Light up? Can You Lose Custody of Your Kids if You Smoke?

States are increasingly factoring in tobacco use when custody of children is at issue, according to a recent article in the Washington Times. Judge William F. Chinnock, visiting Judge to the Ohio Supreme Court, said in a law review article that a “considered analysis of family law across the United States leads to this inescapable conclusion: a family court that does not issue court orders restraining persons from smoking in the presence of children under the court’s care fails those children whom the law has entrusted to its care.” Next will feeding children processed food result in the loss of custody?

Should 50/50 Custody be the Default Rule?

More U.S. states are exploring legislation to make 50/50 shared parenting the starting point in all custody cases. But does this make sense? Last week, Denmark’s Parliament, in a unanimous decision, agreed to abolish the default 50/50 shared custody arrangement for divorced parents. This law came into effect in 2007 – by unanimous vote. Lawmakers now acknowledge that while the Parental Responsibility Act was meant to ensure that both parents maintain connections with their children, the reality was that it exposes children to ongoing conflicts and undue stress. The failure of the rigid arrangement of week on/week off for all custody cases demonstrates the need to look at each family situation on a case by case basis and realize there is no cookie cutter custody plan.

Newly Divorced Man? Empty New Living Quarters? Time to Redecorate!

According to a recent article in the New York Times, newly divorced men are readily spending money hiring interior designers to create a “homey” feel to their living spaces after divorce. Gone are the days of dungy apartments. Today’s designers also help create spaces that will appeal to the opposite sex to help with transition dating. And to get rid of remnants of the former married life. Full Story

Is the Institution of Marriage on the Brink of Extinction?

February 7th kicked off National Marriage Week, culminating with the big romantic holiday on the 14th. We have been hearing a lot lately about how the recession brought marriage rates down to record lows. Is the institution forever doomed?
The Atlantic looks at marriage trends over the years and how the pattern changes for different age and economic groups. The conclusion is that Marriage isn’t dead – it is just running a few years behind schedule – much like the road to adulthood!

How Do Divorce Attorneys Handle Their Own Divorces?

Do divorce attorneys try to stay out of court in their own divorces? In my experience, that seems to be the case. Divorce attorneys are all too aware that justice does not prevail in family court, and everyone walks away emotionally and financially drained after a trial. Chicago attorney Richard Kulerski sums it up nicely in his recent blog post.