Introduction It should come as no surprise to anyone that there is a backlog of cases set to be resolved in the judicial system, whether it be civil, criminal or family. I could not do justice to the problem to try and give a simple explanation as to why it is this way, or what [...]
Introduction As the calendar has flipped and we are in a new year, things often seem possible in January that didn’t look that way in December. A fresh start for some, perhaps a chance for a better year ahead. It’s why gym memberships increased rapidly in the new year. Hope springs eternal! But one of [...]
(To the melody of “Someday at Christmas” by Stevie Wonder) Someday at Christmas, men will be glad, When the mother of their child admits to them being the dad.They just want to be involved, they only want what is best,So long as there’s no need to have a paternity test! Someday at Christmas, women will rejoice,When the [...]
Since my return to the private practice of law in late 2018/early 2019, I have noticed many changes since my last foray into managing client expectations as a lawyer in the mid-2000s. The reliance of everyday people on the information they obtain from internet, from social media, and from popular opinion, has resulted in a [...]
Introduction Over the past year or so, I have had the chance to speak with many colleagues about their current cases, and we have agreed that 2024 has been a rather challenging year for many of us, professionally speaking. In any given year, there will be cases that I agree to take on, and other [...]
One would think that, after more than 30 years of practicing family law, I have seen it all. I have seen a lot - trust me - and very little surprises me anymore, but I have not seen it all. A growing trend that I have seen of late is the expectation of many that [...]
Introduction As we embark on another school year, I have received a few calls of late from both former clients and from prospective new clients about their child support obligation to their children who have turned 18. People have told them that their child support ends automatically when the child turns 18 years old, and [...]
Introduction In July 2023, I wrote a blog about poor communication involving lawyers with their clients, lawyers with other lawyers, and judges with the parties. A year has gone by, and I felt that I had just scratched the surface about poor communication and its impact on family law matters. As with any relationship, whether [...]
When lawyers plead cases and settle cases in family law, we are generally focused on the major issues that our clients are facing, namely, decision-making responsibility, parenting time, child support, spousal support, property issues and a restraining order. These issues take up most of our time and effort, but we are often confronted with the [...]
As I approach the end of my 50s, I sometimes reflect on the work I have done for my clients, and I truly hoped they know that I tried my best to represent their interests. When I was a young lawyer, I did not have the wealth of experience that I now have, but I [...]
