In 2003, Fathers and Families publicized a story of a San Diego-based US Navy Seal who was quickly deployed after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.  While overseas fighting for his country, the military father had his minor child relocated from California to the Middle East by the mother against his will and without his consent.  He opened up to Glenn Sacks and painfully admitted, “Sometimes I wonder what I risked my life [in Afghanistan] for. I went to fight for freedom but what freedom and what rights mean anything if a man doesn’t have the right to be a father to his own child?”  To read the full story of this brave military father, click here.

Like this Navy Seal, many military servicemembers are not able to have a voice in the courtroom as they fight thousands of miles away for their country.  In the past, the primary residential parent of the parties’ child could relocate to another state or country and change the child’s residency without the consent of the other parent.  They could enter a courtroom and file for divorce immediately after the deployment of the soldier; making him not part of the decision process and dictating a visitation schedule upon his return.  Father/child bonds were lost due to extreme absence and lack of contact; letters to children never delivered and phone calls from overseas never answered.  In an effort to make the family law system more balanced for both parties, supporters and advocates of equal rights have joined their voices together and we now have begun to see the fruits of their labor.

According to Florida’s recent legislation concerning temporary and concurrent custody of a child, effective July 1, 2010, military fathers can rest easier knowing that the bill states:

• Parents assigned to military service on orders may designate a person to exercise time-sharing on that parent’s behalf.
• Parents assigned to military service may petition for expedited hearings.
• Requires non-military parent to cooperate to resolve issues and share information regarding the child.
• Protects military parents that object to custody modifications and allows them to state their objection formally, prior to any final order being awarded.
• States that any order granting concurrent custody does not affect ability of the other parent to obtain physical custody of child at any time.

To read the general bill and/or receive additional information, please visit MyFloridaHouse.gov.

To see the original article posted by Fathers and Families, please click here.

Military separations and divorces must be handled by competent attorneys that are equipped to handle the complex, time-sensitive and unique issues that arise in servicemen’s domestic dissolutions. As such, it is vital that you select a law firm with military-related family law experience to represent your best interest.  

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm proudly represents Husbands and Fathers that are both active-duty and retired military. 

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

“It’s been a long, long process and to finally get this part behind us. I feel great, even though we still have more to get done.”

Judge Marya Nega said Dwyane Wade had proven irreconcilable differences with Siohvaughn, even though it may already have been apparent in the court of public opinion. But child custody of the couple’s two sons and the division of marital assets still have to be worked out.

Dwyane Wade still retains physical custody of his children until further proceedings determine a final ruling, according to the judge’s order. Michael Kalcheim, the tenth divorce attorney in Chicago to represent Siohvaughn Wade, said he plans to file an appeal.

He told reporters that it was improper to finalize a divorce without also finalizing child custody and financial matters:

“The judge made a mistake.”

Even though this saga may very well have another chapter, Dwyane Wade is now looking forward to charting his future in the NBA. He will become a free agent as early as this week and may very well command a $100 million contract.

The couple, who first become romantically involved at Richards High School in Oak Lawn, had been separated for nearly three years before the recent dissolution of their marriage.

James Pritkin, Dwyane Wade’s Illinois family law attorney, took the opportunity to rattle off a basketball metaphor:

“Mrs. Wade has committed her final flagrant foul. Her game is over.”

Well, maybe not quite. This could go into overtime.

Phillippe and Witherspoon have two children, a daughter, Ava (10), and a son, Deacon (6).  Phillippe, now 35, spends time with his two kids on a regular basis and has not let his split from Witherspoon get in the way of his role as a father.  His philosophy on why he stays so involved is that ”if you’re fearful and you’re closing yourself off from potentially wonderful or beautiful additions to your life, that’s not going to lead anywhere positive.”

The actor has also taken a different approach to parenting.  “Since the time my children were just one or two years old, I’ve spoken to them like they’re intelligent, and used bigger words than maybe they could comprehend at the time. I talked to them not necessarily as equals but as valued individuals.  They’re really well behaved and conscientious.”

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm values Ryan Phillippe’s approach to fatherhood after his divorce.  We fight for fathers’ rights every day, but it’s always important for fathers to make it their own mission to be a strong role model for their children.

To read the original article about Ryan Phillippe, visit The Times of India by clicking here.

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In the past, Fathers were considered to be the primary breadwinners; the parent who was often absent due to work and not involved in the everyday details of their children’s lives.  “The Evolution of Dad” film reflects on this past idea of, “society perpetuating that the distant, productive, bring home the bacon father is the only way to really love your children.”  Nowadays, children also turn to Fathers to bandage their scrapes, cook their meals, read them bedtime stories and offer hugs and kisses when they’re feeling down.

Dana H. Glaster is a stay-at-home dad who cares for his two sons while his wife, Deborah, goes to work each day.  While going against the expectations of society and what a father should be, Dana expresses to the New York Times that he “felt like a failure, and I felt alone, and yes, I’ll admit it, I often felt like less than a man.”   Dana grabbed hold of the opportunity to enlighten and make the world aware of the changing roles of fathers in his documentary, “The Evolution of Dad.” 

In “The Evolution of Dad,” Glaster outlines a cornucopia of different situations wherein the father/child relationship challenges older stereotypes and shares why being a father in today’s world is so wonderfully unique. 

The Evolution of Dad – Official Movie Trailer:

To purchase your copy of “The Evolution of Dad,” please visit the official site by clicking here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is proud to represent Husbands and Fathers in their fight for fairness and equality concerning their parental rights. 

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

Moskowitz explains that two common problems often arise: either a party fails to clear vacation dates with the other, or a parent plans a vacation that conflicts or is not approved by the other parent.  What parents should know, is that vacation plans can be established in a divorce settlement.  Parents can decide if they will switch off every year or if they will schedule around each other to take the kids on two vacations (one with each parent).

If parents want to vacation in the summer with their children every year, they should establish dates for their trips as soon as January comes around to give their ex-spouse plenty of notice.  Moskowitz specifically recommends establishing the plans in writing. “There’s no substitute for preparing and no better way to prevent confusion than getting the plan in writing,” he says. “Ideally, parents do it that way from the first year of a divorce and make it an annual practice.”

As a final thought, Moskowitz reminds parents that even though vacations are fun, they are also important to you and your children.  Individual parents should never feel they need to give up their vacation time with thier kids because this time is very special.  It doesn’t matter where the location of the trip is, but the time of undivided attention for your child is priceless.

www.MensDivorceLaw.com

The first tip Buser and Sternes share is to not rush back into dating.  “Divorce is one of the most painful experiences in our lives,” Buser says. “And the natural tendency is to look to women as an antidote for the pain.”  The psychologists suggest asking yourself some key questions to determine if you’ve dealt with your pain enough to pursue dating.  This includes asking if you are okay living alone, if you have reconnected with your friends and family, and if you are free from constant thoughts about your divorce.  If you can answer yes to all three, then you can finally put yourself out there and move on.

Another tip Buser and Sternes have is to be yourself.  It’s unlikely you will meet the girl of your dreams pretending to like something you don’t, so go after what you are truly passionate about to find women with similar interests.  This is another reason it is important to take some time before dating because many men need the time to figure out who they are and what they want to do.  Their whole life might need to be re-evaluated so they can once again discover what drives them in life.

Finally, it is important for men not to hide their divorce.  Buser and Sternes suggest working your divorce into the initial conversation with your date so there are no surprises later “It’s not something to be ashamed of, but I do think it’s relevant and tells your date where your head is likely to be,” Buser says.

To read more dating advice, view the original article from The Sydney Morning Herald, by clicking here.

To buy “A Guy’s Only Guide to Getting Over Divorce,” you can visit Amazon by clicking here.

www.MensDivorceLaw.com

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm shares with its clients that establishing a pre-nuptial agreement can offer financial security if a marriage doesn’t necessarily go as planned.  In creating a pre-nuptial agreement, our clients may enter into a new marriage free of worry of what might happen down the road.  Contact us today for a consultation on how the Men’s Divorce Law Firm can help you protect your assets for the future.

To read more about Sandra Bullock’s Divorce, click here to read the New York Post’s original article.

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Winslet married Mendes in a small ceremony in May 2003.  It was her second marriage after divorcing British director Jim Threapleton in 2001.  Winslet had one daughter from her previous marriage, and a six year old son from her marriage with Mendes.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm was pleased to hear that the couple is “fully committed to the future joint parenting of their children.”  The firm appreciates that the couple sees the importance of keeping both parents involved in their children’s lives.

To read Jam Showbiz’s coverage of the split, click here.

A local father, William Fain, explained how every study shows children are better off with two fit parents.  He then responded to critics who asked how it is better for the child to be shuffling back and forth between homes by saying that the court should have intervened when his family moved frequently because one of his parents was in the military.  “I went to seven schools in twelve years, and the state never said that’s bad for your child,” Fain shared.

No other state in the country has passed legislation like this, so it is uncertain how the vote will turn out next week in Tennessee.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is pleased to see others taking action against the inequality fathers face in the courtroom.  Whether or not the bill passes, we hope it will open more people’s eyes to the Men’s Divorce Law Firm’s mission of promoting fathers, families, and fairness.

Click here to read News Channel 5’s coverage of the bill.

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One of the first things parents should do to help their kids through a divorce is to be mindful of their own visual cues.  Eye rolling, frowning, and dirty looks will not go unnoticed by children.  Therefore, parents need to keep a positive attitude around their ex, so that children can ease into the separation.  Parents should also try to keep their wedding ring on a little longer because it is a symbol of unity the child will be familiar with.  Dunstan suggests “When you’re ready, replace it with one you pick out with your child or move it to another finger.”

Children are also likely to pick up on changes in parents’ tone of voice.  “If you think a conversation with your ex will end badly, try and have conversations when your kids are not around or go in your car on your cell phone,” Dunstan advises.  She explains that kids will feel hopeless and guilty if they hear you yelling at the other parent because they love whoever is on the receiving end, too.

Another way to help children feel loved during a divorce is to keep special events family-based.  If your child has a concert or a game, they won’t enjoy it if one parent is excluded.  Make sure both you and your ex are aware of upcoming family activities, and remind yourself that you are there to support your child.

Dunstan’s last piece of advice is to stay positive and patient.  “Always act in a way you can be proud of,” she says, and remember that children will “copy your behavior in their own relationships. “  While your children are still young now, they will eventually move out when they are older.  Parents will want their children to continue their relationship with them beyond leaving the house, so providing a secure and loving environment now can have a long term positive effect on the future for both you and your kids.

Click here to read the full article, “Helping Your Child Feel Secure and Loved Through Divorce.”

www.MensDivorceLaw.com