By Jennifer M. Paine

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell, P.C., Detroit office

Thinking about a trip with your children overseas for spring or summer break? Maybe a long weekend for a sightseeing safari, or volunteering in Haiti, or cruising in the Mediterranean this summer? Think again. If your children are 16 or younger and need passports, your ex could thwart your travel plans and send you back to court fighting first.

It’s a power woefully addressed in divorce decrees, if not wholly forgotten: the Two Parent Consent Law, i.e., the one parent veto power. Here is everything you need to know and how to avoid your ex’s veto.

Matt Allen, editor of DadsDivorce.com, visits with internationally syndicated columnist Bruce Sallan.

In his column "A Dad's Point of View," Sallan writes about parenting, raising boys, dating as a single parent, Internet dating advice, marriage advice, blending families, dealing with step-parenting, all the ups and downs of separation and divorce, as well as the general parenting perspective from a man’s point-of-view.

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• Can my ex-wife change my kids' names without my authority?
• How can I go about finding out if her new husband adopted our children?
• I thought the ability to claim the earned income credit was based on whom the child lived with for more of the year. Is that true?

Dan Danford, host of Money Made Easy, outlines the best habits to instill in your teenagers as you start getting them involved in handling their finances.

Danford, MBA, CRSP of Family Investment Center, uses his own 30 years of experience as a small business owner and financial adviser to offer advice on the use of credit and habits teenagers should have.

By Contel Bradford

Note: This is Part 2 of two-part series on tips for introducing your new partner to your children. Click here to read Part 1.

Breaking up is never easy. Especially when that breakup involves emotion, divorce and children.  I’ve dealt with my own “macho man” complex, but all it took was four words to leave me balling in the corner like a baby: I want a divorce. 

It can be a rough ride, but finding love again is very possible. If things are going well, the time will come when you teeter with the idea of introducing your new flame to the kids. Piece of cake?  Far from it. Making her feel accepted and your kids feel comfortable is no easy feat. However, you must put forth a valiant effort because the way you handle the introduction will impact all parties involved. It’s enough to bring on the little gray hairs far too early. 

Of course nothing is etched in stone, but here are a few practical guidelines that will help you pull off a smooth introduction.