Thinking About Changing Your Custody Agreement? You Might Want to Think Again Every year, as summer ends and children go back to school and routines, family law attorneys often hear from clients who are considering changing the custody agreement. After a summer spent with their child, they believe the current arrangement isn’t fair. It’s like clockwork, but as professionals who have seen this scenario play out again and again, we often caution our clients who are considering changes.
T he great thing in this world is not so much where you stand , but in which direction you are moving . — O liver W endell H olmes
There are many factors that play into custody, and if you’re not careful, rocking the boat could have unintended consequences.
When You Shouldn’t Change Your Custody Agreement It’s understandable and laudable that parents want to spend more time with their children, but it’s vital that you ask yourself if you are doing this because it is in the best interest of your child, or if you just miss your child and enjoyed your summer time together. If it’s the latter, that’s an understandable emotion, but it’s not worth potentially losing more time with your child. When you open the door for the courts to examine your current agreement, you run the risk of losing rights. Furthermore, consider your child’s age and experiences. Does your teenager really want to spend more time with you, or do they enjoy the freedom of not being told to do their homework or study, like they have to be told to do with their other parent? They may change their tune after a few weeks of you also putting your foot down when the time comes. When You Should Change Your Custody Agreement What was once a viable arrangement years ago may be outdated and in need of updating. Speak to your attorney first and consider ways in which you and your ex might be able to come to new terms without a hearing. In other scenarios when your child’s situation with the custodial parent is dangerous, it may be best for your child’s safety and well-being to change the custody agreement. Consider how these changes could impact your child, and once again, speak with your attorney before you take any action. All told, if you still believe you need to change your custody agreement, consult with a family law attorney. If they agree with you wholeheartedly without any assessment of the risks, get a second opinion. Think of this like major surgery: You want to be sure it’s the right move before getting cut open.
S ummer V egetable G reek S alad
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
I ngredients
For the vinaigrette: •
For the salad: •
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
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1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp dried oregano
1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
If you would like to learn more about custody changes, our team can help. Please visit AllFamilyLaw.com.
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami
D irections 1.
In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired). 3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.
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Cal l for a Consul tat ion: ( 866) 245-5685
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