National Adoption Day, celebrated in November, is a collective effort to raise awareness about the thousands of children in foster care who are waiting for a permanent family. It’s a day that brings families, courts, and advocates together to finalize adoptions and celebrate the joy that adoption brings to both children and parents. According to our Lincoln, NE adoption lawyer, many families choose to finalize their adoptions on this day as part of the national movement to ensure every child has a loving home. This special day occurs the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year. Local celebrations in Nebraska cities often occur throughout November. Lancaster County Juvenile Court is celebrating Adoption Day November 16, 2024. GordenLaw is proud to have been a part of several adoption stories over the past 13 years with our BBB A+ rating thanks to satisfied customers. As this holiday approaches, it’s an excellent time to reflect on the importance of adoption and the legal processes involved. Adoption can be a wonderful choice to grow a family and provide loving support and permanency for children needing the same. At its core, adoption is when adults take on all the rights and responsibilities for a child just as if they had biologically created or given birth to that child. Adoption can occur through a private arrangement between birthparents and adoptive ones who may or may not be related to the child, or through an agency. Step-parents legally married to a birthparent sometimes adopt. Foster parents may adopt children

Bicycle accidents can be life-changing, especially when serious injuries are involved. While most people understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident can take on an individual, fewer realize that these incidents can also have significant impacts on family law matters, particularly in custody and parenting plans. When a parent or child is injured in a bicycle accident, it can lead to necessary adjustments in custody arrangements, parenting responsibilities, and decisions regarding the child’s well-being. In this article, we will explore how these accidents can affect custody and parenting plans in family law cases. Consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer can help in gathering these essential statements. 1. Impact of Parental Injuries on Custody and Parenting Plans When a parent involved in a custody arrangement sustains serious injuries in a bicycle accident, it can affect their ability to fulfill their parenting responsibilities. For example, a parent who is injured and unable to physically care for their child may need to adjust the custody schedule temporarily or permanently. This can include: Inability to Provide Physical Care: If a parent’s injuries result in a temporary or long-term inability to care for their child (e.g., due to hospitalization, mobility issues, or the need for rehabilitation), the other parent may need to take on additional parenting time or full custody. Changes to Parenting Schedules: A parent’s recovery from a bicycle accident may require changes to the existing parenting plan. For instance, if a parent typically has primary custody but is unable to

Are you a parent or guardian seeking special education for your child? Do you hear about an SDC and leave wondering: what exactly is it? How does it work, and most importantly, might it be a good fit for my child? Then read on as an IEP violation lawyer offers more details: What Is An SDC? Let’s begin with the basics: an SDC stands for Special Day Class, or an individual class within a public school designed for students requiring extra attention that cannot be afforded to them in a general education classroom. It is the space where the student works at his/her pace with teachers trained to meet his or her respective learning needs. The rationale here is that some children need a little more support, right? Maybe the general classroom moves at a pace that is too swift or the climate just isn’t quite right for the students who have more pronounced learning disabilities or who have greater difficulties. That’s where the SDC fits in-providing the small, more focused environment in which each of these students receives the attention and more tailored instruction each deserves. 1. Who Attends SDC? As our friends at K Altman Law can explain, students who attend SDCs often are students with an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, outlining specific goals, needs, and services specifically designed to aid students in achieving independence and success. Generally, students assigned to SDC situations usually experience moderate to severe learning disabilities that include autism, intellectual disability, emotional issues,

After a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially when interacting with law enforcement. However, knowing how to properly handle police at the scene can help ensure that everything proceeds smoothly and your rights are protected. Police involvement is often crucial for documenting the incident, so it’s important to stay calm, cooperative, and clear-headed. Never hesitate to reach out to a car accident lawyer for assistance at any time. The sooner, typically, the better. Our friends at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. explain how to best navigate a situation involving police. Stay Calm And Ensure Safety First The first priority after an accident is safety. Before interacting with the police, make sure everyone involved is out of immediate danger. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so, or leave it where it is if moving it would cause more harm. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance right away. Once the situation is stable, take a moment to collect yourself. The police will ask questions, and staying calm will help you respond more clearly and accurately. It can be difficult to stay composed in stressful situations, but your ability to remain level-headed will help the process move forward smoothly. Be Respectful And Cooperative With Officers When law enforcement arrives, they will be there to assess the situation and create an official accident report. It’s important to remain respectful and cooperative. Answer questions

Co-parenting apps and websites are designed to help divorced or separated parents manage communication, scheduling, and expenses. At GordenLaw, our Lincoln, NE family lawyer knows that no technological tool can truly reduce conflict in difficult situations, however, using these tools can make court oversight cleaner and easier and help keep co-parents organized and balanced during difficult communications with their child’s other parent. Co-parenting applications can help remove petty back and forth about: whether and when a parent was informed of an activity or expense; whether a temporary change in schedule or plan was truly agreed to; whether the entirety of a communication was included in a court exhibit; and the tone of communications. For co-parents who already work together well, these tools simply help keep families and professionals who work with them centrally organized. Here’s a comparison of the co-parenting tools we regularly recommend to clients based on features, ease of use, and price: OurFamilyWizard Features: Shared calendars, messaging, expense tracking, and document storage. “ToneMeter” to help parents avoid hostile communication (Attorney Gorden’s favorite!). Secure messaging that’s admissible in court. Journal feature for documenting important events. Ease of Use: Intuitive and user-friendly interface. Available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as a web platform. Price: $99 per year, per parent. Scholarships available for those who qualify. Cozi Family Organizer Features: Shared calendar, shopping lists, and to-do lists. Meal planning and recipe storage. Ease of Use: Simple, easy-to-navigate design. Widely used and popular for general family organization. Available on

Workplace accidents are often associated with hazardous environments like construction sites or factories. However, injuries can also happen in the safest-looking office settings. Office workers may be exposed to a range of potential hazards that can lead to serious injuries. While these injuries may not always seem as severe as those in more physically demanding jobs, they can still have significant long-term effects on health, well-being, and productivity. A  workplace accident lawyer can investigate further to determine whether or not you have a case. Repetitive Strain Injuries One of the most common types of injuries in office environments is repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). These occur when someone performs the same task over and over again, such as typing or using a mouse. RSIs can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis, which cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hands, wrists, and arms. While RSIs may start as minor discomfort, they can worsen over time if left untreated, potentially leading to chronic pain or even disability. Ergonomic office setups and regular breaks are crucial in preventing these types of injuries, but when they occur, they may require medical treatment and rehabilitation. Slip And Fall Accidents Even in an office, slipping, tripping, or falling can result in significant injuries. Common causes include wet floors, loose carpets, or cluttered walkways. While a slip might seem minor, these incidents can lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries. For older workers, the risk of serious complications from falls, such as

Family Law And Mediation Mediation is an increasingly popular way to resolve disputes during a divorce or separation without going through the lengthy and often costly court process. In mediation, both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to come to an agreement on issues like child custody, property division, and spousal support. While the mediator helps facilitate discussions, it’s important to have a family lawyer by your side to ensure that your rights are protected and that the final agreement is fair. Here’s how a family lawyer can guide you through mediation and make the process smoother and more successful. Providing Legal Advice While the mediator helps both parties reach a mutual agreement, they do not offer legal advice. This is where a family lawyer becomes essential. Your lawyer will explain your rights and responsibilities before and during mediation, ensuring that you fully understand the implications of each decision being made. They will advise you on what is reasonable and fair under the law, helping you avoid making decisions that could negatively impact your future. Without legal advice, you might agree to terms that seem fair at the time but could cause problems later. For example, you may not fully understand the long-term financial implications of a particular property division or spousal support arrangement. A lawyer will help you evaluate offers with your best interests in mind. Preparing For Mediation Preparation is key to successful mediation. Your lawyer will help you gather all necessary documents and information before the

Now that the school year is fully underway, many co-parents find themselves facing new challenges. Navigating the logistics of different households, differing routines, and making sure the children’s needs are met can be stressful. For families going through a divorce, or who are already co-parenting, clear communication and reasonable expectations are crucial to ensure a smooth academic year for all involved. Below are some special considerations for co-parents who are balancing life in different households as shared by our Lincoln, NE uncontested divorce lawyer: Coordinated Schedules With over 19+ years of combined experience at our practice, we know that the school calendar will dictate many aspects of the children’s routine, and it’s essential for both parents to be on the same page. This includes understanding when school starts and ends each day, knowing the dates of school holidays, early dismissals, and other special events like parent-teacher conferences and extracurricular activities. Consider creating a shared calendar that both parents can access and update, ensuring that everyone is aware of upcoming events and changes. Also, ensure both parents are on all school contact lists and have access to report cards, announcements, and the like. Consistent Routines Children thrive on consistency, and while it may not be possible to create an identical routine in both households, establishing some key consistent practices can provide much-needed stability. This might include setting similar bedtimes, snack/meal routines, screen time, or homework policies. Consistency helps reduce anxiety for children, especially when they are navigating transitions between mom’s, dad’s,

A child custody hearing can be one of the most stressful and emotionally charged experiences for any parent. The outcome can significantly affect your relationship with your child, making it crucial to prepare thoroughly. Understanding what to expect, gathering the necessary documentation, and presenting yourself well in court are all essential steps. In this guide, we’ll explore how to prepare effectively for a child custody hearing with the help of an attorney from Skarin Law Group to increase your chances of a favorable outcome Understand The Legal Standards Before the hearing, it’s important to understand the legal standards that the court will use to make its decision. In most cases, the court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child. Factors such as the child’s age, emotional and physical well-being, the stability of each parent’s home, and each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs will be considered. Additionally, the court will examine the relationship between the child and each parent, as well as any history of abuse or neglect. Familiarize yourself with your state’s child custody laws, as the legal standards can vary slightly by jurisdiction. Consulting with an attorney is also a good way to ensure you are aware of the specific laws and procedures that apply to your case. Gather Relevant Documentation Proper documentation can play a significant role in the court’s decision. Collect and organize all relevant documents that demonstrate your ability to care for your child. Some examples include: Financial records: Provide proof

Car accidents are often preventable when drivers understand the most common causes and take steps to avoid them. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, being aware of what leads to accidents is key to staying safe on the road. Below are some causes of car accidents and practical tips on how they can be avoided. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. With the increased use of smartphones, it’s all too easy for drivers to take their eyes off the road for just a moment. Whether you’re texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, these distractions can quickly lead to an accident. To avoid distracted driving, it’s crucial to keep your focus on the road. Turn your phone off or set it to “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. If you need to eat or adjust settings in your car, do so before you start driving or wait until you’re safely parked. Speeding Speeding is another major cause of accidents. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to react to a potential hazard, and the greater the impact will be if a collision occurs. It’s tempting to go over the speed limit, especially when you’re running late, but it significantly increases your risk of an accident. Driving Under The Influence Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a well-known risk and one of the most dangerous causes of accidents. Even small amounts of alcohol can