1. Parental alienation involves a parent manipulating a child in a way that causes the child to fear, disrespect, dislike, and reject the other parent. It is often more complicated than it seems, and it is not always to blame...more
In 2021, I wrote on this blog about a case where a court delayed reunification therapy because a 12 year old child didn’t want to do it. To this day, this continues to be one of the most read posts on our blog, more than...more
This CLE webinar will discuss the issue of allegations of supposed "parental alienation" and offer guidance for handling a case involving such allegations in court. The panel will discuss the term "parental alienation," why...more
Parental alienation cases are heart breaking, both because of the damage to the children and the fact that the alienated parent is often robbed of large parts of the children’s childhood – and worse. For years I have said...more
As I look back on the thought-provoking and insightful journey that was Season 1 of the “Jewish Divorce Talk” podcast, I am struck by the depth and breadth of the conversations we’ve had. As your host, I had the privilege of...more
Divorce is an emotionally charged journey that can take a toll on all parties involved, particularly when children are caught in the crossfire. Within the Jewish community, divorce comes with its own set of considerations,...more
Parental alienation cases are hard. They are hard for the alienated parent. They are hard on the Judge, who may not have the tools or the time to effectively deal with the problem and/or otherwise, initially dismiss the...more
As 2022 comes to a close (who can believe it?), I find myself reflecting on the year past, and also planning for the year ahead. 2022 has certainly has its ups and downs, but as the pandemic has waned, 2022 has also presented...more
Over the past several months, I have had the honor of co-chairing a joint New York City Bar Association/Fund for Modern Courts work group, which just issued its report on the impact of COVID-19 on the New York City Family...more
In the recent case Matter of Lee, New York County Surrogate’s Court granted a motion for summary determination that decedent’s father was disqualified as a distributee and beneficiary for failure to support decedent pursuant...more
Father adopted a child with mother. Mother died two year later. Father remarried the stepmother in 2012, with whom this litigation took place. Stepmother adopted the child a year later. The marriage lasted less than a...more
Here in New Jersey, divorced parents are generally obligated to contribute to the college education expenses for their un-emancipated children. In virtually every marital settlement agreement where there are un-emancipated...more
Parental alienation is a term used in family law cases and typically found in families involved in high-conflict divorce or separation. It is also known as resist/refuse parent-child relational problems. Many people believe...more
The Center for Investigative Reporting at National Public Radio (NPR) published a report on March 9, 2019 about the longstanding controversy over parental alienation. The broadcast includes recordings of actual testimony...more
A common issue during divorce – and after divorce – involves one parent speaking poorly of the other. Many times the parent who is engaged in this unfortunate behavior does not even realize what he or she is doing....more
While most divorcing couples do not have details about their divorce speculated on, discussed and photographed in both print and on-line media, there are lessons from high profile divorces that are applicable to many. On...more