Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

By Molly Murphy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Ahh, summer time.  For children it’s that magical time of the year when they are off school.  For divorced dads it is a switch in the usual child custody plan.  Every parenting plan has different language for summer vacation and subsequent travel plans, so please read your parenting plan closely.  Every single plan is written differently.

By Molly Murphy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Note: Part 1 explained legal custody and the several different areas it covers. Click here to read.

For some parents, requests for communication are almost impossible. If you and your spouse cannot deal with each other amicably, the court system has come up with a unique idea to guide parents through joint legal custody without verbal communication. This idea is implemented by a legal custody notebook.

By Molly Murphy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Note: Part 2 will guide parents through handling joint legal custody without verbal communication if you and your spouse cannot deal with each other amicably. Click here to read Part 2.

When most clients come in they know what kind of physical custody they are looking to enjoy with their children. Many though do not realize that physical custody is not the only kind of child custody available. Legal custody covers major decision-making responsibilities affecting the children, including religious education, choice of schools, tutoring, cultural education, extracurricular activities, health care, etc. 

Parents can be awarded joint or sole legal custody of their children. However, each parent shall make decisions regarding day-to-day care of the children and in emergencies affecting the health and safety of the children while he/she is the responsible parent. Further, both parents should try to be consistent with each other in day-to-day decisions and discipline of the children.

By Molly Murphy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

An issue that I deal with in my practice that seems to be coming up more frequently is that of maintenance, otherwise called alimony or spousal support.  In this economy, many adults are out of work.  They need every penny to meet their monthly expenses.  One such source of funds is the spouse you are divorcing. 

Maintenance in Missouri, where I practice, along with other states can come in several different forms.  In order to understand how or why maintenance will apply to your case, we need to review the relevant state law. DadsDivorce.com has a handy resource of state-by-state listings of divorce laws so refer to your state for specific laws.

By Molly Murphy

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C., Jefferson City, Mo., office

When two people get married, they expect to be together forever.  As adults we know that people’s feelings can change over time.  This can happen even if both adults are dedicated to the children they share.  Divorce is never an easy decision.  Many times your children will be happier if Mom and Dad live apart.

Divorce is hard for everyone involved.  Eventually though the pain and hurt ease and each person begins to heal, and accept their new life.  At this stage, Mom or Dad may find someone else to love.  When that happens, a new family is born.  A new husband or wife means a stepparent for a child.  It is normal for a child to be scared and sad as this new family comes together.