Author Archives: MickiMoran
Attorney Assisted Mediation: An Option for Divorcing Clients
Mediation is increasingly used by divorcing couples as an alternative to litigation as a means of both reducing conflict and cost. The mediator in divorce is a neutral professional (often an attorney trained in mediation) who assists the parties in … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSpecial Needs Considerations in Divorce
There are no “typical” fact patterns when it comes to divorce when a child or children have special needs. From the beginning of the case, our office makes it a priority to understand the unique needs of these families. This … Continue reading
Share on FacebookResponding to DCFS: What to do if The Department of Children and Family Service (“DCFS”) calls or shows up?
In my experience this is a call that causes panic in even the calmest among us. Visions of their children taken from their homes and the notion that some harm has been caused and that the parent is being accused … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSelected Bibliography for Children and Divorce
Two Homes by Claire Masurel Dinosaurs Divorce by Lauren Krasny Brown and Marc Brown My Family’s Changing by Pat Thomas The Invisible String by Patrice Karst It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky I Don’t Want to Talk … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSpecial Needs Consideration in Divorce
This article is intended to provide practical assistance to professionals and clients who are dealing with a family with a child with special needs. Many of these cases are factually complex and involve considerations that are outside of the normal … Continue reading
Share on FacebookChanges to the New Tax Law that will Impact How Maintenance and Alimony is Taxed
In the past, maintenance or what has been formerly referred to as alimony was taxable to the person receiving the payment (obligee) and deductible to the person who was paying (obligor). Federal law determines the taxability of maintenance. As of … Continue reading
Share on FacebookEstrangement and Parental Alienation are NOT the Same Thing
In my years of practicing family law and working with all kinds of family structures in my divorce practice, as well as in the other areas of law that we deal with in our office (e.g. special education, mental health … Continue reading
Share on FacebookStatutory Factors that Judges Utilize in the Allocation of Parent Responsibilities: Decision Making
Parents can certainly agree to share decision making and allocation of time. However, in the absence of an agreement, courts will look to the factors outlined in the statute in determining parenting time and decision making. The court may even … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSchool Shootings: A Perspective
Since the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida this month, I have been once again thinking about how school shootings have become a tragic and all too common event in this country. I have avoided this … Continue reading
Share on FacebookAutism and the Justice System
For the past twenty years, our office has represented many individuals on the autism spectrum. As those children grew into adolescence and young adulthood, some of them found themselves involved in the criminal justice system. Their parents were shocked that … Continue reading
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