Dear Mom & Dad: Voice of the Child of Divorce
Transitioning out of a relationship can be difficult not only for the couple, but also for their children. Click on the link below to see a video providing insight from one child of his parents’ divorce and how it affected him. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing personal service to assist clients and their children during all types of family transitions.
Digital Spying and Divorce in the Smartphone Age
With the advances of technology, changes in how people use technology and, consequently, changes in evidence in court cases. Click on the links below to read an article about how technology is being used by divorcing or separated couples and an article about what to do if spyware comes up in your relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black provide high quality legal services by staying abreast of changes in the law and technology which may affect their clients or cases.
App Available to Assist pro se litigants in Florida Family Law Cases
Navigating Florida’s court system without the guidance of a qualified Florida Family Law Attorney can be daunting. The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice has created a Florida Courts Help App for pro se litigants which, among other things, allows users to complete Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms, provides links and contact information to help centers for pro se litigants throughout Florida, and has user-friendly instructions on family law procedures in Florida courts. The App is available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and Amazon App store. Click on the link below to read an article from The Florida Bar News about the App. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing superior, personal service to assist their clients in helping them reach their goals by providing high quality legal services.
What makes families resilient?
It can be easier to thrive in good times, but how do families thrive when things are not going as planned? Click on the link below to read about how some families not only bounce back from adversity but also grow from it. The attorneys of Sessums Black focus exclusively on marital and family law so they can help parents work towards resiliency during major family transitions.
How to Co-Parent with a Narcissist
Raising children is a joy as well as a challenge. Child-rearing challenges can be amplified when one or both of the parents face mental health issues; however, they are not insurmountable when adaptations and support mechanisms are in place. Click on the link below to read one psychologist’s suggestions on effective co-parenting with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal services to clients facing all types of co-parenting challenges.
Parenthood for Working Parents
Becoming a parent is among the largest of life changes which can be further complicated when one or both of the parents work outside the home. Click on the links below to read articles about family leave and other challenges new working-parents face. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior, personalized service to assist their clients’ unique family law needs.
Apps that Aim to Give Parents ‘Superpowers’
Devices like smartphones and tablets are becoming commonplace in everyday activities. This now includes helping parents improve their parenting skills. Click on the link below to read an article about apps that are being developed to help families bond and children grow. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior legal representation and counseling to clients experiencing all types of co-parenting issues.
Fathers’ Reflections on Great Britain’s Paternity Allowance Rules
On April 5, 2015, Great Britain changed its laws to allow fathers an equal opportunity to take an extended leave of absence from employment following the birth of a child. Click on the link below to read the reflections of two fathers who took advantage of the extended leave and one who did not. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA provide qualified and personalized representation to clients involved in all aspects of the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a parenting plan.
Florida adopts new Collaborative Law
On March 24, 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 967 titled “Collaborative Law Process Act” into law, making Florida the 14th state to offer Collaborative Divorce as an alternative to traditional litigation. Collaborative Divorce is a method of reaching a resolution through cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and court proceedings. Although the attorneys at Sessums Black PA continue to practice and are experienced in the traditional litigation-based dissolution of marriage, they are also trained and experienced in handling matters through Collaborative Law. Florida’s new Collaborative Law Process Act and more about Collaborative Divorce are available by clicking the links below.
17 Things to Say to your Kids after you Drop the Divorce Bomb
One of the most challenging things to transitioning a relationship can be talking to your children about it. Click on the link below to reach one author’s suggestions on things you can say to your child to help him/her with the transition. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in handling family law matters involving children of all ages.
Helping your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way
Typically holidays are associated with happiness and fun, but children whose parents are newly separated or in the midst of litigation may be having a vastly different experience. One book with suggestions on how parents can best support their children during what may be a stressful time is Helping your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way by M. Gary Neuman and Patricia Romanowski. Click on the link below for more information. Sessums Black PA believes in individualized representation because we understand that each client has unique needs.
Whose Time is it Anyway? Developing a Sensible Parenting Plan
One of the most challenging decisions for separating parents is how their children will share their time with each parent. Click on the link below to read an article published in a recent ABA Family Law Section Family Advocate which includes a list of suggested considerations for developing a parenting plan that fits a family’s unique needs. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in advocating for clients facing a variety of parenting issues.
Co-Parenting through the Holidays
Holidays are exciting and busy times, and things can become even more complicated when a child’s parents are living in separate households. Click on the link below to read some suggestions on how to help children enjoy the best holiday celebration possible when celebrating in two homes. Sessums Black, PA offers top-quality legal assistance to clients experiencing all types of co-parenting challenges.
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order re Parenting Coordination
On November 14, 2014, the Florida Supreme Court issued an Administrative Order modifying procedural and registration requirements for Parenting Coordinators and court circuits throughout the State of Florida regarding the parenting coordination qualification process. Click on the link below to read the administrative order. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying current on changes in law and procedures which may affect their clients. For more on parenting coordination, click here.
New Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators
The Florida Supreme Court recently adopted “Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators.” You should speak with a qualified Florida family law attorney if you have questions about whether parent coordination may be beneficial to you or your case. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA take pride in staying abreast of changes in rules, laws, and trends that may affect their clients.
Click here to read the rules.
Click here to read more about parent coordination.
Parenting Coordinators/Parenting Facilitators
Each parent has a unique perspective and parenting style. There are times when the distinct approaches create discord and the parents require help to settle their differences. Alternative dispute resolutions exist for these parents. For example, parenting coordinators or parenting facilitators are professionals trained in family dynamics and child development who assist parents in developing the skills necessary to successfully resolve short-term and long-term parenting disputes so children can enjoy a conflict-free environment in both households. Below are links to more information on parent coordinators, parent facilitators, or available programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties. Sessums Black prides itself on providing individualized legal representation to clients who experience co-parenting issues.
Parent Coordinators May Assist in High Conflict Family Law Cases
Parent Coordinators are professionals trained to assist parents in establishing and maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship during and after litigation. Parents may voluntarily engage the services of a Parent Coordinator or the court may refer parents to one. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Hillsborough County, Florida maintains a list of Parent Coordinators which is included in the link below. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing excellent legal representation to its clients facing the challenges of developing healthy co-parenting relationships with their former significant others.
13th Judicial Circuit List of Parenting Coordinators (April 2011)