The New Hampshire

Family Law Letter

Heading Off Holiday Disappointment

Carefully constructed holiday visitation schedules can help keep holidays happy for divorced parents and their children. But unless holiday (and vacation) schedules are drafted with care and attention to detail, parents are likely to encounter last-minute crises that can leave everyone upset. How can we help when distraught parents call? Read this article

Stepparents’ Rights

What are the rights—and responsibilities—of a stepparent when a marriage ends?

Nine years ago, David met Heather and her two year old son Jason. Soon they became inseparable. David and Heather married, and Jason grew up thinking of David as his father. Then time passed, things changed, and Heather filed for divorce. David wants to maintain his relationship with Jason, but Heather wants to keep them apart. What are David’s legal rights as Jason’s stepfather? Read this article

International Child Abduction

Fidel Castro may have helped this mother—but could simple precautions have prevented this two year chase through Egypt, Spain, and Cuba?

When Cornelia Streeter of Topsfield, Massachusetts flew out of Havana with her children she ended a nightmare that started when her ex-husband abducted the children two years earlier. Fidel Castro is reported to have intervened after confirming that the mother had been awarded sole custody by Massachusetts courts—but could some simple precautions have prevented this international abduction? Read this article

Questions and Answers:

What is a guardian ad litem?

When divorcing parents disagree about custody or visitation, the court will generally appoint a guardian ad litem, or “GAL,” to represent th

e interests of the children and report to the court as to what arrangements would serve them best. What does a GAL do? Is their word final? Should I ask for one? Read this article

What’s the difference between physical and legal custody?

Physical custody means the right and responsibility to provide a child’s primary residence. Legal custody means all parental rights with the exception of physical custody (RSA 458:17). This means the right and responsibility to make legal decisions for a child about important matters such as education, health care, religion, and general welfare, and includes the right to access information like school and medical records. Read this article