The New York Times recently published an article on their parenting blog discussing the idea of “nesting” after a divorce and asked whether their readers thought it was a good idea. The topic provoked a heated response from many, with readers divided on the subject. It’s clear that the idea has received increased attention in recent… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Relationships
Subscribe to Relationships RSS FeedFive Ways to Use Technology to Help Bond with Your Children
Posted in Children, Communication, Relationships, Technology, VisitationHave you considered all of the many ways that you can use your smartphone, tablet, computer, or social media to promote closer bonding with your children? The following tips can help you do just that: Exploration :: The most magical thing about literature has always been its ability to provide a way for everyone to explore life,… Continue Reading
Items to Consider in Parenting Plans and Visitation Agreements
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Communication, Dispute Resolution, Relationships, VisitationChildren typically aren’t the ones who ask their parents to divorce, but they are often the ones that are affected the most by divorce. They want (and deserve) the ability to love and spend time with both of their parents. Parenting plans (sometimes called visitation agreements) can help provide that opportunity and ensure that access… Continue Reading
Tips For How To Handle A Custody Evaluation
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Guardian ad Litem, Psychological Issues, Relationships, Research & Investigation, VisitationLast week we discussed what happens when a custody evaluation is ordered in a Family Court case. In contested cases where parents cannot agree about custody and/or visitation issues, judges may require that a psychologist sit down with everyone involved and determine what arrangement would serve the child’s best interest. The following tips can help… Continue Reading
Questions to Consider When Asking “Should I Separate Or Divorce?”
Posted in Divorce, Relationships, SeparationA recent article discussed the question some couples face after months (or years) of fighting – should we separate or divorce? The question is an important one, given how much the decision will ultimately impact the lives of those involved. While divorce can be a welcome relief for some couples, no one wants to rush into… Continue Reading
List of Items to Consider for Parents Who Are Separating or Divorcing
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Communication, Dispute Resolution, Divorce, Relationships, Separation, VisitationResponsible parents realize that nothing is more important than the well-being of their children, and they keep that in mind even when they separate or divorce. In a perfect world, parents would put aside their differences and squabbles and act civilly and responsibly around their children and towards one another. Unfortunately, all too many times that… Continue Reading
North Carolina Senate Considers Two-Year Waiting Period For Divorce
Posted in Communication, Dispute Resolution, Divorce, Educational Resources, Marriage, Procedure, Relationships, SeparationNorth Carolina lawmakers recently took a surprise step when a measure was proposed to create a waiting period of two years for those couples considering divorce. Beyond the wait, the bill would also require couples to undergo marriage counseling before being granted a divorce. The measure is backed by a group of Republican legislators who want… Continue Reading
Do Celebrities Really Divorce More Often Than The Rest Of Us?
Posted in Divorce, Relationships, SeparationThough we all hear about celebrity divorces on a near constant basis, it’s hard to tell through all the blaring headlines whether celebrities really divorce at a quicker rate than the rest of us. After all, the press is likely only highlighting the most ridiculous or sensational cases, not taking into account all the other,… Continue Reading
How To Dismiss A Divorce Case In South Carolina
Posted in Divorce, Marriage, Procedure, RelationshipsOnce a divorce petition has been filed in South Carolina, most people think the marriage is all but over. While filing for divorce is typically the beginning of the end, there are many situations where one or both parties may decide they no longer want to move forward with a divorce. Calling it off is possible so… Continue Reading
How Children’s Reactions to Divorce Differ between Age Groups
Posted in Children, Divorce, Psychological Issues, RelationshipsThe following Guest Post is from David Williamson: Divorce is very common these days. In fact, in the USA around half of all marriages end in divorce and around 25% of children under 16 now live with a step-parent. With statistics like this in mind, it is important to consider how this will affect the next… Continue Reading
Valentine’s Day Tips for Divorced or Separated People
Posted in Divorce, Miscellaneous, Psychological Issues, Relationships, SeparationDid you know that Valentine’s Day is the second most celebrated holiday around the world, trailing only New Year’s Day? However, for those going through a separation or divorce (or those who have recently done so), watching others celebrate a day devoted to love and romance can be difficult. Separated, divorcing, or divorced people might find the following activities… Continue Reading
Indiana Man Required to Support Artificially Conceived Children
Posted in Child Support, Children, Financial Issues, Medical Issues, Paternity, Relationships, TechnologyAccording to a court in Indiana, one man going through a recent divorce must pay child support for his son and daughter even though they were conceived via artificial insemination from another man’s sperm. The Indiana Court of Appeals rejected the man’s argument that he should not have to pay child support given that his… Continue Reading
Helping With Homework… Even from a Distance
Posted in Children, Communication, Educational Resources, Relationships, Technology, VisitationIf you are even remotely attuned to the world of technology, you have probably heard a mention or two of cloud computing. It’s the latest and greatest new thing to be introduced into our technology lexicon and is quickly becoming a tool that is indispensable at work and at home. A recent article on WiseBread.com… Continue Reading
Grandparents’ Role in a South Carolina Divorce
Posted in Children, Communication, Divorce, Relationships, SeparationEveryone knows that divorce affects more than just the parties involved. Children, friends and extended family members are all impacted when a marriage dissolves. Grandparents are one group that must also adjust to the changes a divorce brings. They often feel caught in the middle, wanting to side with their children while also needing to… Continue Reading
‘Gray Divorces’ in South Carolina Should Focus on Retirement Savings
Posted in Assets and Debts, Divorce, Financial Issues, Relationships, SeparationWe’ve mentioned the phenomenon known as “gray divorce” before, the increasing trend among older couples who are calling it quits. The reasons are many and complex: longer lifespans, changing societal attitudes towards divorce and the difficulties of living in an empty nest have all contributed to an era where one in four people getting divorced… Continue Reading
Joint Custody… And Blogging All The Way
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Communication, RelationshipsWhen two parents divorce, the first question that is usually asked in the attorney’s office is, “Who gets the kids?” Generally, both parents are not facing accusations of being “unfit” and unless one parent has a strong preference for sole custody, most couples try to work towards a joint custody arrangement. Joint custody usually is… Continue Reading
Common Law Marriage in South Carolina
Posted in Marriage, Procedure, RelationshipsThere are many rumors and misunderstandings regarding the concept of common law marriage. To be clear, South Carolina recognizes “common law marriage”, which is defined as “a marriage that takes legal effect, without license or ceremony, when two people capable of marrying live together as husband and wife, intend to be married, and hold themselves out as… Continue Reading
How to Effectively Co-Parent with Your Ex
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Communication, Dispute Resolution, Relationships, VisitationAs our regular readers know, our law office is located in Spartanburg, SC. However, we maintain working relationships with family law attorneys all across the country. Occasionally, we will publish guest posts on our blog from some of them, such as the following from Texas family law attorney Scott Morgan: When you have children, divorce is… Continue Reading
Sesame Street Tackles Divorce
Posted in Children, Communication, Divorce, Educational Resources, Marriage, Psychological Issues, Relationships, SeparationBig news on the children television front: Sesame Street has made the decision to finally deal with the messy topic of divorce. The production company behind the TV show didn’t arrive at the conclusion easily; instead, writers and researchers with the Sesame Workshop have spent two years planning the segment. The segment will star Abby Cadabby,… Continue Reading
Common Law Marriage in South Carolina
Posted in Divorce, Marriage, RelationshipsSouth Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes common law marriage. The concept is often misunderstood, with many people mistakenly believing that merely living together for a certain (or “magic”) number of years means you are automatically considered married. However, that’s not the case. The test for whether a common law… Continue Reading
How to Cope With the Holidays in a South Carolina Divorce
Posted in Children, Divorce, Relationships, SeparationEveryone knows how special Christmas is and all the memories and family and tradition associated with the holidays are exactly what make it so hard for those going through a divorce. Though it may seem difficult to believe, the holiday season as a divorced parent can be just as special as it was before, assuming… Continue Reading
What To Do If You Divorce and Still Run a Business With Your Ex?
Posted in Assets and Debts, Communication, Dispute Resolution, RelationshipsThough it can be hard for business partners to keep personal issues out of the workplace, the trouble pales in comparison to the issues faced by partners that used to be married to one another. A recent article in the New York Times discussed what happens when a couple who runs a business gets divorced… Continue Reading
What To Do If You’re Considering Remarriage in South Carolina
Posted in Alimony, Child Custody, Financial Issues, Marriage, Relationships, VisitationMany South Carolinians come out of a divorce and vow to never be married again. The process was emotionally and financially draining and often leaves people broken-hearted or generally exhausted. Though this feeling can last a while, many eventually grow out of their concerns and may decide to make another go of it. If that’s… Continue Reading
How to Ease Tension During the Holiday Season
Posted in Child Custody, Children, Communication, Dispute Resolution, Divorce, Relationships, Separation, VisitationWith Thanksgiving just behind us and the rest of the holiday season soon to follow, this time of year can be very stressful for all families. For divorced and divorcing parents, the stress of the holidays can become overwhelming when combined with the new sensation of separate holiday celebrations. Thankfully there are ways to ease… Continue Reading