With summer in full swing, many co-parents find themselves having to spend more time or energy on managing the co-parenting arrangement. Kids are at home longer, summer vacations often interrupt standard parenting schedules, and shuffling back and forth between both comes can prove to be a headache. 

Over the last few years, perspectives and the laws around marijuana have changed dramatically. With loosened restrictions, more people are accepting the use of marijuana as more normalized and not quite as taboo as it had been in previous decades. 

Disputes involving child custody are complex and dicey affairs where many variables and factors can come into play. As we’ve previously discussed, family law courts prioritize the well-being and best interests of the child when handing down custody and visitation orders.

After your divorce is finalized, you may be wondering what happens with your name. Do you need to change it? If you don’t want to change it, can the ex force you to make the change? 

For a stepparent, formally adopting his or her partner’s child can be a huge milestone. Not only does this further solidify the family unit, but adoption comes with added responsibilities as well as parental rights. For many families, this is a logical step that enhances their lives. That said, each family should evaluate their situation to assess whether stepparent adoption is the right call for them.