Dwayne Wade was recently granted full-custody of his children and has found himself in the single fatherhood position.  He shares his story on how now he knows what “winning really means.”

“My older son, Zaire (pictured above), has grown up with basketball. My younger one, Zion, could take it or leave it, which is cool by me.

There are a few words that come to mind when I think about the past couple years of my life: challenging, rewarding, transformative—they roll off the tip of my tongue in an instant. In the span of a year my two good friends LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined me on the Miami Heat, I struggled through a painful, public divorce, and I became the full-time parent to my two young sons, Zaire and Zion.

I’ve had some ups and downs lately, but the memories of the unpleasant times disappear quickly, in part because of moments like the one recently when I was able to surprise my younger son, Zion, at his school with cupcakes for his fourth birthday. It was the day after we’d won the Eastern Conference finals, but that victory couldn’t compare with the huge smile on Zion’s face at that moment. I will never forget it. Bad memories vanish each morning when I walk into both of my sons’ bedrooms to wake them up for school—their laughter gives me all I need to face whatever is happening in my life. Not too long ago, due to custody issues, I wasn’t allowed to see my sons for long periods of time, or was given the chance to see them for only a few hours with no idea of if or when I’d see them again. I can’t describe how trying those days were, fighting for full custody while also working as a professional basketball player nine months of the year. I just knew I wanted to be with my kids.

I was seriously motivated to be a full-time parent for my sons. My mother and father weren’t together when I was a kid growing up in Chicago, and early on my mother fell victim to drug abuse. At 9 years old, I moved in with my father because my mother could no longer care for me. Looking back, I now see so many similarities between my own childhood and that of my sons. My father stepped in when I needed him, and that gave me the chance for a better life. That’s what I’m doing for my boys now.”

All children need their fathers, but boys especially need fathers to teach them how to be men. I remember wanting that so badly before I went to live with my dad. I wanted someone to teach me how to tie a tie and walk the walk, things only a man can teach a boy. Of course, back then, I never could have imagined being in the same situation someday with my own kids. My dad and I bumped heads a lot—we were so alike, both of us born competitors. My older son, Zaire, is exactly the same way. We’ll battle on the court when I’m 39 and he’s 19. He’s 9 now, and he’s grown up with basketball. Zion could take it or leave it, which is cool by me.

Today, I constantly tell my dad how much I appreciate what he did for me. I think you really have to become a parent to understand what you will endure to be there for your kids. I could say I was surprised at the criticism I received for traveling from Miami to Chicago so often during the regular season for my custody court cases, but nothing really surprises me anymore. I had a duty to fight to be with my kids, and I did it.

Thankfully, I’ve gotten a lot of support from my mother, sister, and others in taking care of my boys and making their new living arrangements a smooth and happy transition. Going forward, I want my sons to have a healthy relationship with their mother, and that’s something we’re working on. I hope to have a great relationship with her one day too, because I know how much it meant to me to see my parents get along as time went on.

I just want people—men, and men of color in particular—to hear my story and know that their children need them and that it’s their responsibility to be there for them. We have to step up as men and do our part. There are no excuses.

Wade is a guard for the Miami Heat and was recently appointed by President Obama to a new parenting program geared toward encouraging fathers to become more involved in their children’s lives.”

Orlando Lawyer Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm wants to encourage all fathers to play an active role in their children’s lives.  If you are a man separated from your child due to a family law matter contact us today to see how we can help.

USA Today reports on Charlie Sheen’s latest court appearance to address the custody of his two children, Bob and Max Sheen.  Sheen was racing coast-to-coast yesterday, but what exactly happened during Sheen’s day in court yesterday? Although Sheen’s custody hearing was sealed and Judge Goldberg decided to hold the hearing behind closed doors, saying it would be in the “best interest of the children,” details have emerged revealing that L.A. Superior Court Judge Goldberg denied Sheen’s request.

The judge was aware that Mueller had recently relapsed into drug use.  The Baltimore Sun reports that even though the twins’ mother was ordered to take periodic drug tests, she refused last Friday and is said to be back in outpatient rehab. 

To make matters worse, Mueller was recently seen at a pawn shop attempting to sell off a watch and stereo but was denied because she didn’t have a valid id, says pawn shop employee, Jack Feldman. To view the surveillance video, click here.  Why Brooke is in the desperate need of cash is a mystery. Charlie Sheen pays her $55,000 a month in child support. Click here to read more.

Sheen and his attorney planned to argue that Mueller’s latest drug relapse proves that she is currently unfit to care for their kids.  Mueller’s mother, Marie Fiore, is said to be caring for the children, however, TMZ reports that Sheen’s ex-wife, Denise Richards, has offered to let them live with her, informally, until things stabilize.

Judge Goldberg was equally disturbed by Charlie’s past substance abuse and the fact that he bragged about it, sources told TMZ. The judge decided the couple will continue to share custody under the existing agreement. Click here to read the full article.

Jimmy Kimmel weighed in on the issue last night: “I never thought I’d say this, but I think those kids would be better off living with the Octomom.”  Click here to view the last appearance of Sheen on the Jimmy Kimmel Show where he planted a big kiss on an unexpected Kimmel.

A few details also emerged from Sheen’s Warner Bros./Chuck Lorre lawsuit hearing yesterday (which Sheen did not attend). E! reports that lawyers argued Sheen should be able to make his case at a public trial, not private arbitration. But John Spiegel, lawyer for the studio, argued Sheen hadn’t put that in his 2003 contract.

Spiegel said in court that there were “long and protracted” contract talks. Sheen “had a long list of things he wanted.”

Among the things that Sheen wanted and got, according to Spiegel, were $2 million an episode for a guaranteed 48 episodes; a narrowing of his morality clause; use of the corporate jet; a private hair stylist; and a pass from the first day of rehearsals.

The judge has 30 days to make a ruling on whether the case will be hashed out behind closed doors or not.

Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm are disappointed in the recent allegations and events occurring in this long custody battle case.  We believe that the best interest of the children should always come first and the parents should make it a priority to protect them from the public eye.

Throughout the divorce, it was speculated that Woods was worth between $500 and $750 million. In the end, Nordegren received a payout of $110 million in their divorce settlement according to RadarOnline.

A Fox News article entitled, “Nordegren gets $110M in divorce,” stated that Woods and Nordegren first separated “after a confrontation last November over Woods’ affair with New York hostess Rachel Uchitel. Woods entered a rehab program for sex addiction, where he reportedly admitted to affairs with several women.”

As a loving parent of two children, Woods retains the natural rights of a father and will share legal custody of the children. Nordegren will maintain physical custody of 3-year-old daughter Sam and 20-month-old Charlie with Woods being allowed flexible visitation rights, accommodating his schedule as a professional athlete. Woods will be able to re-negotiate these terms in five years.

To read the full Fox News article, click here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is joyous to hear that the visitation between Tiger and his children will be frequent and flexible around his schedule.  If you or someone you know has questions about the visitation options they have, please tell them to contact us today to discuss their situation further.

One entity that has not punished or depersonalized Woods, however, is the United States law. As a loving parent of two children, Woods retains the natural rights of a father and will share legal custody of the children. Nordegren will maintain physical custody of the children with Woods being allowed flexible visitation rights, accommodating his schedule as a professional athlete. Woods is able to re-negotiate these terms in five years.

Both Woods and Nordegren were required to take a parenting course, which they respectively completed in July and August of this year. They issued the following joint statement highlighting the importance of their children’s well-being:

“We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us. Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern.”

Although it was rumored that Nordegren was looking at a $750 million divorce settlement, the finalized divorce left the Swedish model with $100 million as well as an agreement for monthly child support. At Nordegren’s request, Woods is not allowed to expose their children to any female companions outside of the family “unless he is married to said person.”

Fortunate for Woods, Nordegren finally agreed to sign Woods’ Lifetime Confidentially Clause, which prohibits her from ever publicly speaking about anything relating to her relationship with Woods.

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.

Sheen and Richards have two daughters, Sam, 6 years old, and Lola, 4 years old.  Even though Sheen no longer has custody rights, he still visits his daughters for dinners and pays $50,000 in child support every month.

The mission of our firm is to make sure fathers never feel like they have to give up when it comes to their kids.  Call us today at 407-644-1895 to discuss your situation and find out how we can help you protect your parental rights.

To read the original article from All Headline News, click here.

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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.

www.MensDivorceLaw.com

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm appreciates that other states are calling for equal treatment for parents in regards to child custody.  We hope that this will help parents communicate more effectively after a divorce and consider each other’s visitation rights more carefully. 

To follow the bill’s progress, visit the Illinois General Assembly Bill Status online.

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Rebecca claimed that when they were married, Joseph agreed to raise their kids Jewish and had even converted to Judaism himself.  Joseph agreed that he had adapted to Rebecca’s religious practices to appease her parents and reduce any conflict in the family.  He did, however, deny that he had ever agreed to raise his kids Jewish, stating that religion was never a significant part of their life together.

As the marriage dissolved, Joseph said he was beat up in divorce court.  He felt the court was rigged against men because Rebecca got the car, the house, and custody of Ela.  After the divorce, Joseph baptized his daughter in a Catholic Church.  Rebecca went to court after she found out about the baptism, and the Chicago judge agreed that Joseph should be barred from exposing Ela to other religions during his visitations.

When the judge ruled, Joseph was shocked.  He felt there was no proof he had harmed his daughter by taking her to church or having her baptized, so he protested by taking a television crew with him and his daughter to a Catholic mass.  Rebecca is now charging Joseph with indirect criminal contempt that could lead to a jail sentence of up to six months.  Joseph’s attorney claims his client did not take his daughter to church out of spite, but that he did it because he believed in a fundamental principle.  “There are dads all over this country whose rights to be a parent are being infringed upon.  Noncustodial parents, overwhelmingly dads, get the short end of the stick.” Joseph explained.

Despite all of the media attention and controversy, both parents hope the case ends amicably.  They have said they are willing to expose Ela to both religions, but they want to reach a fair agreement.  Joseph is open to raising Ela Jewish as long as he can take her to church with him on Sundays and other holiday observances that fall during his visitation times.

Click here to read 20/20’s full story.

www.MensDivorceLaw.com

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm supports fathers who are filing for child custody.  We constantly maintain our mission for fathers, families, and fairness.  Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Click here to read the Washington Post’s article, “U.S. presses Japan over parental child abductions.”

www.MensDivorceLaw.com