The OFW® Blog

Mobile Shared Co-Parenting Tools

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Smart phones are surely setting a standard for what consumers expect in their cell phones. These “mini-computers” make accessing all kinds of information via the Internet fast and easy. Sometimes, they even replace the need for an actual desktop or laptop computer. The OurFamilyWizard Website recognizes the popularity of smart phone usage and has created easy-to-use mobile apps that make using this divorced or shared parenting tool easy and available everywhere.

Dispelling Common Divorce Myths

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce is a complicated process, and the rules surrounding it vary from state to state. Because of the complexity of navigating these rules, and the fact that emotions are usually running high during the actual process, quite a few myths have sprung up over the years, and several have become so widespread that they’re commonly understood to be ‘fact.’ These misconceptions range from relatively harmless to incredibly damaging, and understanding the realities surrounding divorce can be the best way to protect yourself.

Tips for Celebrating Mother's Day After Divorce

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Mother’s Day is a special time for families to express how much love and appreciation they have for their mothers, but this day can also stir up mixed emotions if a family is dealing with a separation or divorce. Planning for Mother’s Day after divorce can cause stress or tension between parents and other family members, yet this is a great day to show your kids that even if parents are not together, everyone acknowledges and respects Mom’s role in the family. Here are some tips to help every family member to make celebrating Mother’s Day after divorce enjoyable for everyone.

"But Dad Said I Could!" Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0000

“I asked mom and she already said it was okay for me to go out with my friends tonight.” “But dad never makes me do my homework before I play video games!” Sound familiar? Parenting across two households can be a real challenge. Working through the pain of ending a committed relationship into a working relationship that benefits our kids is hard work for divorced parents. Among the biggest challenges to navigate are differences in parenting styles, and in particular, your approach to discipline.

Determining Child Custody for Never Married Parents

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Not all co-parents have to be divorced to share custody and other parenting responsibilities. Never married parents face similar issues to parents who are going through a divorce, yet some challenges are more complex in a never married parenting situation, such as determining child custody. Here are some important points that never married parents must consider:

Co-parenting tools for separated parents: OurFamilyWizard Message Board

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0000

In the digital age, methods of communication have evolved to fit the needs of our technological world. Emails and text messages are two particular innovations that make it easier for divorced or separated parents to communicate important family details between homes. While convenient, emails can be lost in cyberspace, and texts can be deleted or sent to a wrong number. In a contentious situation with a co-parent, keeping a full and accurate record of communication can be very important. To prevent these issues, the OurFamilyWizard Message Board is a useful tool to aid in communication when accuracy is imperative for divorced or separated parents.

Co-parenting tools for separated parents: OurFamilyWizard Calendar

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Separated parenting situations are not easy to manage. Many scheduling details end up getting lost in the shuffle when kids are moving between homes, making organization a key piece to managing your family’s schedule successfully. The OurFamilyWizard Website offers a simple solution to this all-too-common issue: a shared family calendar to make it simple for parents to stay on track with their family’s hectic schedule.

Creating a winning co-parenting plan

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0000

At the start, divorce feels like a win/lose situation. One parent may seem to have it all on paper, while the other struggles to make ends meet. On the flip side, the parent who seemingly has it all finds that they have little time to spend with their kids, while the other parent is with them all the time.

Tips to co-parenting after divorce

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0000

After a divorce, the idea of communicating with an ex may seem near to impossible. While dealing with that person is the last thing you feel like doing, trying to build an amicable relationship with that person is the best thing you can do for your children. Setting your strong emotions and frustrations aside might appear to be a stressful, fruitless task, but the benefits take time to emerge.

Planning for spring break

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0000

The week of spring break is often a busy one for a family. Whether you plan to go on a family vacation or stay home with a full house, there is lots of planning that must be done by parents in order to coordinate the family’s schedule with this week. Planning for spring break can feel twice as complex when your children’s time is split between two homes.

Moving out after divorce

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Many changes take place during a divorce, and often times, it will involve parents establishing a new definition of “family home.” When a family is dealing with divorce, usually only one of the two parents will be moving out of the family home. In this situation, planning out how the transition will go down is a serious decision that includes several factors, such as what will happen to the family home and, if the home is kept, deciding which parent will be moving out after divorce.

Keeping two happy homes

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0000

After divorce or separation, happiness may seem like a distant goal. At first, it is very difficult for parents and children alike to cope with the new layout of the family. Many things begin to change, from family holidays to family vocabulary. As these changes take place, parents must find new ways to communicate and work together to raise their children as one family unit separated between two happy homes.

Is it my turn or your turn?

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Trying to handle this when your family is split between two homes with a custody schedule involved makes it even more difficult to keep everything straight. Both you and your co-parent need to know one thing quickly and accurately: is it my turn or your turn?

Communication breakdowns post divorce

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0000

Communication breakdowns post divorce are a familiar side effect of a contentious break up involving children, but it is important to find some sort of middle ground and methods of constructive ways to speak for the sake of helping your kids deal with the split.

Tips for keeping your kids on time

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0000

For kids, most of the way their time is spent is predetermined. From the beginning to end of their day, parents are typically the most important facilitators of time management for their young child. Parents will help wake them up on time, get them to the bus stop, remind them to finish all of their homework, put them to bed, and then the cycle continues the following day. The ability to manage our time is not a skill we are born with, but it is something that is instilled within us as we grow up. Keeping your kids on time by creating a routine, having them talk out their plans, and teaching them how to tell time and use a calendar are three steps parents may take over time to illustrate the importance of time management as they grow up.

Coordinating child custody during holidays

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0000

As we roll into December, the holiday season goes into full swing. With all of the joy and festiveness that comes with this time of year, few people are immune to the stresses that also come along with the holidays. Finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, decorating your home, and organizing holiday plans with family can often cause more anxiety than holiday cheer. Plans can become further complicated when custody issues arise. Defining important holidays, early planning, and documenting your holiday schedule in writing are crucial factors when coordinating child custody during holidays.

Creating provisions for your parenting agreement

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Making the switch from a cohesive family unit into a separated co-parenting situation is an emotional process. In this transition period, parents are encountering many new and difficult challenges, but the well being of your child must be kept at the forefront of your mind. When formulating your parenting agreement, creating provisions will help to maintain your individual rights and values as a parent.

Interstate Parenting Plans

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0000

A family moving to a new state faces many initial challenges like taking in the new surroundings, finding a new school for the kids, and making new friends. While transporting the entire family somewhere new is not easy, the situation can be further complicated if only one parent is moving states. One parent moving states while the processes of or after a divorce is not uncommon, as many parents move in order to go to school, to take a new job or to be closer to extended family. It is critical to have an interstate parenting plan to support your child’s best interests and to defend your parental rights.

Broken Circle Children of Divorce

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Broken Circle - Children of Divorce is a collaboration between me, the photographer, and young adults age 18 to 24, from divorced families who have offered their personal narratives in response to my questions about how their parents’ divorce has impacted them and their thinking in regard to relationships and commitment in their own lives.

Right of First Refusal

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Right of first refusal in custody situations commonly means that one parent must first offer the other parent the opportunity to look after their kids before contacting a babysitter or another family member to care for the children.

Maintaining a Relationship With Both Sides of the Family

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There is nothing more important and comforting than family. This is a feeling that almost anyone can relate to. After a divorce or separation these feelings may begin to fade. Co-parents and divorced couples often have troubles maintaining a relationship with both sides of the family. A divorce can spark a lot of tension and conflict between family members. No matter what your feelings are towards the other side of the family you must remember to keep the best interest of your child in mind.

Custody Agreements for Military Families

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0000

When one or both parents are in the military family life can be difficult. Free time to spend with the family may be hard to come by. When military families go through a divorce things only become complicated further. Military families face additional challenges when it comes to creating an effective custody agreement. Custody agreements for military families must also reflect the unique nature of their situation.

Vote for the OurFamilyWizard website

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Please take a second a vote for the OurFamiyWizard website for the Chase: Mission Small Business Grant competition.

Go to https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com

Hit the Login and Support button and log in with your Facebook account.

Enter "the ourfamilywizard website" in the business name and hit search.

Then click the Vote button.

We need your vote to make it to the next round!

Please share with friends,

Thank you!

The Importance of Family Mediators

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Family mediation is not really a new concept. These family mediators have been turned to for guidance for settling disputes for any type of situation. A mediator is really a very general term used to describe a third-party individual who is asked to oversee a situation as a whole and possibly make comments or suggestions. In many cases this mediator may simply be a friend, family member, or even a nearby person, depending on the severity of the situation. Co-parents who have gone through a divorce often need a more reliable solution; someone more professional. This is why we must understand the importance of family mediators.

Negotiating Your Custody Agreement

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Co-parents who choose to create their own custody agreement are often happier with their decision in the long run than co-parents who do not. Creating your own custody agreement gives you the freedom to decide how you and your co-parent will divide custody, how visitation time will be awarded, what kind of custody schedule will be implemented, and so on. This may sound very appealing but the process is a lot of work and you and your co-parent must work very closely with one another. After some time you may come to realize that negotiating your custody agreement with your co-parent is an essential part of the process.

Including Provisions in Your Custody Agreement

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0000

A child custody agreement is an extremely important document that will largely influence your life as a co-parent. Child custody agreements essentially lay out how you, your co-parent, and your child will be living your daily lives. For this reason, you and your co-parent must ensure that the rules of raising your child are clearly defined in the document. Including provisions in your custody agreement is a good way to thoroughly cover every aspect of your responsibilities as co-parents.

Tips for Successful Co-Parenting

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Parenting is definitely not an easy task. If you throw divorce into the mix parenting becomes even more complicated if it’s turned into co-parenting. There are many resources that parents and co-parents can turn to in order to help guide them through their parenting journey. Yes, these books may be extremely helpful in theory, but when it comes to actual parenting the best way we learn is by trial and error.

Divorce and Social Networks

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are gaining popularity among society and are becoming more commonplace in our daily lives. Although the benefits of social networking tools such as these can be great there are also many dangers that come with them that may not be so obvious. These dangers are becoming more apparent for couples going through a divorce and also for co-parents who have previously gone through divorce. Divorce and social networks should be handled with caution.

Reduce Stress During the Holidays with Holiday Custody Arrangements and Visitation Schedules

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

The holidays are always a stressful time for everyone regardless of if they are divorced and have children to take care of. Co-parents often feel this stress even more so than other families because of the added work they have to do around the holidays. Extreme amounts of coordination are required by both co-parents in order to have a successful holiday. Help yourself to reduce stress during the holidays with holiday custody arrangements and visitation schedules.

Are You Ready to Juggle Dating and Your Custody Schedule?

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Dating can be a very fun and exciting experience that can sometimes lead to a life long relationship with a loved one. Many co-parents turn to dating in order to get their life back on track and help them move on after a divorce. Many people don’t realize that this can be potentially dangerous in some situations. There are a number of repercussions that can occur if you do not handle the dating situation appropriately. Your divorce and custody schedule will play a critical role in your ability to date. You have to ask yourself are you ready to juggle dating and your custody schedule?

Every Weekend and 2-2-3 Visitation Schedules

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody and visitation can be a very confusing topic to comprehend. There are so many different types of custody and visitation schedules out there that all have their own benefits and downfalls. Many co-parents and family law professionals have their own opinions on which type of custody schedule works best but to be honest, choosing the best type of custody and visitation schedule for your family is totally dependant on your specific situation. Every weekend and 2-2-3 visitation schedules are gaining popularity and should definitely be given some consideration for your own situation.

Redefining Your Partnership Through Your Basic Parenting Plan

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

For many divorced couples, the thought of ending your intimate and romantic relationship in exchange for a cooperative co-parenting relationship can be very difficult to comprehend. Until recently, the only type of relationship that you’ve had has been an intimate one. Building a new relationship around your children and your responsibilities as parents is your new task. Redefining your partnership through your basic parenting plan is a good place to begin this process.

4-3 Visitation and Custody Schedules

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Visitation and child custody schedules can be a very complex topic. Many family law professionals and co-parents favor a certain type of visitation and custody schedule for the benefits that it brings to them but there are numerous different types of visitation and custody schedules that are out there. 4-3 visitation and custody schedules are one of the more popular options that co-parents usually opt for when determining their physical custody schedule.

Assigned Weekends Schedules

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There are so many different options available for co-parents in terms of custody schedules. Each and every custody schedule has its own positives and negatives. Many family law professionals have their own opinions on which types of custody schedules work the best but in reality you must choose one that you will be able to implement easily and effectively. Assigned weekends schedules are a specific type of custody schedule created for certain situations.

Misconceptions About Custody Schedules for Infants

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There are many misconceptions about custody schedules for infants made by many family law professionals as well as co-parents. It’s important for co-parents to fully understand the needs of their infant especially during their early developmental stages. After understanding this, co-parents are able to tailor their custody schedule in a way that might differ from what was previously thought to be an acceptable custody schedule for infants.

Parenting Plan for Infants

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Creating a parenting plan can be a very difficult task for co-parents to accomplish. A lot of preparation and planning must go into creating an effective parenting plan; after all it will most likely be in effect for a long time. Many co-parents sharing an infant believe that a parenting plan is not essential yet because of the age of their child but this is not true. A parenting plan for infants is an important step to a successful relationship with your child and co-parent.

Reorganizing Your Family After a Divorce with a Parenting Plan

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Transitioning from an intimate and emotional relationship with your spouse to becoming co-parents can be a very difficult task. Instead of putting any effort into the relationship all of your effort should be put into meeting the needs of your children. Focus on reorganizing your family after a divorce with a parenting plan. An effective parenting plan can help you to get the lives of you and your family members back on track.

Vacations and Parenting Plans

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Vacations can be a very good opportunity for co-parents to spend time and bond with their child. The only problem is that vacations can be a very difficult thing to plan around your defined parenting plan. Vacations and parenting plans often conflict with one another, which is why it is very important for co-parents to setup certain rules regarding vacations that will be defined in their parenting plan.

Preparing a Parenting Plan for Court

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

A parenting plan is seen as a legal document describing the terms of your child custody agreement. A parenting plan is also seen as a necessary tool for co-parents in order to successfully parent their child in all situations. It is a valuable reference tool for co-parents to use as they encounter parenting challenges. Before a parenting plan can be implemented it must be reviewed and approved by a family court. Preparing a parenting plan for court can be a very challenging and stressful task for any co-parent.

Income Withholding Orders

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Information Alert - Effective June 1, 2012 all Income Withholding Orders requiring an employer to withhold payments, including those issued by court and private attorneys, must direct payments to the State Disbursement Unit

Creating Custody Agreements for Pre-Teenagers

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

An effective child custody agreement is an important part of any successful family of divorce. Designing the perfect custody agreement that is in the best interest of everyone in the family is difficult to do and can take years of refining. One of the biggest problems that many co-parents find with their custody agreements is that they must constantly be changing. As children get older their needs change along with them, which means that the current custody agreement must also change to reflect that. Custody agreements for pre-teenagers are difficult to perfect but are also a necessity.

Creating Custody Agreements for Teenagers

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Raising a teenager can be a lot of work, which is especially true for divorced parents. One of the key factors to effectively parenting your teen during this time is to have a strong custody agreement that both you and your co-parent can depend on for support. Custody agreements for teenagers can be very unstable in many cases but it’s necessary to find what works for everyone in the family in order to be successful.

How do you rebuild when your relationship ends?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

One of the most helpful pieces of information I got while going through my own divorce was to LEARN from my previous relationships. There is no such thing as failure in relationships, only lessons that you haven’t learned yet. You CAN create a new life, a new chapter, and new relationships filled with love, potential, and hope.

Parental Alienation and Children Exhibiting Visitation Refusal Behaviour - Part 2

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There are multiple explanations for parental rejection in separated and divorcing families. In this dynamic, children and the parents they reject often struggle over a declining relationship and dissipating contact.

Parental Alienation and Children Exhibiting Visitation Refusal Behaviour

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Joint Custody Arrangements

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Joint custody is a concept that has been gaining a lot of popularity from co-parents and family law professionals alike. Joint custody arrangements are most often seen as being in the best interest of the child. Many family law professionals favor joint custody arrangements because both co-parents are required to play an active role in raising their child. It has been found to be beneficial to the child when both co-parents are active in the parenting process.

OurFamilyWizard Featured on NBC 4 in Washington DC

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

OurFamilyWizard Featured on NBC 4 in Washington DC in story titled: "Divorced Couples Forced to Co-Parent Online"

Joint Custody Visitation Rights

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Joint custody is a specific type of custody arrangement where both co-parents share custody of their child. In this case, both co-parents will play an active role in parenting their child. Visitation rights is a term that is usually used to describe a co-parent who is not awarded custody of the child in situations where joint custody is not awarded to both co-parents. Joint custody visitation rights still exist and are actually a very important issue to define in your joint custody parenting plan.

A Dad's Dilemma

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

When my marriage hit the rocks I was the father of three children, aged 16, 13, and 9. My wife Paula had got involved with another guy; we were floundering, uncertain what to do next. I was totally shattered and torn between two conflicting impulses: to leave or to stay.

Parenting Intermediary

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Effectively parenting your children after a divorce is definitely not an easy task. There are many different types of mediation for divorced couples that may offer different styles of support. Although there are many different types of mediation that you can use, they all offer significant benefits for divorced parents. Utilizing a parenting intermediary to improve you as co-parents is always highly recommended.

Myths About OurFamilyWizard - Message Board

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There has always been some skepticism about the OurFamilyWizard website® and the benefits that it brings to co-parents. It is always common in competitive industries for myths and rumors to form about each participant. We are never surprised when we hear myths about OurFamilyWizard, but we would like to convey to co-parents everywhere that they are just that, myths. This article will serve to clear up some misconceptions that we have been encountering for years.

Myths About OurFamilyWizard - Calendar

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There has always been some skepticism about the OurFamilyWizard website® and the benefits that it’s online tools bring to co-parents. It is always common in competitive industries for myths and rumors to form about the participants. We are never surprised when we hear myths about OurFamilyWizard, but we would like to convey to co-parents everywhere that they are just that, myths. This article will serve to clear up some misconceptions about the OurFamilyWizard Calendar that we have been encountering for years.

Joint Custody Parenting Plan

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is an extremely important thing to focus on for co-parents who are going through a divorce. For many, the issue of custody is pushed into the back of their minds simply because they are caught up in their own drama with the divorce case. Co-parents must remember that overall, it is most likely that their children will be most affected by the divorce in general. Agreeing on a type of custody and forming a parenting plan are the most important steps to accomplish. A joint custody parenting plan is typically favored by most co-parents and professionals, and we’ll explain why.

Divorcing Parents

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce seems to have become a common occurrence in society. The number of divorces that occur within the United States is staggering. Although this may not be a very pleasant issue to think about, we cannot overlook the fact that it’s a reality. For couples who have gone through divorce or are thinking of getting a divorce, the best thing that you can do is prepare yourselves and do what you can to lessen the emotional damage that is done to you and your family. Divorcing parents have a great responsibility to themselves and especially their children.

Divorced Parents and Teens

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce is often a very sensitive issue to deal with in a family setting. It can break up families in more ways than one and leave everyone involved damaged. There is really no such thing as being good at divorcing; therefore the best thing that co-parents can do is seek out help from family law professionals specializing in divorce and child custody. Putting divorced parents and teens together is a difficult mix. Many divorced parents make simple mistakes when dealing with their teens and often cause more harm than good.

Can You Really "Win" Child Custody?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0000

There are many controversial topics that arise within the family law industry, a lot of which have to do with divorce and child custody. After being in the industry for a number of years it is common to run into these topics, especially on the Internet where anyone and everyone is able to voice their opinions. It’s easy for readers to be misled by untruthful articles and blogs that pop up everyday surrounding issues of divorce and child custody. One of the most common issues that arise poses the question can you really “win” child custody? This is an important question but many sources seem to be answering it incorrectly.

Divorce in the Family

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce can be a very difficult issue to deal with. It can take a toll on everyone that’s involved emotionally and physically. It is in the opinion of many people that a divorce in the family is one of the most damaging blows that can occur in a household. Since a divorce in the family is already extremely damaging its up to both co-parents to work together to protect the welfare of their children. Helping your children to cope during this difficult time could potentially benefit the health and wellbeing of your children.

Child Custody Relocation

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody relocation can be a very sensitive issue. Many co-parents misinterpret this issue to have malicious intent but this is typically not the case. Most custodial parents choose to move to pursue a better job, be closer with their family, or just start a new life in a new place. In any case, child custody relocation should not be taken lightly.

Child Custody Evaluation

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody evaluations are a very common process. Although the purpose of all custody evaluations are to ensure that the needs of your child are met as best they can, it can still be a very nerve racking ordeal for co-parents to experience. It is important for co-parents to understand the basic details of what goes into a child custody evaluation to prepare for the process.

Divorce Kids and Custody

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce can be a very emotionally difficult time for everyone in the family, especially for your children. It is extremely important to treat the situation with care for the sake of the emotional health and wellbeing of your children. Divorce kids are often portrayed in the media as being emotionally tainted and full of anger towards their parents, but this definitely doesn’t have to be the case. If you handle your situation appropriately, your divorce and custody may have a less damaging effect on your children.

Divorce, Parents, and Children

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce is a very difficult time for everyone who is involved in the situation. Remembering that you are not the only one having a hard time dealing with the situation is important. Divorcing parents often shut everyone else out of their lives and only focus on themselves when they are going through a difficult divorce. After a divorce, both parents and children need the proper amount of attention to cope with this difficult issue.

Divorce Can Affect Long-Term Happiness in Children

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce is never easy to deal with for anyone involved. The ordeal has the ability to cause major disruptions within any family. It is often said by family law professionals that the emotional and psychological effects that divorce can have on a person are magnified when applied to children. Most professionals believe that divorce can affect long-term happiness in children if not handled properly. It is up to the co-parents to handle their situation appropriately for the sake of their children’s health and wellbeing.

Types of Child Custody

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody can often be a very confusing subject to comprehend. There are so many legal and professional terms that anyone who has never gone through a custody case would have a hard time understanding. Once everything is broken down the different types of child custody are easier to understand. This is especially important for divorced parents who are going through a custody case to understand. Getting lost in all of the legal talk can be a very dangerous thing.

Child Support and Joint Custody

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody often comes into question when dealing with a joint custody case. Most co-parents do not often relate the two with one another or they simply rule out the issue of child support because they feel that joint custody should not include any child support. The reality is that many custody agreements will include both child support and joint custody even though they may seem to be conflicting ideas.

Child Custody Agreement

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce is a very sensitive subject and can be a very difficult time for any family. When you and your ex-spouse have children with one another it brings a lot of new complications and obstacles into the mix. It’s the job of the co-parents to make sure that the best interest of their children is held above all else in a divorce and custody case. The best way for co-parents to ensure that the needs of their child are being met is to put the necessary time and effort into creating and implementing the proper child custody agreement.

Child Custody Questions

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is very complex and can often be a confusing issue to those who are not familiar with the details involved. The common person will most likely be unaware of the issues and details involving child custody unless they are going through a divorce or custody case themselves. In order to clear things up for the confused co-parent we have comprised a list of commonly asked child custody questions. Please be aware that child custody laws and practices often vary by state or county so it is extremely important to consult with a family law professional in your area before taking any legal action or following advice from non-professionals.

OurFamilyWizard works on both MAC and PC

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0000

For years and years there have been debates about which is better and easier to use for consumers, MAC computers or PC computers. Advocates for MAC computers often argue that their platform is extremely elegant and user friendly while PC computers are often seen as powerful and more customizable. One of the biggest questions that arise when is comes to software and applications is compatibility. Whether or not a program will work on a MAC computer and not a PC computer, and vice versa. With the OurFamilyWizard website® and tools there is no need to worry, they will work seamlessly on both MAC and PC computers!

Child Visitation Rights

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is a term that is used to describe the legal relationship between a parent and child. It is a very important issue that all who are going through a divorce or custody case must discuss. The outcome of the case and how the issue is handled can have a severe effect on the emotional health and wellbeing of your children. Not all types of custody are appropriate for all situations. Child visitation rights are important for those co-parents who are not awarded full custody of their child.

Family Law Attorneys

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

An experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney can be the key to avoiding any conflicts that may arise in your divorce or child custody hearing. Anyone that has gone through a divorce or child custody case knows that it can be a very scary process. A friendly and helpful family law attorney can help to ease your mind and ensure you that there will be help at every step of the process.

Shared Child Custody

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

There are a handful of different types of custody that can be awarded in a child custody case. The type of custody that will work out best in your situation should always be determined by recognizing what is in the best interest of your child. In cases where there is little to no conflict between co-parents, it is often seen as being in the best interest of the child to award shared child custody.

Divorce Custody Rights

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce and custody issues typically go hand-in-hand with one another. Divorce is seen as a judicial declaration dissolving a marriage and releases both the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations. When the husband and wife have children with one another things can get complicated. Divorce custody rights must be determined and a parenting plan must be enforced.

Custody Parenting Plan

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is a very important subject that you and your co-parent must spend a lot of time discussing. It is crucial that co-parents going through a divorce or custody case realize that the custody parenting plan that they enforce will define their parenting lives for a long time. This issue does not just stop at custody; a parenting plan must define in much more detail the arrangements that have been made between co-parents. The first step in creating an effective custody parenting plan is to understand everything that goes into creating it.

Child Support and Custody

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The issues of child support and custody can be very sensitive subjects in any divorce case. This is primarily because they involve money and the legal rights to spend time with the child. It is important for co-parents who are going through a divorce to understand the basics of how child support and custody are awarded to prepare themselves for possible outcomes of their court case.

Help With Custody

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Dealing with child custody can be a very scary and confusing time. There are many places that you can turn to for help with your case but not all have the best interest of you or your child in mind. There are different kinds of help that most co-parents need during these difficult times. Family and personal issues need to be resolved in a reasonable manner during this time. The next step is to determine the best type of custody that will best meet the needs of your child. Getting help with custody is a necessary step to being successful in the process.

Joint Custody and Child Support

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child support and child custody are two different things but they often go hand-in-hand with one another. Most people may not associate joint custody and child support with one another. The truth is that in many cases one or both co-parents are still ordered to pay child support even if they are granted joint custody of their child. When you and your co-parent are discussing a possible joint custody agreement with one another do not eliminate the possibility of child support. A lot of factors are taken into account when determining joint custody and child support.

Joint Custody of a Child

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0000

If you’re going through a divorce or have recently gone through a divorce you are probably overwhelmed with the technical terms and legal lingo. When dealing with issues of child custody, there should be absolutely no confusion. As a parent, you should be clear on everything that is happening in your case. If you are working with an attorney it’s their job to help you through this process but the fact is that they are not always the most helpful. It is the job of you and your co-parent to keep yourselves informed, especially in the case of joint custody of a child.

Joint Custody Holiday Schedule

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0000

If you and your co-parent have opted for joint custody, you have a lot of work ahead of you. Joint custody is a very big commitment but it allows you to spend significant and quality time with your children. It is typically seen as being in the best interest of the child because significant time is spent with both co-parents. This is why family courts and professionals often encourage joint custody. One very important issue often comes up during the scheduling process, the issue of a joint custody holiday schedule.

Fathers with Custody

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce or separation can be a very difficult process. One of the most important issues to consider when going through a divorce or separation is the custody of your children. This experience can often be traumatic for children, especially if they are younger. It is important for fathers with custody to focus on protecting the mental and emotional health of their child during this time.

Laws of Custody

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is a very serious issue that must be addressed when couples are separated or going through a divorce. Divorce and custody proceedings tend to go hand-in-hand. Each state across the country has slight variations on their laws of custody from other states. It is extremely important for separated or divorcing parents to get to know the child custody laws of their state so that they are prepared for any possible outcome.

Online Co-Parent Communication Tools

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

When parents are going through a divorce or have gone through a divorce in the past, everyone pays a heavy toll financially, mentally, and emotionally. When children are involved, these effects can be greatly magnified. Good communication between you and your co-parent can help everyone to heal and cope with the situation. An emerging and extremely effective trend is the use of online co-parent communication tools.

Child Custody Holiday Schedule

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Creating a child custody schedule is not an easy task. When going through a divorce, you should be putting a lot of thought into the custody of your child and what would be in your child’s best interest. Co-parents are typically encouraged by the family law courts to determine an appropriate custody schedule outside of court that both co-parents can agree on. One very important thing that must be covered when discussing possible custody schedules is a separate child custody holiday schedule.

Divorce Tools to Communicate Expenses

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce poses many difficulties for all parties involved in the situation. One of the biggest challenges that divorcing or divorced couples have to deal with are the financial obligations that are associated with their divorce. Some of these fees can be pretty hefty, such as attorney fees, but these expenses are typically short term. The most common long term expense associated with a divorce is child support payments. There are many divorce tools to communicate expenses between you and your co-parent, which can make them significantly easier to manage.

Same Sex Custody Issues

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Determining child custody and visitation arrangements for same sex parents is a very new and still emerging area of family law. Since same sex marriage and other issues are still very controversial in most U.S. states, same sex custody issues have not been widely considered in the past. Each state is beginning to recognize same sex custody issues at their own pace.

Online Custody Calendar

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Going through a divorce and custody battle can be a very difficult time for any family, no matter the situation. The outcome of most cases seems to leave every party unhappy. It’s just not a very pleasant ordeal in general. There are a number of ways you can try to ease this pain and also many people out there who want to help you in your situation. Tools and resources such as an online custody calendar can greatly help to reduce conflict between you and your co-parent, which is ultimately in the best interest of both you and your children.

Shared Custody Calendar

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody is a very sensitive subject. Any determination of custody that is different from how a family previously interacted before a divorce will be very awkward and difficult to handle at first. There are many tools and resources that can help to alleviate the difficult task of organizing and getting used to your new custody order. One tool that has proven to be extremely effective is a shared custody calendar.

Divorce Communication Tools

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Divorce can be a very difficult time for all parties involved. It is often extremely draining both physically and emotionally. These effects can be even more intense if you and your ex spouse have children together. Divorce can take a major toll on children, especially if they are at a younger age. An event like divorce has the potential to damage them mentally and emotionally for the rest of their lives. There are many tools available for divorced parents to keep this threat on their children and themselves to a minimum. Divorce communication tools are possibly the most effective and easiest to use in any divorce and custody case.

Custody Visitation Calendar

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

When parents are going through a divorce it is a very hard on everyone in the family. This is especially true for younger children. The next step in the divorce process will be the determination of custody. Typically, if joint custody is not granted, one co-parent will receive full custody of the child while the other co-parent is given visitation rights. This can often be very confusing for the co-parents and difficult to manage since it is a completely new schedule that they aren’t used to. A custody visitation calendar can greatly help co-parents to quickly get accustomed to their new schedule.

Back-To-School Essentials for College-Bound Students

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The beginning of a new school year is quickly approaching and it is the job of every parent to make sure that their children are equipped with everything they need to make this school year a great one. No matter what your situation is at home, you must always remember that the education of your child is nothing to be taken lightly. Cooperation and coordination with your co-parent is a must during this important time. Each level of education requires your child to have different tools to learn and study with, so be sure to check out our personal back-to-school checklists based on these different education levels. For children entering college for the first time or continuing college we highly recommend the following products for a successful school year!

Back-To-School Essentials for High School Students

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The beginning of a new school year is quickly approaching and it is the job of every parent to make sure that their children are equipped with everything they need to make this school year a great one. No matter what your situation is at home, you must always remember that the education of your child is nothing to be taken lightly. Cooperation and coordination with your co-parent is a must during this important time. Each level of education requires your child to have different tools to learn and study with, so be sure to check out our personal back-to-school checklists based on these different education levels. For children entering high school for the first time or continuing high school we highly recommend the following products for a successful school year!

Back-To-School Essentials for Middle/Grade School Students

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The beginning of a new school year is quickly approaching and it is the job of every parent to make sure that their children are equipped with everything they need to make this school year a great one. No matter what your situation is at home, you must always remember that the education of your child is nothing to be taken lightly. Cooperation and coordination with your co-parent is a must during this important time. Each level of education requires your child to have different tools to learn and study with, so be sure to check out our personal back-to-school checklists based on these different education levels. For children continuing or entering grade school or middle school for the first time we highly recommend the following products for a successful school year!

Solutions for Supervised Visitation

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The typical reasons families might be ordered to obtain supervised visitation services include histories or allegations of; domestic violence, child abuse, mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse, extended absences between the parent and child, newly established paternity, among others.

Does Shared Parenting Work?

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Shared parenting is a custody agreement between co-parent in which the care of the children is essentially equal between the two co-parents. Shared parenting has been gaining a lot of popularity among co-parents and family law professionals within recent years. Some believe that shared parenting doesn’t work and that it is a wonderful idea but an unreachable goal.

Back to School Tips for Co-Parents

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

The new school year is quickly approaching and its time to start preparing. Preparing your child for a new school year requires a lot of coordination and cooperation between you and your co-parent. This is an important time for your child to feel support from both you and your co-parent and to know that you both care. Here are some tips to remember to make going back to school as smooth as possible for you and your child.

Custody Exchange Calendar

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Custody exchange can be a daunting task for some co-parents, especially if they are in a high conflict relationship with one another. Discussing about pick up and drop off times can be challenging when the both of you can’t seem to agree on anything. The actual pick up and drop off of your child can be a prime time for you or your co-parent to spark up an argument. If this is your case, or if you even just want to keep your custody exchanges organized, consider using a custody exchange calendar.

Shared Custody Schedules

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Shared custody, more commonly known as joint custody, is the case where custody of the child is awarded to both co-parents. Both co-parents are seen as custodial parents of the child. Although both co-parents have equal custody over their child, their shared custody schedules do not necessarily need to be split 50/50, and in most cases they are not. Shared custody schedules are for co-parents who wish to divide their schedules so that they have relatively equal amounts of time with their child.

Online Child Visitation Calendar

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Many co-parenting families have a difficult time keeping up and maintaining their visitation schedules. This is not an easy task and actually takes a lot of time and effort to keep everything organized and up-to-date. One thing that has been gaining a lot of popularity among co-parents recently is the use of an online child visitation calendar.

Joint Parenting Time

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Joint parenting is more commonly known as joint custody. There are two types of custody, physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody has to do with the day-to-day care of the child while legal custody refers to the decision-making for the child. Joint parenting time typically refers to joint physical custody. It is important to know the difference between these two types of custody because both must be defined in your child custody and visitation agreement.

Child Custody and Visitation Agreement

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Most family courts will encourage co-parents to create their own child custody and visitation agreement before stepping into the courtroom. This allows co-parents to make agreements and compromises for themselves instead of having their judge or family law professionals create one for them. After they have submitted their child custody and visitation agreement to the court, the judge is able to make revisions based on what he/she feels is in the best interest of the child.

Printable Child Custody Calendars

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Child custody can sometimes be a difficult thing to manage for co-parents. Life can get even busier and stressful after separating from your spouse. After a long day at work, remembering to pick up your children from your co-parent’s house may not be such an easy thing to do. Online child custody calendars can greatly help you if you are a busy co-parent. Printable child custody calendars are even more helpful, allowing you to print one for each member of the family so that everyone is on the same page.

Alternating Weeks in Your Custody Plan

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0000

Some co-parents may choose to go with a more simplistic route when choosing a custody plan that works for them. Not all co-parents can accommodate a 50/50 time split, but if you can then alternating weeks in your custody plan is simple and easy. As with all custody plans it’s definitely not perfect. There are both benefits and drawbacks to alternating weeks in your custody plan that must all be taken into consideration when choosing the best custody plan for your own family.