A HELPFUL APPROACH TO DIVORCE
Although the divorce process could be stressful, there are ways to potentially make things less challenging. One step involves having empathy for the other spouse and any children in the marriage. When a marriage falls apart due to the partners’ falling apart or other circumstances that create distance between the spouses, showing compassion towards one another and other family members could lead to better communication and less strife during the proceedings.
Divorce proceedings may prove troubling when one or both spouses intend to settle scores with the other or become disagreeable during negotiations. Such behaviors could add time and costs to the proceedings and leave all parties with resentment against one another. Even if one spouse proves self-centered and narcissistic, the other spouse could benefit from taking the high road and not succumbing to angry, vengeful behaviors.
ASSET DIVISION AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF NEGOTIATIONS
Financial matters and asset division negotiations play a role in many divorce proceedings. Both parties may have assets and investments gained during the marriages. Debts could exist, including ones related to taxes and loans.
A spouse could worry about their financial footing after the divorce. So, alimony and child support may be essential to their post-marriage well-being.
Focusing on needs could help the process of dealing with assets and finances. Spouses who fight for things they don’t need could complicate the process.
Both spouses could benefit from being well-organized during their divorce. Keeping accurate records of assets and liabilities, along with information related to child care and custody, may add to a better resolution.
]]>First of all, it is important to know that terminology can vary from state to state. Likewise, punishments can also vary greatly. If you face drug charges, it is important to know the laws of that jurisdiction.
DRUG POSSESSION
One of the most common terms regarding criminal defense of drug charges is “possession” or “simple possession.” This means that you have, or possess, a small amount of a drug on your person. Generally, it is assumed that this small amount is for your own personal use and not to sell to others.
Possession charges can also include you having sole control of the drug. It may not be on you, for example, but you have the only keys to the lockbox it is in.
DRUG TRAFFICKING
Another common term associated with drug charges is “drug trafficking.” Trafficking charges include possession of large amounts of drugs with the intent of selling and carries harsher punishments than possession charges.
The number of drugs you have on you is key. You may have purchased a larger amount for personal use over time, but because of this, your charge can be bumped up to drug trafficking. Trafficking can also include growing drugs or making them.
POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA
You can also be charged with possessing items used to make or use drugs, like bongs or crack pipes.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that charges and punishments can also be steeper depending on where you were caught with the drugs. For example, places like schools, assisted living facilities and daycares may make charges worse.
]]>YOUR CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS
Always keep your child’s best interests in mind when creating your parenting plan. This should include all of their biggest physical and emotional needs.
THE IDEAL PARENTING SCHEDULE
The parenting schedule is a crucial component of the parenting plan. Basing your custody schedule on your child’s age and needs is wise. Younger children need to spend more time with both parents and might be best with the 2-2-3 schedule, which lets them spend two days with you, two days with their other parent and then three days with you again. The following week, you switch it up. Older kids can do better with a variation such as the 5-2 schedule, spending five days in a row with one parent and two days with the other.
COMMUNICATION PLANS
A parenting plan works best if you have a communication plan in place for your parenting time. You might need to reach out to one another when one of you has time with your child. Sharing updates is crucial, but you should decide how and when to communicate. You might decide to talk over the phone, through video chats or even via texts. Likewise, you should plan on how and when you’ll communicate with your child when the other has custody time.
KEEP THINGS CONSISTENT
Kids do best when their lives have consistency, and the children’s best interests are at the heart of family law. You and your former spouse should aim to give your child a regular routine and decide how to do that in your parenting plan. Keeping schedules consistent and being flexible when circumstances require it can give your child comfort.
Having a good parenting plan in place will benefit everyone and reduce conflict between parents while providing stability and consistency for the child.
]]>THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS
Even the most seasoned behavioral and mental health professionals can sometimes feel frustrated when dealing with repeat juvenile offenders in need of rehabilitation. Reasons for this may include the individual’s:
• Belief that nothing needs to change
• Perception of themselves as the victim
• Habitual manipulation of authority figures
• Lack of impulse control
While these traits may initially seem impossible to overcome, the good news is that with an appropriately tailored plan of counseling and rehabilitation — often available through the juvenile justice system, change really is possible.
GETTING THE RIGHT HELP AT THE RIGHT TIME
When youth find themselves on the wrong side of the law and are charged with a criminal offense, the response provided by their parents, caretakers, educators and others who are experienced in handling juvenile cases can a prove critical. Whether by seeking out court-sanctioned diversionary programs designed to foster more responsible decision making, or by arguing for a mitigation in punishments in exchange for community service, striking the right note early on is essential.
Though the path forward may initially appear daunting to those who love a young person charged with a crime, and it is certainly true that youthful offenders pose their own set of psychological and behavior challenges to rehabilitation, those able to align with the right team of professionals and receive concentrated support can indeed emerge on the other side, fully prepared to be contributing members of society.
]]>BACKGROUND CHECKS
Many public and private employers are justified in conducting criminal background checks on potential employees and contractors. They want to make sure that they are hiring people whom they can trust with customers and assets. A DUI conviction on your record will usually prevent you from getting hired. This reality highlights why many people fight these types of criminal charges.
MANY EMPLOYERS CHECK FOR CRIMINAL RECORDS
Although you may agree that organizations want to avoid hiring thieves or violent criminals, a DUI still shows as a crime even if you did not harm anyone. The jobs that you may lose access to are not limited to driving occupations, like delivery persons. The presence of a DUI on your record can make these employers see you as a greater liability:
• School districts and colleges
• Financial services
• Health care
• Government agencies
• Law enforcement
A criminal record can also prevent you from obtaining professional and trade licenses. If you were thinking of joining the military, the DUI could block that opportunity as well.
THE THREAT OF JOB LOSS
The effects of a DUI can limit your ability to develop a career, and the risk extends to your current job. Your arrest could prompt your current employer to terminate your employment, especially if you are no longer able to drive to work.