From an Orlando lawyer and future parent, this week's article gives us a reason to check our priorities.  To all parents, married , single or divorced, it is important not only to watch what you say online but what your children are saying and doing as well. Read the following article on how to identify when/if your child is experiencing cyberbullying.  Make sure you are taking proactive steps to protect your children, especially when you are in the middle of a divorce or custody battle. Children can be the most vulnerable when things are uncertain at home. Do not forget … Judges are looking at the best interest of the child when making their rulings … being a proactive parent can help your Orlando divorce case in front of a Judge and is certainly in the best interest of your child.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/article-protecting-kids-from-cyberbullying.html

Pay Attention To Your Child's School Attendance!

If you're looking into an Orlando divorce or paternity case, read on!Do your kids hate going to school? Are they missing more and more days … read the article below regarding  a recent Father’s run in with the law as a result of unexcused absences. http://www.wdrb.com/story/17523421/louisville-man-must-answer-to-judge-for-school-absences Remember when a Judge is making a decision regarding the children in your divorce or paternity action, he or she is going to act in the children’s BEST INTEREST. Unexcused absences might not only land you in front of a criminal judge but will also negatively affect your divorce or paternity case. Stability and consistency are the most beneficial things you can offer your children when you are facing legal action.  If you have questions on how your your case might be affected by your child's school attendance, contact an Orlando family law attorney ASAP!

Divorce Lawyers Can Help With The Initial Decision

Divorce is a big decision for most and is not entered into lightly. Collecting information and being well informed are things that can make the decision easier and clearer. A free 30 minute consultation with an Orlando attorney can give you the information to make the right decision for yourself; information is power and can give you the strength to make the hard decision. Often times I also recommend my clients seek both individual and couples counseling before they make the decision to divorce. Of course, when there are children involved counseling is almost always a positive thing for the children. The courts liberally order counseling for the children especially when the parents are having a difficult time co-parenting or who engage in high conflict communication.  For an article on this topic, please see below:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304023504577319623333618562.html

Orlando Child Support Considerations for Special Needs Children

In Florida child support is based on a mathematical calculation that has been spelled out in the Florida Statute.  Family issues can be very fluid and it is hard to keep to a specific calculation in every case; that is why there are exceptions which allow a deviation from the total amount of child support if there are extraordinary medical, psychological, educational or dental expenses as well as if the child has special needs.  If you have a child with special needs you understand the increased costs associated with raising your child—this is a perfect example of why these exceptions exist.  Recent studies have shown that autism diagnoses are on the rise.  The following article illustrates some of the financial issues surrounding parents with autistic (and otherwise special needs) children.  Be sure to talk to an Orlando family law attorney with any questions regarding your rights and needs when it comes to child support for your special needs child.http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/02/pf/autism/index.htm?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29