resolution to situations in which conflicts arise and legal advice is necessary – by setting out rights, responsibilities and procedures, family law ensures fairness and stability within families.

Family Law governs all legal aspects of marriage and divorce. It outlines requirements and procedures for entering a legally recognized marriage and addresses issues like property division, spousal support and child custody during divorce proceedings. By providing this legal framework for divorce cases, family law helps safeguard individuals’ interests during dissolutions as well as ensure equitable outcomes.

Child custody and support become major legal concerns upon separation or divorce, with Family Law outlining both parent’s legal rights and obligations as well as providing guidelines for determining custody arrangements that protect their best interests while meeting financial needs of children.

Family Law plays an essential role in facilitating adoption processes and giving adoptive parents legal recognition. It establishes legal procedures and safeguards to protect biological parent’s rights as well as those of adoptive parents, while surrogacy arrangements also come under this legal umbrella; all parties involved should feel assured their interests will be safeguarded under any surrogacy arrangement. 

Family Law provides individuals and families with support, addressing any legal issues which may arise within relationships. When there are matters concerning family law that require attention – seeking guidance from an experienced family law attorney is invaluable in overcoming challenges associated with such legal matters.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Tuesday May 9th, 2023.

Divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing experience. Knowing your legal options available to you can make the journey less daunting. Here is an overview of the divorce process and its related legal considerations.

1. Grounds for Divorce

Most states allow individuals to file for divorce on “no-fault” grounds, meaning you do not need to prove that either party was at fault. You also may be able to file on more specific grounds such as adultery, cruelty or abandonment.

2. Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce in any state, one must meet its residency requirements. These typically involve living there for an established amount of time prior to initiating proceedings.

3. Legal Separation

In some states, you have the option to file for legal separation instead of divorce. Legal separation allows you to live apart while remaining legally married – an excellent solution if you’re uncertain whether to get divorced or need time to work through marital issues before making a final decision on either.

4. Mediation and Collaborative Law

Mediation and collaborative law are alternative dispute resolution methods that can help couples avoid litigation. Mediation utilizes an impartial third-party mediator who facilitates settlement; collaborative law utilizes attorneys and other professionals in an attempt to reach an amicable agreement outside of court proceedings.

5. Litigation

If negotiations, mediation, or collaborative law fail to lead to an amicable resolution between spouses, litigation may be the only solution to finding resolution. While litigation may be costly and emotionally draining, it may also be essential in order to settle issues related to child custody, spousal support payments, or asset division.

When contemplating divorce, it’s a good idea to seek advice from an experienced family law attorney. They can guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights and interests.

Wickersham & Bowers provides comprehensive family law services, such as divorce, child custody, support payments, spousal support payments and property division. Our attorneys recognize the emotional and financial strain that accompany divorce; therefore, they strive to assist their clients through this process with dignity and empathy.

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Tuesday April 11th, 2023.

Domestic violence is a devastating problem that impacts millions of people each year. It is an abusive pattern used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another person. Domestic abuse can take many forms, such as physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment. If you or someone close to you is facing domestic violence, take immediate action for yourself and your family’s safety.

One way to protect yourself from domestic violence is obtaining a restraining order. This legal document commands the abuser to stay away from their victim and refrain from contact. It may also include provisions like requiring them to live a certain distance away from their residence, workplace, or other places they frequent.

To obtain a restraining order, you must file a petition with the court. In your petition, you should describe any abuse that has taken place and why you need this measure. Additionally, evidence such as police reports, medical records or witness accounts may be needed to support your claims.

Once the petition is filed, a hearing will be scheduled where you have an opportunity to present your case directly to a judge. After reviewing all evidence, the judge makes an informed decision as to whether a restraining order should be granted. If granted, this order typically lasts between one and three years.

There are numerous advantages to obtaining a restraining order. Most importantly, it provides legal protection from the abuser and their actions. If they breach the terms of their order, they could be arrested and charged with a crime. Furthermore, having a restraining order gives victims and their families an increased sense of safety and security.

However, it’s essential to remember that a restraining order does not guarantee safety. An abuser could still violate the terms of the order or continue their abusive behavior. Thus, having a safety plan and taking other steps are paramount in protecting yourself and your family from harm.If you are struggling with domestic violence, there are numerous resources to help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 support and assistance; local organizations may offer emergency shelter, counseling services, or legal representation. 
At Wickersham and Bowers, we provide expert guidance and council when it comes to domestic violence. 

On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Wednesday March 15th, 2023.

Divorce is a complex process that can be emotionally and financially draining. One of the most complex aspects of divorce is the division of property. When a couple decides to end their relationship and get a divorce, they must determine how their property will be divided. This can be a contentious and complicated process, but it is important to understand the basics of property division to ensure a fair and equitable outcome.

Steps to Follow for Property Division

The first step in property division is to determine what property is considered marital property and what is separate property. The property you acquire during marriage is marital property, including assets such as homes, cars, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. Separate property is a property that was acquired before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage.

Once the property is classified, the next step is to determine the value of the assets. This can be done through appraisals, market research, or other methods. It is essential to have accurate valuations of all assets to ensure an equitable division of property.

After the value of the assets is determined, the next step is to divide the property. There are several methods for dividing property, including selling assets and dividing the proceeds, dividing assets based on their value, or dividing assets based on need. The process of division will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.

It is important to note that property division is not limited to tangible assets. Intangible assets such as intellectual property, patents, and copyrights can also be subject to division. Additionally, a debt must also be considered in the property division. Debts incurred during the marriage, such as mortgages and credit card debt, must be divided just like assets.

In some instances, couples are able to agree on property division without going to court, such an arrangement is known as a settlement agreement, and it can save time and money. However, it is essential to consult with an attorney before entering into a settlement agreement to ensure that it is fair and equitable.