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Vancouver WA Family Law Blog

Sheen's ex steps up to take temporary child custody of twins

  • 23
  • May
    2013

Many Washington residents are no doubt familiar with actor Charlie Sheen and his highly public personal problems. One of his ex-wives, Denise Richards, is now helping him out with his latest dilemma. Though their marriage has been over for quite some time, the two reunited at a Los Angeles courthouse on May 7 for a child custody case - over Sheen's children with another ex-wife, Brooke Mueller.

Richards has stepped up to take over as custodial parent of Sheen's twin boys while their mother attends rehabilitation to fight her prescription drug addiction. Mueller checked into UCLA Medical Center and will be transferred to a treatment facility. Mueller's three-year-old boys were recently taken from her by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, which prompted her treatment. Richards was granted temporary custody after the children were taken from Mueller.

Using pets to help ease children's trauma after divorce

  • 16
  • May
    2013

Many Washington parents going through a divorce know that it's not easy when children are involved. Children experience many emotions during a divorce, including stress caused by the conflict between their parents. Although it will take time for children to sort through their emotions, getting a pet or allowing them access to one can help them through the divorce.

Pets offer many benefits. They offer unconditional love and stability, which are two things that are children typically find most lacking in their life after divorce. They also act as a confidant. Children can talk to their pets without embarrassment or fear-- dogs, cats and other furry and feathered friends do not judge.

NBA star refuses to pay child support, fears spoiling kids

  • 08
  • May
    2013

Washington residents have likely heard many excuses why parents refuse to pay child support. Some parents simply cannot afford to pay it, while celebrities and other millionaires still find ways to attempt to get out of it. The latest child support battle involves NBA star Steve Nash, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He claims he should not have to pay his ex-wife any more child support, as she already made millions from their divorce settlement.

But don't think that Nash doesn't do his fair share. He already gives his ex-wife a monthly payment of $30,000 - and she still wants more. In addition, he pays for most of the schooling, medical expenses and extracurricular activities for his three children - twin daughters and one son. He also pays for a nanny for the children.

Woman seeks child support from deceased hip-hop singer

  • 30
  • April
    2013

Many Washington parents may not expect to have to continue supporting their child after they die, but that's what one woman wants. The estate of the late Nate Dogg, a hip-hop superstar who died in 2011, is being hounded for child support by the mother of one of his children. She claims that Nate Dogg never paid her a penny of child support since the baby's birth in 2006.

Nate Dogg was allegedly ordered to pay the woman $4,358 per month. She now claims that there is close to $340,000 in owed child support. She recently filed a claim against Nate Dogg's estate, even claiming child support payments since his death.

Helping children handle a divorce through good parenting

  • 24
  • April
    2013

Washington parents who have gone through a divorce understand that it's not easy. The parents must think about not only his or her own emotions, but also how their children are adjusting as well. Children undergo a variety of emotions after a divorce and it's up to the parents to help them get through this difficult time.

Although a parent may be tempted to badmouth the other parent - especially if the divorce is not cordial - the goal should be to prevent conflict. The best interests of the child should always be in mind. Having close relationships with family members, providing structure and guidance and allowing opportunities to grow will ensure that children stay grounded.

Child custody battle results in international kidnapping

  • 19
  • April
    2013

Many Washington parents disagree over child custody issues, but they usually work with the courts to resolve the issues. Very few go to great lengths to kidnap the children and sail them to Cuba, as one mother and father did. They were involved in a child custody battle with the mother's parents, who gained custody of the children last year.

On April 3, the father barged into his in-laws' home, tied up his mother-in-law and stole her car to flee with the boys. They boarded their sailboat and sailed to Havana, Cuba. They arrived there April 7. By the next day, Cuban officials had become aware of the fact that the parents were wanted for kidnapping.

Transgendered man denied divorce, continues to fight court battle

  • 09
  • April
    2013

Many Washington residents probably know that going through a divorce can cause emotions and stress to get out of control. Imagine what it is like for a transgendered person to try to get a divorce. Although the divorce process can be complicated for any couples attempting to dissolve their marriage, transgender couples seeking divorce have encountered some obstacles.

An Arizona man is currently going through this battle. Born a woman and married to a woman, the man cannot get a divorce because the courts have deemed his marriage invalid. However, the man is continuing to fight so he can prove to his three children - whom he gave birth to - that his marriage was legitimate. He also fears that not being able to get a divorce could cause him problems should he decide to get married again.

Owe child support? Keep a low profile and avoid social media

  • 05
  • April
    2013

Washington residents may have heard stories about criminals who attempt to commit a crime, but leave behind their driver's license or other types of incriminating evidence. As a result, these criminals end up getting caught. This is similar to what happened to a Wisconsin man after he skipped out on paying child support for three years and finally got caught.

The 23-year-old man was caught after investigators spotted photos of him on Facebook opening bottles of alcohol and posing with loads of money. He now faces several felonies for failure to pay the court-ordered $150 per month in child support. He also failed to show up to court after he was served with an arrest warrant. If the man is convicted, it could mean up to 11 years in prison.

Why it's important not to rush things in a divorce

  • 26
  • March
    2013

Washington residents may understand what it is like to hurry up and get an undesirable event done quickly "just to get it over with". While rushing through divorce may seem like a good idea at the time, not fully thinking things through can have lasting negative effects.

The end of a marriage is almost always an emotional event. There is anger involved, as well as other negative feelings toward the other person, particularly if infidelity was involved. Many people try to get rid of this pain by giving in to the other person's demands. However, it's a better idea to think about something first before agreeing to something that a person may regret down the road.

Preventing family law conflict during and after divorce

  • 20
  • March
    2013

Not all divorces have to be nasty battles that drag on and on. Divorced couples in Washington and all over the country can learn how to move on after the end of a marriage and create a strong bond for the sake of their children. This will create healthy relationships and reduce the risk of family law conflict.

Many people have negative feelings after a divorce and harbor all this anger and resentment toward their former spouse. However, a better outcome for the children is more likely if parents can learn to get along, or at the bare minimum, be civil toward each other, especially when the children are present.

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