Blog: Child Custody

Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage. It affects every corner of the family. And for teenagers, this family shift can be especially difficult. Unlike younger children, teens are old enough to understand what’s going on. But they often lack the tools to process it effectively. High-conflict divorces and drawn-out custody disputes can make teens feel …

Celebrating Grandparents’ Day: The Pillars of Family Support Each year, National Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year falling on September 7. And this is the perfect time to explore the roles of grandparents in family law cases. For many families, grandparents aren’t just extended family members; they’ve been …

Back-to-school season is often a time of fresh starts for both kids and parents. But for separated or divorced co-parents, it can also be a time of tension and anxiety. From who pays for school clothes and supplies to who drops off on the first day of school, each logistical or financial detail has the …

With the first day of school approaching, families across the country are busy with back-to-school chores, buying supplies, and coordinating schedules. But for parents who are separated or divorced, back-to-school time brings its own unique set of challenges. Decisions once made casually around the dinner table now require collaboration between two households. And when communication …

As of September 1, 2025, several important changes to Texas family law go into effect, directly impacting how courts handle protective orders, child custody, and child support. For families in San Antonio, these are more than just legal technicalities. They could shape the outcome of your case. Why These Changes Matter for San Antonio Families …

Legal Guidance on Adjusting Custody Schedules to Fit Your New Routines As children grow, families relocate, and work schedules shift, a custody schedule that once met everyone’s needs may feel out of sync with your new reality — especially when a new school year rolls around. Fortunately, custody schedules can be modified, but they also …

When families go through custody disputes, few issues carry as much weight with the court as domestic violence. Allegations or evidence of abuse have the power to reshape the course of a custody case, especially when the safety and well-being of children are at stake. In Texas, family courts are tasked with making critical decisions …

When summer winds down, and the back-to-school rush begins, parents everywhere get laser-focused on buying school supplies, updating last year’s wardrobe, and getting everybody back into a routine. But for divorced parents, legal preparation is another essential back-to-school task. Ensuring that your custody agreements, emergency contacts, and educational decision-making rights are updated can make a …

Making the decision to divorce isn’t easy. It’s emotional. It’s personal. It’s financially overwhelming. And in most cases, you have no idea where to start. Whether you’ve been considering this for months or the decision has come suddenly, preparing yourself can make a significant difference in how things unfold. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe …

Summer is supposed to be a low-key time for kids to take a break from school and unwind. But for divorced co-parents, summer is often anything but low-key. It can even become a battleground when parents make unilateral changes to their parenting schedules. Whether it’s deciding to take a last-minute vacation or signing the kids …

Summer break is here, and your kids are overjoyed. No school. Sleeping in. Long days and lots of free time.  But if you’re co-parenting, summer may be less about fun and more about conflict, especially when the structure of the school year is gone, and you’re trying to agree on schedules, who takes care of …

Summer in Richmond is all about sunshine, laid-back days, road trips, and family time. However, for co-parents, summer can also be stressful, especially when juggling custody schedules. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Richmond family law attorneys are here to help guide you through the challenges of co-parenting. If you’re navigating shared custody this summer, here …

Let’s face it. Summer break sounds great in theory – long, lazy, sunny days with no early hours or school activities looming over your shoulder. But for many co-parents, summer often brings a whole new set of stressors. The structured routine of school is gone, and schedules get complicated. On top of that, you and …

When it comes to fatherhood, your legal rights shouldn’t depend on your marital status. However, unmarried dads must take specific steps in Virginia to ensure they have the same rights and responsibilities as married fathers. If you are an unmarried father and you hope to play a meaningful role in your child’s life, understanding your …

Father’s Day is meant to celebrate the important role dads play in their children’s lives. But for many dads, especially those navigating custody and visitation disputes, Father’s Day can also be a bittersweet reminder of time lost or the ongoing struggle to maintain a meaningful presence with their children. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe …

Father’s Day. It’s a reminder of the vital role that dads play in their children’s lives. But for dads who have recently gone through a divorce, Father’s Day can bring up some complicated feelings. As a newly divorced dad, you may be feeling sidelined or unsure of how to create new traditions in a world …

If you’re a separated or divorced parent living in Columbia, South Carolina and thinking about taking a trip with your kids this summer, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities under South Carolina custody laws. Whether it’s a quick beach weekend or a family reunion across state lines, taking a trip with your children …

Summer break brings longer days, school-free schedules, and a different pace of family life. But for co-parents, it can also bring up custody and visitation challenges, given the less structured summertime pace. Can you modify your custody agreement just for the summer? And what happens if your co-parent isn’t cooperating? The good news is that …