5 minute read
Sometimes It’s Just Up to the Parents
BY EVAN H. BARON, ESQ.
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In the past few days, I have been contacted by several former clients, who have asked me the same question. These clients have been previously divorced and have school age children. In all instances they have “SHARED PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY”. The question that has been asked is can you help me? The help they need concerns the re-opening of schools. One of the parents wants the child(ren) to go back to school for “face to face learning” and the other parent wants the child(ren) to continue with “distance learning”. I am sure this is an issue that many parents are dealing with right now. No matter where you may stand on this issue, I think every parent has weighed the pros and cons of sending a child back into their school. If the parents are still together in an intact marriage or even if not married but living together and raising their children, I think we can all admit that it is a joint parental decision. However, if the parents are divorced, and have “Shared Parental Responsibility” will the courts become involved? Let me first define “Shared Parental Responsibility”
Florida Statutes define “Shared Parental Responsibility”, as follows:
‘A Court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child and in which both parents CONFER with each other so that major decisions affecting the welfare of the child will be determined JOINTLY”.
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So, based upon the above, the parents are to confer, and make a joint decision. Sounds exactly what parents, who are still together, must do when making major decisions about their children. That is exactly the goal of Shared Parental Responsibility. You may be divorced but you are still the parents of your children and need to put aside your differences and co-parent. Unless one of the parents have been given “ultimate decision making “ for educational decisions, (rare) neither parent has the ability to “override” the other.
What I have advised these former clients, who are now raising their children as divorced parents, is that they must work it out between themselves. They must decide what is in their children’s best interests. It is not up to a Judge to decide this issue. It is not a clear-cut issue, with a right or a wrong. In my opinion it would not be proper for a judge to make such a decision based upon his or her individual belief about the benefits or the danger in having a child attend school. There just is no real “clear cut” answer.
As the title of this article states, “Sometimes It's Just Up to the Parents”.
2111 North Commerce Parkway, Weston 33326 Law@DivorceBroward.com 954-385-9160
COMMUNITY NEWS BSO Safety Tips to Keep your Holiday Season Merry and Bright
BY STACEY BOMSER
The holiday season is upon us and sadly this is also peak season for thieves. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Weston District is offering some simple safety tips to keep in mind to keep you and your possessions safe while you are shopping or traveling.
Crime Prevention Specialist Deputy Danielle Quinones says when out shopping be aware of your surroundings. She recommends parking in well-lit areas at night. “Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash and multiple credit cards; only carry what is necessary.”
Just as you don’t want to become a crime victim, you don’t want your car to either. “Always keep your vehicle locked and do not store shopping bags inside,” cautions Deputy Quinones. “Thieves are watching mall parking lots and shopping plazas for shoppers that place their purchased merchandise inside their vehicles before heading to their next location. If possible, bring your shopping bags with you or drop them off at home, before heading out again.”
If your holiday shopping involves a purchase from Craigslist, eBay, Letgo, or another online classified ad website, consider completing your transaction at the BSO Weston District Office (17300 Royal Palm Boulevard). It is a Safe Transaction Zone designed to help deter thefts and robberies.
“Always be sure to ask questions before buying or selling an item. Trust your instincts!” warns Deputy Quinones. “And if you’re shopping online, only shop on secure sites. Pay with a credit card, not using your bank account; you’ll get better liability protection. Always check your statements for unauthorized transactions.”
The holiday season is a time many Weston residents travel. Deputy Quinones offers the following tips to secure your home before leaving for vacation: ▸ Maintain regular lawn maintenance while you are away. Don’t let your grass grow like a jungle!
If burglars are staking out houses, they’ll notice these little things. ▸ Put a hold on your mail and newspapers or have a trusted friend, neighbor or family member stop by to collect these items. Having a full mailbox is a dead giveaway that you are not home.
Don’t forget to remind them to pick up packages and deliveries by the front door. ▸ If possible, leave a vehicle in the driveway. Have a neighbor park his/her vehicle there to give burglars the impression someone is home. Keep a low profile on social media. Do not post/ broadcast that you are on vacation or away. Keep outdoor lights on during the evening/overnight hours. Indoor lights can be set with timers. Lighting can give the impression that someone is home and possibly deter those ‘unwanted’ guests. Do not store garage remotes inside vehicles that are left behind while you are on vacation. Install a padlock on the interior of your garage. Finally, take advantage of the free BSO Home Watch Program. A deputy will check your home for signs of break-ins or suspicious activity while you are out of town. You can pick-up a form at the BSO Weston District Office.
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