Category Archives: Kids

Be a Foster Parent this Christmas

Reposting this for Christmas. Originally published on Dec. 12, 2010

The silent halls and dimly-lit wall sconces at the orphanage serve as bare witness to the loneliness of kids at night.

These kids used to live at the orphanage for a few years when their parents abandoned them.
Now they are living with their father and step mom.

But we can open our house to them by serving as foster parents for a while. We don’t need to be rich to let an orphan enter our homes and spend Christmas with us.

You can inquire at the institution of your choice to find out how to be a foster parent. I’m sure orphanages will be glad to grant wishes of deserving families.

A full story about the kids in photo was published by People’s Tonight.

3 Divorce Concerns Involving Children

Many divorces can become a battle of wills, power grabs, or drawn-out mud-slinging dramas. However, when children are involved, the already complicated procedure can quickly become even more complex. With each parent wanting what they believe is right for the child, looking into the future with different viewpoints, and each seeking physical custody, the divorce process can become exacerbated and lengthy. Here are three divorce concerns involving children.

1. Child Custody

There are three types of child custody, although there can be combinations of the three, as well. Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make decisions about critical moments in the child’s life, such as education or religion. Physical custody places the child into the home and under the supervision of one parent while providing visitation rights to the other parent. Joint custody creates an equal guardianship with equal responsibilities and rights over the child for each parent, and often the child moves between homes during the year.

2. Child Support

Child support is frequently a hotly contested amount of money paid by the non-custodial parent for the rearing and benefit of the child. Most people don’t understand that both parents pay to support the needs of the child. One provides food, housing, and clothing, while the other parent pays money toward filling those same needs. If you have questions, your attorney can help you understand any legal child support Yorktown Heights NY concerns you may have.

3. Child Protection

Although rare, there are times when it may not be safe for a child to live with or come into contact with a parent. Should concerns about this type of scenario arise during divorce proceedings, the court will provide protection for the children through investigations or state agency protection. The child’s safety is always the most important part of the legal dealings in divorce cases.

Protecting, supporting, and the custody of children during and after a divorce can make the legal experience more intense. Still, with patience and understanding, your attorney and the court can provide our child with the best possible future.

4 Way Your Child May Find Themselves on the Wrong Side of the Law

As a parent, you know some children have a difficult learning to stay within the confines of socially acceptable behavior. Some juveniles learn from their mistakes, and others continue to test the boundaries until they find themselves in a legal situation that involves handcuffs and a criminal record. Here are four ways your child may find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

Assault and Battery Charges

Assault is a verbal attack on another person that causes them to fear imminent violence, while battery is the physical attack of another. That means if your child is in a heated argument with someone and says he or she is going to kill them, and then throws a punch or two, contact a Fairfax criminal attorney because the actions could be considered assault and battery.

Destruction of Public Property

Vandalism, criminal mischief, and destruction of property are all names that are used for graffitiing, egging, willfully breaking of windows, and many other pranks that children play on buildings, people, and property. Fines are high for this misdemeanor, and sometimes the offender is sentenced to a correctional program or jail.

Drug Possession or Distribution

Some youths experiment with drugs in his or her discovery of the world around them. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and a long list of others are all considered illegal substances when found in the possession of a minor. When arrested for this drug law violation, the offense could become part of the child’s permanent record and deter future employers.

Theft of Another’s Property

Shoplifting is probably the most common of all criminal charges levied against young offenders. Some children love the excitement of the hunt and the possibility of getting caught – resulting in an adrenaline rush. Fines can be high but having the mark on your child’s permanent record can have devastating results for the future.

If your child finds themselves on the wrong side of the law, contact an attorney for assistance. With help, you can let your child know how serious the event is.