Recent Posts in Child Custody Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Apr-2023 Questions Often Asked About Child Custody During My Free Consultations! Child custody battles are often one of the most emotionally charged and difficult situations for parents to navigate. When a relationship breaks down, it can be challenging to come to an agreement on what is best for the children involved. As a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Mar-2023 My Checklist for an Effective Parenting Agreement! When parents separate or divorce, it is important to create a parenting agreement that outlines how they will share responsibilities for their children's care and upbringing. As a skilled, psychologically trained family law attorney/mediator, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Feb-2023 10 Reasons You Deserve Custody of Your Child in a Divorce! As a divorce attorney and mediator, I receive calls from couples of young children asking various questions about custody. Often, these parents have little idea that “custody” is actually a question of visitation. In fact, many divorcing ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 9-Dec-2022 How Do You Co-Parent During the Holidays? Civilly and happily! Remembering your children and their happiness comes FIRST! As a seasoned, psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I have worked with many parents during and after divorce and I always remind parents that it’s ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Nov-2022 Do You Want a Peaceful Approach to Child Custody? I've Got One For You! As a seasoned New York family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically trained medical professional, I regularly advise mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. For those couples who can agree on custody, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Aug-2022 What You Might Not Know About Child Custody in New York! As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I receive calls from spouses all the time asking all kinds of questions about custody! So what is custody? Custody is not defined as the primary residence of the children. Custody is the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jun-2022 Are Child Custody and Visitation the Same? As a divorce attorney and mediator, I receive calls from couples of young children asking various questions about custody and visitation all the time. Often, these parents have little idea that “custody” to which they’re referring ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Jun-2022 The Do's and Don'ts if You Want Custody of Your Children! Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a challenge. Fighting for the custody of your child is sensitive and serious. Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a spouse wants sole custody, I often tell them that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-May-2022 My 10 Successful Visitation Tips! When a divorce occurs it not only affects the spouses but the entire family. For both parents and children during and after a divorce, maintaining healthy relationships with your children is a must. Visitation unfortunately, is very often a sad ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-May-2022 When Should You Ask for Sole Physical Custody of the Children? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator it is unusual to see one parent asking for the sole physical custody of the children. This type of request can sometimes be considered an aggressive move. But the important question is why? ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Apr-2022 Need Help With Your Parenting Agreement? In my “divorce story” blog post a few weeks ago, I briefly described helping a couple with a parenting agreement. A lot of parents contacted me and had many questions about creating a parenting agreement. I thought I would address some of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Mar-2022 Do You Want Custody of Your Child? As a seasoned New York family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically trained medical professional, I regularly advise mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. For those couples who can agree on custody, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Feb-2022 Let us Help You Get Custody of Your Children! Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a challenge. Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a parent wants sole custody, I tell them that they will have to show the court why having sole custody will be in the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Feb-2022 Child Custody vs. Visitation As a divorce attorney and mediator, I receive calls from couples of young children asking various questions about custody and visitation all the time. Often, these parents have little idea that “custody” to which they’re referring ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Jan-2022 Let Us Help You Get Custody of Your Children! Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a challenge. Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a spouse wants sole custody, I often tell them that as a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator for over ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Nov-2021 My Parenting Plan Agreement Pointers! In one of my “divorce story” blog posts, I briefly described helping a couple with a parenting agreement. A few parents contacted me and had lots of questions about creating a parenting agreement. I thought I would address some of their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Sep-2021 What Not to Do if You Want Custody of Your Children Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a big challenge. As a child custody specialist, I can guide you successfully through the process! Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a parent wants sole custody, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Jun-2021 Divorcing? How Will You Handle Child Custody and Visitation? Divorce is messy and difficult. It’s even more stressful and emotional when children are involved! Once a couple with children decides to divorce, they have a lot to consider with regard to the children. For example, they have to decide who ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-May-2021 Do You Want Custody of Your Children? Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a big challenge. As a child custody specialist, I can guide you successfully through the process! Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a parent wants sole custody, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jan-2021 Can a Postnuptial Agreement Save Your Marriage in 2021? With the New Year upon us many couples are re-examining their marriages and wondering how they can make their lives better, especially in these challenging times. Some couples consider a prenuptial agreement when they are getting married. But what if ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Dec-2020 5 Tips on Keeping Your Children 1st While Going Through a Divorce With the New Year almost upon us, many couples are setting goals for 2021 in the pursuit of happiness for themselves and their family. For some couples, the attainment of these objectives involves the dissolution of their marriage. However, with an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Dec-2020 What Is Child Custody in New York? As a seasoned New York family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically-trained medical professional, I regularly advise mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. For those couples who can agree on custody, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Nov-2020 Divorcing Dads Love Their Children Too! When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues is often their children. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney for more than 35 years, I’ve seen countless custody disputes. For many years, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Oct-2020 Need Help With Your Parenting Agreement? In my “divorce story” blog post on Wednesday, I briefly described helping a couple with a parenting agreement. A few parents contacted me and had lots of questions about creating a parenting agreement. I thought I would address some of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 9-Oct-2020 Is Sole Custody in Your Child's Best Interest? As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator it is unusual these days to see one parent asking for the sole physical custody of the children. I recently consulted with a client who was insisting on this. This type of request can ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Oct-2020 Taking Your First Divorce Step! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it during the coronavirus pandemic? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Oct-2020 What is a Statement of Net Worth? What is a Statement of Net Worth? When divorcing, a Statement of Net Worth is that annoying financial form your attorney/mediator sticks in front of you and says, “Fill it out!” You look at it, start sweating, and think, “Oh no! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Aug-2020 Co-Parenting During COVID 19 While Children Go Back to School Even with both parents living in the same home, co-parenting during COVID 19 has been a big challenge. Now consider co-parenting during a separation or divorce. This process is even harder. But you will get through it, and I’m here to help! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Aug-2020 4 Dont's - If You Want Custody Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a challenge. Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a spouse wants sole custody, I often tell them that they will have to show having sole custody will be in the best ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jul-2020 8 Tips to Reduce the Effects of Divorce on Your Children! Divorce is very difficult and an especially confusing time for children. Couples often get caught up in their own anger, drama, and the messy divorce process; the desire for revenge and the division of property and finances. But, who is looking out ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Jun-2020 5 Things You Need to Know About Child Support! What is Child Support: Child support is financial support provided by the noncustodial parent. It includes cash payments based on the parent's income and the needs of the child,health insurance, payments for child care, and payments for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jun-2020 Litigation vs. Mediation: To Punish or Not to Punish? When considering divorce clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. More and more clients are learning there are more peaceful options. These days, during consultations clients ask more about the difference between ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Jun-2020 Divorce Story As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my clients. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jun-2020 Child Custody Challenges During the Pandemic! As a divorce attorney and mediator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve seen it all! Nothing surprises me. But divorce cases I am handling during COVID -19 have been real eye-openers. Fortunately, I have some great solutions!! A devoted dad, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Apr-2020 4 Ways to Prepare for Your Divorce During Quarantine! Although we are all wondering when this pandemic will be over, some of us are using this valuable time to prepare for life moving forward. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to make changes in your life that you may have been putting on the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Apr-2020 Why I Suggested My Client Quarantine with His Ex-Wife and Her Boyfriend! These days, as a divorce attorney and mediator, I help clients virtually using my mediation process, which, especially now, helps clients save money, time and maintain safety. Two weeks ago, I helped a divorced couple with what is by far one of my ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Apr-2020 Can a Legal Separation Help Couples Struggling During the Coronavirus Pandemic? Over the last few weeks I have spoken with couples who are really struggling with their marriages. These couples are sad, confused and not quite sure what path to take. They often say, “I don’t know what to do, I’m ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2020 The Courts are Closed but Did You Know You Can Divorce Without Going to Court? That’s right! This coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected all of you wanting a divorce! But as a very skilled divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I can tell you, there is a welcome solution. It’s called Mediation. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Mar-2020 Are You Living in a Miserable Marriage? It's Time to GET OUT! You may have been living in an unhappy marriage and just not gotten the courage to do anything about it. It's easy to keep putting it off because you know it will be unpleasant. But now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you are stuck at home 24/7 ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Mar-2020 Mediation: A Superior Solution for Divorcing Spouses and their Families during the Coronavirus Pandemic! As a divorce attorney & psychologically-trained mediator I am juggling tons of emails and phone calls from clients divorcing and spouses thinking of divorcing during the coronavirus pandemic. These couples’ issues began way before the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Mar-2020 8 Things to Include in Your Separation Agreement Are you and your spouse thinking of divorce? Are you familiar with a separation agreement? The first step in the process of divorce after the couple has negotiated their “deal” is the drafting of a separation agreement. This is a legal ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Mar-2020 I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out? The answer is, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home (or hardly ever). Making this move can work against you when divorcing if not properly strategized. I often hear from clients that once divorce is in the air it is extremely ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Mar-2020 Dads are Much More than just Child Support Payments!! When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues is often their children. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney for more than thirty-five years, I’ve seen countless custody disputes. For many ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Feb-2020 My Best 2020 Divorce Advice! Divorce is traditionally a painful and dreaded process, but it doesn’t have to be as awful as you expect! To help you with your 2020 divorce goals, I’m sharing my suggestions for protecting yourself, your family and your finances. As a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Feb-2020 Are you sure Your Spouse is Paying the Taxes? It’s that time of year again. Dreaded tax time is coming up! Everyone is scrambling right now to get all their documents together to get them to their accountant. For those getting a divorce, taxes are the least of their worries, or so you ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Feb-2020 5 Things You Should Know About Child Support! 1. What is Child Support: Child support is financial support provided by the noncustodial parent. It includes cash payments based on the parent's income and the needs of the child, health insurance, payments for child care, and payments for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Feb-2020 Tips to Avoid Divorce Disasters When people decide to divorce it is usually in the whirlwind of heightened emotion. People are not always thinking rationally in this mindset. I often caution clients not to be reactive when thinking about divorcing. I suggest they stop, think and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jan-2020 Is Your Spouse Spying on You? Do you ever feel like you are being watched? Well, maybe you are. I have had clients share with me their suspicions, and no they weren’t paranoid, they were correct. Even though you trust your spouse, do you know if they trust you? I had a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jan-2020 3 Tips to Settle a Child Custody Dispute As a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically-trained medical professional, I regularly counsel mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. Often these concerned parents have a fair amount of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jan-2020 Is Your New Year's Resolution to Separate or Divorce? If it is, I’m here to keep you on track and help you meet your goal! Did you know Monday, January 6 this year was dubbed “Divorce Day”? This was the day people returned to work and decided they had enough, wanted out of their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Jan-2020 Do You Need a Postnuptial Agreement? Some couples consider a prenuptial agreement when they are getting married. But what if you weren’t one of those couples? Is it too late once you’ve been married to put something in place to address some of the important issues in the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Dec-2019 The Pros and Cons of Sole Custody of the Children! As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator it is unusual these days to see one parent asking for the sole physical custody of the children. I recently met with a client who was insisting on this. This type of request can sometimes be ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Dec-2019 5 Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays! The greatest wish of many children of divorce during the holidays is that Mom and Dad will get back together. Even though the sad truth is that this probably is not going to happen, you as responsible parents can cooperate, and make the holidays as ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Nov-2019 Lois Brenner's New York Divorce 101! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day and decide they want a divorce. A lot of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Nov-2019 My Separation Agreement Checklist! Are you thinking of Divorce? Well, you’re not alone. With 40%-50% of all marriages ending in divorce this is not as uncommon as you think. An important part of the divorce process is developing an agreement you can both live with. An agreement ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Sep-2019 5 Co-Parenting Tips! During and after divorce it’s important to remember your children did not sign on to be your football. Many parents put their children right in the middle of their mess out of anger and pain. My advice? Don’t! Your children don’t ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Jul-2018 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute Last week, I read that Nia Vardalos, the My Big Fat Greek Wedding (funny movie!) star, and Ian Gomez sadly filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage. They cited irreconcilable differences and asked for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2018 Are you ready to build your "Bird Nest?" Are you ready to build your “Bird Nest?” Have you all seen the new show “Splitting Up Together”? It is a new series that airs Tuesday nights at 9:30 PM on ABC. It is about a couple that falls out of love, (as many do these ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Feb-2018 Father's Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments Father’s Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments “The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” - Abbé Prévost, Manon Lescaut When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Dec-2017 Five Ways to Survive the Holidays During a Divorce Five Ways to Survive the Holidays During a Divorce Going through a separation or divorce during the holidays can be really dreadful! This time of year you are expected to be festive and to behave as if things are good. On the inside you’re ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Nov-2016 Co-Parenting During the Holidays The greatest wish of many children of divorce during the holidays is that Mom and Dad will get back together. Even though the sad truth is that this probably is not going to happen, you as responsible parents can cooperate, and make the holidays as ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Oct-2016 To Trick or Treat? TO TRICK OR TREAT? What divorcing/divorced parents can do so Halloween isn’t a nightmare! When you got divorced did you discuss Halloween as part of your visitation schedule? Probably not. After all it’s not Thanksgiving, Christmas or ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Sep-2016 When Should You Ask For Sole Physical Custody of the Children? WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN? On Tuesday we heard the sad news that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after twelve years together, and two years married. The papers file in Los Angeles cited ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jun-2016 Questions About Summer Vacations with Shared Children When children who attend school are released for summer vacation, parents’ schedules change greatly. Although these summer schedules can greatly differ for any family, divorced parents with shared children may suffer many more anxieties and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Feb-2016 3 Effective Ways to Working Out Custody Arrangements Amicably As a New York family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically trained medical professional, I regularly counsel fathers and mothers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. Often these concerned parents have a fair amount of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Nov-2015 Child Custody in New York: How Does it Work? Types of Child Custody In New York, child custody matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state. There are two types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody allows a parent to make important decisions for a child’s life, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois Brenner 9-Apr-2015 Divorce and Childhood Obesity The impact of divorce is truly a family affair. This is very evident in the expanding waist lines of children of divorce. As a family law attorney and medical professional I hear the horror stories from clients all the time on how their divorce is ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois Brenner 1-Oct-2013 Dispelling the Myths of Child Custody Versus Visitation The holidays are a time for reflection, love, and getting together with family. Divorced families have an extra variable to take into account. Because Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Winter break from school are all just around the corner, I’ve ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois Brenner 8-Jan-2013 5 Tips on How to Treat Children While Going Through a Divorce With the holidays and 2012 in the rearview mirror, many of us have set resolutions and goals for ourselves for 2013 in the interests of happiness and personal development. For some, the attainment of those objectives involves the dissolution of their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Jan-2011 Parenting Classes for Divorce It is my goal as a divorce attorney and mediator to introduce my clients to all the tools necessary to see them through the difficult divorce process with as much support as possible. That is why as part of my evaluation of each divorce case, I ... Continue Reading