In the first of a two part series, Attorney Robert Mues examines Virtual Visitation and the different options a divorced parent can use to communicate with their children. Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time.
Not too long ago, divorced parents had limited communication options to stay in touch with their children. The old rushed and often dry “phone call approach” was better than nothing but had drawbacks. There were long distance phone charges and issues with time zones. New communication options have improved considerably! It is much easier for you to keep in touch with your children after a divorce. Most of these approaches require both parents to have a computer with broadband connections. Here are some options to supplement traditional face to face parenting time:
Cell Phones: Many companies are selling cell phones designed specifically for kids which feature built in parental controls to restrict incoming and outgoing calls or text messages. Check out firefly mobile, LG Migo from Verizon Wireless and Kajeet (), which also includes a GPS phone locator service allowing a parent to find out where the phone is at various times of the day.
Email: Email features have expanded so it’s easy … Read More... “Virtual Visitation: Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time”
No doubt, guilt is a big issue for many people going through a divorce. I came across an interesting article on the subject at 
Ohio Revised Code (“ORC”) Sections 3117.01 through 3117.08 are the specific statutes governing the conciliation process in the State of Ohio. Black’s Law Dictionary reflects that the word “conciliation” is derived from French law wherein it was/is the formality to which intending litigants are subjected in cases brought before a Judge. The Judge convenes the parties and endeavors to reconcile them. Should the Judge not succeed, the case proceeds to trial.
You may not be aware that, years after you have prepared a separation agreement, it may have a direct bearing on whether your clients are covered under their auto or homeowners’ insurance policies in a variety of accident scenarios.
This is an appropriate time to reflect upon memories of past Christmas celebrations and traditions. In our family, we were very involved with a Christmas project providing gifts for needy children for many years while our sons were growing up. As a family, we spent countless hours working at the Center. We have tried to instill upon our family the importance of sharing and helping others. It is too easy this time of year to become consumed by all the shopping, decorating, numerous errands and superficial things. Focus can be lost on real matters of consequence, such as the meaning and importance of family. Regardless of one’s religious convictions, this is an excellent time to reflect upon our core values and aspire to do what we each can to make the lives of others around us better, even if it is in some small seemingly insignificant way.
Have you discussed with your significant other how the household finances will be managed? This is an often overlooked question that newlyweds fail to discuss. Among other reasons, “money problems” are cited as one of the leading reasons for divorce. It is, therefore, paramount for couples to share a similar outlook on money matters before they get married.
It is important that family law attorneys remain aware of the patterns of behavior found in cases involving possible parental alienation and pay heed to ongoing complaints by clients experiencing even the early stages of alienating behavior. Early in a custody case it can be very apparent that one parent is extremely angry, bitter or feels betrayed, by both the other parent and by expectations of the “system”. Having to share custody may only intensify the anger due to having to continue the relationship with a person they despise. Then a campaign begins to align the children to his or her side and together with the children work to destroy any viable relationship with the target parent.