Category: Family Law

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

Navigating the complexities of child custody battles can be an emotionally draining and legally challenging journey for parents. This guide aims to provide clarity and understanding, ensuring that you are well-informed about your rights and responsibilities during this critical time.

Knowing Your Rights

Understanding your legal rights is crucial in a custody dispute. Both parents have inherent rights to seek custody of their children. However, the court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests, which include factors like the child’s age, health, emotional ties with each parent, and the parents’ ability to provide a stable environment.

Types of Custody

It’s important to understand the different types of custody arrangements:

1. Legal Custody: This pertains to the right to make important decisions about your child’s life, including education, health care, and religious upbringing.

• Physical Custody: This refers to with whom the child will live. It can be sole or joint, with joint custody increasingly becoming the norm.

Responsibilities During Custody Disputes

Your conduct during a custody battle can significantly impact the outcome. It’s essential to:

1. Stay Involved: Continue to be an active part of your child’s life. Attend school and extracurricular activities and maintain a consistent presence.
2. Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions and decisions related to your child. This information can be crucial in court.
3. Avoid Confrontation: Steer clear of any actions that could negatively impact your case, such as arguing with your ex-partner in front of the child.

Seeking Legal Help

Consulting with a family law attorney is often crucial. A lawyer can guide you through the legal intricacies and help you understand the likely outcomes based on your situation.

Wickersham and Bowers: Advocating for Your Family’s Future

At Wickersham and Bowers, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of child custody battles. Our experienced family law attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time with compassion and experience. We strive to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your family. Contact us today to discuss your case and begin securing a stable future for your child.

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.