Which Country Decides Custody When Divorcing Parents and Children Live Abroad?

TLDR: Deciding International Child Custody

For parents who move abroad with their children and later decide to divorce, U.S. citizenship does not guarantee that an American court will decide their child custody case. Jurisdiction may depend on where the children have lived for the past six months and where their lives have become established. Taking children back to the U.S. without the other parent’s consent could trigger a Hague Convention case seeking their return to the country where they had been living. Before crossing international borders with your children, speak with an experienced family law attorney about your custody rights and legal options.

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Back-to-School: How Do Divorced Parents Split the Cost of Kids’ Sports and Extracurricular Activities?

TL;DR: Paying for Kids' Sports & Extracurricular Activities After Divorce


Basic child support in New Jersey generally covers ordinary extracurricular activities, including after-school sports or rec leagues, and other school-based extracurricular activities like band, orchestra, and drama club. However, expensive travel sports, elite training, private coaching, and other high-cost pursuits may require parents to share additional expenses. If parents cannot agree on how costs are split, a court may consider each parent’s financial circumstances, the child’s commitment and talent, and whether the activity is in the child’s best interests. Reviewing your parenting agreement before the school year begins can help prevent costly disputes later.

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When Parental Alienation Accusations Become a Weapon in Divorce and Custody Disputes

TL;DR: Parental Alienation in Divorce and Custody Cases


Parental alienation is a serious allegation in divorce and custody cases, with the potential to harm a child’s relationship with a parent when it genuinely occurs. Courts are increasingly encountering parental alienation claims in high-conflict cases, including matters involving allegations of domestic abuse. When evaluating these claims, family courts carefully examine the evidence, the child’s lived experience, and the broader context before reaching conclusions. Whether you are raising concerns about alienating behavior or defending against an accusation, parental alienation cases require objective proof, strategic legal guidance, and a child-centered approach focused on safety and long-term well-being.

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5 Tips For Negotiating Holiday Co-Parenting Schedules That Work for Everyone

TL;DR: Negotiating Holiday Parenting Time Schedules In Divorce

Holiday co-parenting doesn’t have to be stressful. Start planning early, review or update your existing parenting plan, and choose a holiday schedule—alternating holidays, splitting the day, or dividing traditions—that feels fair and supports your child’s needs. Put every agreement in writing, build in flexibility for travel or unexpected changes, and focus on preserving the spirit of the season for your children.

If you need help negotiating or revising your holiday parenting schedule, our family law attorneys can guide you toward a plan that works for everyone. Request a consultation today.

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Teen’s Legal Move Raises Questions: Can Children Intervene in Divorce Cases?

adult children divorce

Can a child intervene in their parents’ divorce to ensure their needs are properly met?

That’s the central issue in the high-profile divorce of former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and his wife, Glenna Bevin. As the couple moves to end their marriage, one of their adopted children, 18-year-old Jonah, has taken the unusual legal step of filing to intervene in the proceedings, arguing that his financial interests are not being adequately represented. Read more

The #1 Costly Mistake Parents Make in Divorce—And How to Avoid It

custody mistakeIn divorce, parents rightly want to protect their children and their relationship with them. Too often, however, the anger, bitterness, and betrayal spouses may feel towards one another take over their decision-making, leading to costly mistakes. One of the biggest missteps parents make that turn custody decisions into custody battles?

Treating their co-parent as the enemy. Read more

How To Get More Parenting Time with Your Kids Over The Summer

how to get more parenting time with your children over the summerSummer vacation is in full swing, and as a co-parent, you might be wondering how to use this relaxed time of year to spend more time with your children. Is getting more parenting time a realistic goal, especially when it’s a bit on the fly?

For most co-parents, the answer is yes. Try these simple strategies to make a temporary adjustment to your summertime parenting plan and squeeze in more sun and fun with your kids. Read more

Freezing Embryos Before Marriage: It’s A New Trend, But What If The Relationship Ends?

Freezing Embryos Before Marriage

In today’s modern world, instead of saying “I do” to marriage, many dating couples are first saying yes to IVF. As highlighted in a recent piece in The Cut, the newest trend among unmarried couples is making frozen embryos as a sign of their commitment to a future life together.

As the article’s title, “The Exes Who Froze Embryos and Regret It,” gives away, however, the one big catch to freezing embryos with a dating partner is figuring out what happens to frozen embryos should the couple’s relationship reach the end of the road before they can be used.

The big problem: What if one former partner wishes to still use the frozen embryos in the future over the other’s objection? Read more

New Law Expands Access To Infertility Insurance Coverage in New Jersey

New law expands infertility insurance coverage in New JerseyAnyone who has experienced infertility knows the anguish it can bring. Treatments are expensive, and health insurance does not cover everything. This is especially true for single people and LGBTQIA+ couples eager to start their families. A new law, signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on January 12, 2024, provides some relief by expanding insurance coverage for infertility services and embracing broader access to services. Read more

Does a Parent Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse Retain Parental Rights in New Jersey?

termination of parental rights after child abuse

If a parent is charged and convicted with child abuse or child sexual abuse, what happens to their parental rights? Should child abusers have parental rights automatically terminated? A recent abuse case sounds the alarm that flaws and loopholes in this area of family law may be putting children in harm’s way. Read more