Tag Archives: divorce conflict

online parenting class

New for Co-Parents: Online Parenting Classes Now Available

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Online Co-Parenting Classes May Satisfy Court Requirements There are online college degrees and virtual SAT tutoring so why not on online parenting classes? The digital age has given divorcing parents a solution to the difficulty of fitting court-ordered co-parenting classes into an already over-scheduled co-parenting life. Even if you are not required to do a co-parenting class by court order, it is a great idea to learn new techniques to parent together in difficult situations. Online parenting class providers include: Course for Parents Online Parent Class Online Parenting Programs Each online parenting class provider has a different programs and costs. Continue Reading…

divorce decision

Does Fault Matter?

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A recent Institute of Continuing Legal Education seminar titled, “Fault: Does it Ever Really Matter?” by Jade J. Edwards reviews the aspects of a divorce that can be influenced by determining fault. In the ICLE materials, Edwards wrote, “Michigan is a “no fault” divorce state. This simply means that a party can get a divorce regardless of fault. However, this does not mean that fault doesn’t matter at all.” Does Fault Matter in Child Custody? The primary premise of child custody and visitation is to provide for the best interests of the child after divorce. It is further assumed, unless Continue Reading…

wants divorce

Walkaway Wife: Wants Divorce

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Companion Article to “The Haggard Husband: Considering Divorce“ “In my many years as a divorce attorney, several relationship patterns play out repeatedly including the path of the Walkaway Wife who wants divorce,” says South Lyon Divorce Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler. The attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates see the typical marriage-ending patterns of infidelity, drug abuse, and financial struggles that wreak havoc on marriages. But a less obvious pattern – labeled as Walkaway Wife Syndrome – is also quite common. The term Walkaway Wife Syndrome was made popular by marriage counselor, Michele Weiner-Davis MSW. She explains the process of emotional-breakdown that some Continue Reading…

summertime custody considerations

Summertime Custody Considerations Should Include Best Interests Factors

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Memorial Weekend and high-school graduations mark the start of summertime in Michigan. For many working parents, not much changes with the new season other than the weather. But for many lucky kids, summertime in Michigan might mean camps and S’mores, hiking trips Up North, sleepovers and softball games. For divorced families, all these activities can bring scheduling conflicts, parenting time questions and summertime custody considerations. “We handle a lot of parenting time conflicts at the start of summer because kids’ activities tend to be more spontaneous this time of the year,” says experienced South Lyon Child Custody Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler. “When Continue Reading…

low cost divorce

Low Cost Divorce on a Budget

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Save big bucks by keeping it civil There are entire sections of bookstores devoted to weddings on a budget. The advice ranges from baking your own cake to borrowing a dress. Everybody knows that modern American weddings are not cheap. “Couples that live in Milford, MI Zip Code 48381 spend between $23,045 and $38,408 on average for their wedding,” according to Cost of Wedding website. That said, not everyone has that kind of money for a ceremony and reception so brides and grooms are getting creative about making it happen with limited funds. It only stands to reason then, that many of Continue Reading…

mindfulness

Mindfulness – An Anecdote to Legal Stress

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There is much talk in the legal world of stress, alcoholism and depression among young attorneys. Recently, a landmark comprehensive study showed that up to one third of young lawyers may be struggling with alcohol abuse or mental health issues. There are multiple obvious explanations for their level of stress. In article after article, there are reminders for attorneys to see a doctor; meditate; seek mental health treatment; cut back on drinking; exercise; practice yoga or Tai Chi; get a massage; etc. And while all of these suggestions are beneficial for attorneys, many of these stress-producing situations are also present Continue Reading…

parenting coordination process

Tips for Successful Parenting Coordination Process

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The Parenting Coordination Process is a mediation arrangement where co-parents work with a coordinator to resolve child-custody related matters. QUESTION: Which parenting scenarios might be prime for Parenting Coordination Process? A: A parent is consistently late for child visitation exchanges. The parents repeatedly fight and return to court over drop-off and pickup arrangements. B: Ex-spouses disagree about a child’s mental health treatment plan. There is regular conflict regarding medications, supplements, vitamins, diet and exercise. C: A parent has a new job and wants a permanent, one-time alteration to the visitation schedule. D: Both parents generally work well together but dispute Continue Reading…

children of parental alienation

Children of Parental Alienation Suffer as Adults

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As incidences of Parental Alienation Syndrome increase, therapy professionals are looking at the long-term impacts on the children of high-conflict divorces. Children of Parental Alienation Suffer Later in Life According to Edward Kruk, Ph.D., “Psychiatrist Richard Gardner developed the concept of “parental alienation syndrome” 20 years ago.” Now, decades later, the children identified as being the subjects of Parental Alienation are becoming young adults and encountering difficulties in the own marriages and parenting relationships. It manifests itself in narcissistic behaviors, addictions, and difficulty co-parenting. The term Parental Alienation is used to describe a perpetual pattern of one parent brainwashing the Continue Reading…

drug abuse

Drug abuse: 5 things I wish my family law clients knew

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Dear Drug or Alcohol Abuser, I’ve been a family law attorney for more than 20 years now and I have seen families ripped apart by alcohol and drug abuse. I’ve also witnessed the positive, reaffirming and heartwarming tales of parents reunited with children after a scary bout with addiction. The path of alcohol and drug use->abuse->addiction-> ruin is not a certain one. Clients have recovered. So whether drug abuse or alcohol abuse is the primary source of legal trouble or compounding it, there are five items I wish my family law clients knew about drug abuse and testing that can prevent a bad Continue Reading…

Social Media Evidence

Social Media Evidence Impacts Divorce Cases

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Kathryn Wayne-Spindler recently responded to a question regarding the impact of social media evidence on family law cases in the Oakland County SpinalColumn Newsweekly. Social Media Evidence and Divorce Q: My wife and I are in the process of divorcing. I was checking her Facebook page the other day and noticed a one-year “anniversary” photo post of her at a restaurant with a man’s arm around her shoulders. The status read, “NOW I’ve had the time of my life.” I know that proving infidelity can impact the divorce settlement so I am starting to search for other evidence of an affair. Continue Reading…