Tag Archives: mediation

The Fight for Isaiah, Round Five

Posted on by

There were a lot of people in attendance at the mediation meeting. Our state social worker was there, with her boss, who brought her boss. The volunteer from Child Advocates was there, with her boss. The remaining participants were the mediator, Lola and her lawyer, the state’s lawyer, Nancy, and me. Apparently, a lot of people thought that there was a lot at stake. I certainly did. The mediator was doing all of the things that he could do to calm everyone and facilitate a free discussion. Lola was clearly uptight. The fact that it was Lola and her attorney … Continue reading →

The Fight for Isaiah, Round Four

Posted on by

As we moved closer to the day that a decision had to be made about Isaiah, Lola was talking more and more like she was assuming that she would retain her parental rights. Her drug rehab counselors were giving her pep talks and her lawyer was apparently encouraging her. She would talk about these things in front of me as if I was disinterested in what was happening. Some of her talk was clearly fantasy. For instance, she told me that she was going to be trained to be an ultrasound technician for a hospital. She had not finished high … Continue reading →

The Long Awaited TPR

For foster parents hoping to adopt their foster child and parents hoping to adopt their child’s birth sibling in the state system, the waiting for termination of parental rights (TPR) of the birth parents can be an emotional journey. What may look like an open and shut case doesn’t always turn out to be that way. In most cases birth parents are given every opportunity to regain custody of their child. Sometimes it can look like a birth parent is not following case plan. The state and the judge might agree that TPR in inevitable based on the evidence, but … Continue reading →

Top Ten Tips: Don’ts of Divorce, Part II

4. Do NOT attempt to hide financial assets. With today’s technology and the utter lack of privacy perpetuated by ever expanding databases, you will get caught. The judge will not look kindly on such a strategy, and you will probably end up giving up more than the “hidden” assets are worth. 5. Do NOT be cheap. Don’t try to get the cheapest attorney instead of the best. You will end up paying more in the long run. You might be tempted to try one of those do it yourself divorce kits, but it isn’t advised unless you are well versed … Continue reading →

When You Disagree with Decisions Regarding Your Child’s Education: What to Do

Let’s say your child with ADHD is suspended from school for provoking another student. You’ve heard sketchy facts; you’ve spoken with your child, and the school administration has made their decision. You’re unhappy with the way they’ve handled the situation. What can you do about it? Or maybe you’ve been continually dissatisfied with your child’s educational placement. He is in a class with children of a much younger developmental age, and he seems bored and restless. What are your options? According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, there are five ways, depending on the circumstances, for you … Continue reading →