Is it unreasonable to refuse to reside in the same town where your ex-spouse lives?
Is it unreasonable to refuse to buy a home in the same town or city that an ex-spouse lives in even though it is an affordable location? Not if residing…
Can a parent discipline a child by taking the child’s phone away?
Can a parent discipline a child by taking the child’s phone away? Before researching this question, I thought the answer was obvious. It’s not. As a both a lawyer and…
How many back and forth claims and counterclaims are allowed in a child custody battle?
How many back and forth claims and counterclaims are allowed in a child custody battle? Here’s one way to count (I’ll use the jurisdiction where I practice divorce and family…
Why Won’t Judges and Commissioners Interview Children?
I recently participated in a hearing before a domestic relations commissioner in which the commissioner refused to interview a child and ordered a guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed, even though…
For divorced parents: why isn’t your custody award 50/50?
For divorced parents: why isn't your custody award 50/50? Concisely (and in no particular order): sometimes a parent’s job, physical or mental/emotional disabilities, misconduct (like domestic violence, child abuse, or…
2020 Changes to Fall Break parent-time in Utah Code
When the fall school break parent-time period begins was a common question that the Utah State legislature addressed in the 2020 legislative session by making a clarifying change to the…
Can a mother keeping the children from the father work against in custody litigation?
Can a mother not allowing the father to see his child without reason work against her in litigation for joint custody? Would the father having children from another relationship living…
Is being a divorce lawyer miserable?
Is being a divorce lawyer miserable? Miserable? Can be (and is) for some divorce attorneys, but for me it’s chronically discouraging. Sure, the human pain and betrayal to which we are…
If you haven’t seen “Erasing Family” and you’re going through a child custody dispute
If you haven’t seen "Erasing Family" and you’re going through a child custody dispute, you should. You really should. Because you really don't have any idea what you're in for.…
Do I have a chance in divorce court without a lawyer? Do I really need one?
A chance? Sure. You have a chance. And you have a chance of winning the lottery, just not a very good chance of it. You may not want to read…
Why does it seem like courts are against fathers when it comes to custody?
Why does it seem like courts are against fathers when it comes to custody? Because while the courts are becoming less and less biased against fathers as time goes by,…
What is the penalty for breaking a custody order?
What is the penalty for breaking a custody order? In my opinion, the answer is: usually, not much. At least at first. Take it from me: I’ve been a divorce…
What does a judge ask a child in a custody case?
In Utah (where I practice divorce and child custody law) the answer is: it’s almost impossible to say. Why? For reasons that I assert I can demonstrate are not highly…
Should we award custody to the parent who is a lower risk for COVID-19?
Should we award custody to the parent who is a lower risk for COVID-19? Is it reasonable to give custody to the parent who is a lower health risk to…
Why is it so common for parents to become outright enemies after divorce?
Why is it so common for parents to become outright enemies after a divorce? I have represented people in divorce who were pure as the driven snow, innocent as lambs,…
What is the “right of first refusal”? Is it a statutory right in Utah?
What is the "right of first refusal"? Is it a statutory right in Utah? Many of you dealing with child custody disputes may have heard the time "right of first…
What’s the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Here's a question many parents have: what is the legal definition of “joint legal custody” and “joint physical custody” in Utah when it comes to the custody of children? Is…
What does it feel like to separate two kids out of spite during a divorce?
Today's question: What does it feel like to separate two kids out of spite during a divorce? My answer: For decent parents who experience it because it occurs…
Is it advantageous to lie and sling mud at the other parent to win custody?
Today's question is: Is it advantageous for the father to file with the court a 2 page document of fabricated lies about mother in a child custody battle as part…
Second and Third Judicial District Court COVID-19 Guidelines as of April 6, 2020
Second and Third Judicial District Court COVID-19 Guidelines as of April 6, 2020: Second District NOTICE REGARDING DOMESTIC CASES AND COVID-19 As commissioners in the Second District Court, we anticipate…
Can my ex use the panic over COVID-19 to withhold the kids from me?
“Can my ex use the panic over Coronavirus/COVID-19 to withhold the kids from me?” “Will I still be free to pick my son up at the end of the week…
Do the family courts in the U.S. tend to favor the mother over the father?
Do the family courts in the U.S. tend to favor the mother over the father? Generally, yes. The courts are slowly, but noticeably, becoming less biased in favor of mothers…
I’m a year sober. Can my alcoholism hurt my child custody chances?
I'm an alcoholic who endured domestic violence in my marriage. My husband exploited my addiction when he wanted an excuse to replace me. Now he's trying to use it as…
Can my ex use the panic over Coronavirus/COVID-19 to withhold the kids from me?
“Can my ex use the panic over Coronavirus/COVID-19 to withhold the kids from me?” “Will I still be free to pick my son up at the end of the week…
If we agree on child support and custody, can the judge reject our agreement?
If my husband and I agree on child support and custody in mediation, can the judge reject our agreement? Yes. A judge is not obligated to approve of and adopt…
How many states favor mothers in child custody proceedings?
How many states favor giving the child to its mother in a custody hearing? You’re asking a good question, but it’s not the question you think you’re asking. The question…
Can an abusive father win custody even if they’re not legally married?
I’m in an emotionally, verbally, and financially abusive relationship. Can an abusive father win custody even if they're not legally married? Anybody can do or get anything, if he/she tries…
Who can claim the kids on income taxes when parents are separated?
Is it legal for a parent to claim kids on income taxes if the kids don’t see him or live with him and he doesn’t support them financially (parents are…
Divorcing parents in psychiatric care deny thoughts of self-harm?
Do parents in psychiatric care deny thoughts of self-harm for fear admitting it may impact custody? Is it common for a parent in psychiatric care to make false denials of thoughts…
Should all the kids stay with one parent after a divorce? Why or why not?
I am a divorce and family lawyer. I have been for 23 years. It is impossible to come up with a blanket policy for all children of all parents in…
2019 UT App 208 – In re E.R. – termination of parental rights
2019 UT App 208 - THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF E.R., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.R., Appellant, v. STATE OF…
2019 UT App 201 – Bradshaw v. Pelley-Whelan – UCCJEA
2019 UT App 201 – Bradshaw v. Pelley-Whelan THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS CAIRO BRADSHAW, Appellant, v. CHRISTOPHER PELLEY-WHELAN, Appellee. Opinion No. 20181003-CA Filed December 12, 2019 Third District Court,…
2019 UT 72 – Utah Supreme Court – Hinkle v. Jacobsen – standing to establish paternity
This opinion is subject to revision before final publication in the Pacific Reporter 2019 UT 72 - Utah Supreme Court - Hinkle v. Jacobsen THERESA I. HINKLE, Appellee, v. KOREY…
2019 UT 71 – Utah Supreme Court – Castro v. Lemus – standing to establish paternity
This opinion is subject to revision before final publication in the Pacific Reporter 2019 UT 71 – Utah Supreme Court OSCAR CASTRO, Appellant, v. MARI TERESA LEMUS, Appellee. No. 20180094…
2019 UT App 207 – Peeples v. Peeples – modification of child custody
2019 UT App 207 - THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS ADAM LEGRANDE PEEPLES, Appellee, v. ANNALEISE T. PEEPLES, Appellant. Opinion No. 20180713-CA Filed December 19, 2019 Third District Court, Salt…
Were Amber Alerts created as a way to solve family custody disputes?
No, not at all. One of the absolute worst ways to address, much less resolve, family custody disputes is seeking an Amber alert. Indeed, making Amber alert reports over child…
Can a mother refuse custody of her child, or is that illegal?
Inability to care for a child is not the same as abandoning a child. If a parent (father or mother) were to “refuse custody” of his/her child, that would be…
Can I petition the courts for custody of a child who is homeless?
Yes. In the jurisdiction where I practice family law, there are several ways to seek and obtain custody of child who is not your biological offspring: petition for guardianship petition…
Can I petition the courts for custody of a homeless child?
Yes. In the jurisdiction where I practice family law, there are several ways to seek and obtain custody of child who is not your biological offspring: petition for guardianship petition…
How is the custody going to work after separation?
After filling for legal separation where is my only child going to stay? I have my child with me right now. How is the custody going to work after separation?…
Burggraaf v. Burggraaf – 2019 UT App 195 – imputing income, vacating alimony
2019 UT App 195 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS CAROL BURGGRAAF, Appellee, v. BRIAN JOSEPH BURGGRAAF, Appellant. Opinion No. 20180405-CA Filed November 29, 2019 Second District Court, Ogden Department The…
Why don’t the police help more with custody and parent-time enforcement?
In some jurisdictions, interference with or noncompliance with child custody orders issued by a court are not enforceable by police officers or sheriff’s deputies because there is no statute or statutes…
Are bedbugs a basis for modifying child custody or parent-time?
If one parent has bedbugs and the children will not sleep at the parents home, does the other parent have to make a motion for full custody? Can the parent…
Why can a child refuse to live with a parent as court ordered?
Why is it OK to allow a 14-year-old child to deny one parent access to him/her without any reason, but it is kidnapping if the child were to refuse to…
State v. Popp – 2019 UT App 173 – divorce and sexual abuse of children
2019 UT App 173 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, Appellee, v. JUSTIN WILLIAM POPP, Appellant. Opinion No. 20180224-CA Filed October 31, 2019 First District Court, Brigham City…
What are some interesting facts about child support?
Unless the court orders otherwise (and I have yet, after 22 years in practice, to see a court order otherwise), if you lose your job, you still have to pay…
How can we change divorce court to make it easier on the children?
Institute a “loser pays the prevailing party’s attorney’s fees” rule. make divorce cases more litigant focused and tailored to meeting their needs and the needs of their family, instead of…
How does a “baby prenup” work and is it effective?
For others reading this answer to your question who do not know what a “baby prenup” is, let me first describe it: What a “baby prenup” is not A “baby prenup”…
The Utah custody evaluator pool just got bigger!
BREAKING NEWS: The custody evaluator pool just got bigger! That means faster scheduling, faster completion, and lower prices! The amendment is effective November 1, 2019. CJA04-0903. Uniform custody evaluations. AMEND. Adds…
What is the best comeback a judge has ever made in court?
I was in a divorce case in which the mother’s attorney was claiming that the father should have limited custodial and parent time with their children because, as the mother’s…