Modern Families

Family

From the Editor in Chief Summer 2023

Kathleen A. Hogan

The purpose of this client manual is to assist people in dealing with their particular family configuration to maximize the chances that the result will be harmonious relationships among the adults and happy, healthy children.

Children

Rights and Responsibilities of a Stepparent or Significant Other

Holly W. Kimmel

Stepparents in most states have almost no legally recognized parental rights regarding their stepchildren despite the important role they may plan in their stepchildren’s lives.

Family

Family Therapy with Separated and “Recombined” Families

Dr. Lyn R. Greenberg

Children experiencing a parental separation or remarriage can benefit from family therapy during the stressful transition.

Children

Introducing Your Children to Your Significant Other and Learning to Deal with an Ex’s New Partner

Teresa Harlow

Tips for a successful introduction of a new partner to your children and effective responses when your ex and co-parent finds a new partner.

Domestic Relations

What I Wish I Had Known

Paula M. Lipsey

A trained social worker shares lessons learned when she entered into her own blended family so readers may be more prepared for the challenges and rewards ahead.

Children

How to Support Your Non-Binary or Transgender Child

Jodi Argentino

Citing the alarming rate of transgender and non-binary youth who have contemplated death by suicide, the author explains how genuine acceptance of your child for who they are can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Children

Respecting Children’s Cultural Backgrounds in Adopted or Blended Families

Elizabeth Vaysman

Adoptive parents can proactively provide their adoptive child with access to their biological, racial, and cultural identity and support them in what can be a lifelong journey of wanting to belong.

Children

Non-Biological Parenting Rights

Valerie L. Moore

Family law attorneys should familiarize themselves with the layers of protection they can use to assist their same-sex clients, including marriage and co-parenting agreements.

Domestic Relations

Cohabitation and Premarital Agreements

Ronald W. Nelson

The author cautions cohabitating couples that the honeymoon phase does not last forever and that they could benefit from formalizing their expectations about finances and daily responsibilities in a cohabitation agreement or premarital agreement.

Family

Navigating Change Together

Thad F. Woody

What we do as a profession is hard and, at times, stressful; but having a network of fellow family law attorneys who share your daily experiences and challenges is invaluable.

Domestic & Sexual Violence

Kristin Whidby Named 2023 Jean Crowe Pro Bono Award Recipient

The 2023 Jean Crowe Pro Bono Award recipient Kristin Whidby is a champion for underrepresented individuals in the face of domestic violence through her pro bono legal services.