How To Raise A Secure Child – Even In A Bad Divorce

divorce and parenting

When not handled well, divorce can make it difficult for children to achieve the most important goal of childhood: feeling securely attached to their caregivers. That doesn’t mean this goal can’t be achieved, but it does require that divorced parents be vigilant about providing reassurance and consistency in their children’s lives – especially in situations where one parent is minimally involved. How can you help your child form healthy attachments? Read on for important information every divorcing parent should know… Read more

8 Ways To Get Out Of Your Divorce Funk

break out of your divorce funkIt’s normal to feel blue and stressed while dissolving a marriage, but your misery doesn’t have to last forever. Having trouble coping? In order to feel better, you need to change not just the way you think, but also your behaviors. Talk therapy and medication can help (and may be necessary if your daily functioning is seriously impaired), but there are plenty of other less expensive ways to snap out of your divorce funk. Try these action steps today: Read more

New Adoption Rules Go into Effect in January

new jersey adoption rulesStarting in January, adults born in New Jersey and adopted as children will be able to obtain an uncertified, long-form copy of their original birth certificate from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry (the State Registrar). Their adoptive parents; legal guardians or other legal representatives; adult direct descendants, siblings and spouses; and state and federal agencies with official reasons, can also gain access to certificates. What does this mean for you if you are adopted, or an adoptive parent? Read more

Thanksgiving With the Step-Kids

thanksgiving-step-childrenExcited…but also a little apprehensive about spending your first Thanksgiving with your new blended family? Holiday meals can be awkward for any family, but they can also be warm, welcoming and funny! In the age of blended families, remarriages and step-kids, no two Thanksgiving celebrations look the same. How can you manage a relaxed Thanksgiving with your new step-children? Read more

Holiday Co-Parenting: Spending Thanksgiving Without Your Kids

thanksgiving parenting time It’s your first Thanksgiving since your separation, and according to your parenting time and holiday agreement, your kids will be spending the day with their other parent. When holiday traditions change, it can lead to anxiety, sadness, stress, and loneliness. Need help coping? Here are some tips to help you get through the day…  Read more

5 Strategies For Co-Parenting Success On Thanksgiving

co-parenting over Thanksgiving For many separated parents, Thanksgiving, and the entire holiday season, can spell stress, anxiety and frustration. Emotions can run high, for everyone…but it simply does not have to be this way! Whether you have the children with you for Turkey Day or if this is your spouse’s year, here are five tips to help you achieve holiday co-parenting success. Read more

The Gift Of Facetime: Virtual Parenting Time Over The Holidays

holiday parenting time

Not scheduled to see your kids in person over Thanksgiving or the December holidays? Skype, Facetime, and other forms of internet “e-visitation” may give you a second chance to enjoy holiday parenting time together!  Read more

Blog Series: Your Checklist For Filing Your Taxes After Divorce

Tax implications

Ending a marriage is difficult enough. But if you’re recently separated or divorced, you have the added burden of figuring out a new and potentially more complicated tax situation. How will your divorce affect how you file your income taxes…and what’s the impact on what you will owe or receive back from the IRS? Our 3-part series, “Filing Your Taxes After Divorce,” delivers the answers you need to understand and feel more confident about possible tax changes coming your way. Read more

Child Custody: 3 Things To Think About If Your Ex Plans To Move Out Of State

moving and custody

So many people across the US are moving these days. Some move for new job opportunities or to continue their education at an out-of-state university. Others move because of a new romantic relationship. Some people may simply not be able to afford the cost of living, especially here in New Jersey and all along the East Coast. What happens when your child’s other parent moves out of New Jersey? Will this affect child custody? What about your current parenting time and holiday arrangement? Here are three key ways to prepare for what can be a major shift for you and your children. Read more

President Donald J. Trump: What Does This Mean for Gay Marriage & LGBTQ Adoption?

lgbtq marriage and parenting rightsWith Donald Trump’s surprise win in yesterday’s presidential election now sinking in, many in the LGBTQ community are asking: what does a Trump presidency mean for our rights? Given the fierce battle that has been waged in recent years to bring marriage equality to the United States, let’s take a look at the possibilities for what a Trump presidency could mean for key marriage and family issues for the gay community. Read more