When I Miss You by Cornelia Maude Spelman:
A story told through animal characters about separation anxiety. The story helps young children understand the emotions associated with missing a parent and finding ways to soothe themselves during this process.
Why Do Families Change? by Dr. Jillian Roberts:
This book answers specific questions that children may have about why parents sometimes separate and divorce.
My Family is Changing (A Drawing and Activity Book for Kids of Divorce)
by Tracy McConaghie:
A number of children from different ethnic backgrounds share short stories about their experience with their parent's divorce and then invite the reader to draw and/or write their own response.
Two Homes by Claire Masurel:
The author takes the simple concept of a child of divorced parents who will has two homes, two front doors, two bedrooms, etc., and presents this idea in avery reassuring and special way.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst:
Not specifically about divorce, but the story is about how we are always connected with people we love even if they are out of sight.
FOR PARENTS
Talking to Children About Divorce by Jean McBride:
This book is a wonderful resource for parents and is filled with very practical information about talking to your children about divorce. The book includes scripts that parents can use to talk about these sensitive issues in a reassuring manner.
]]>Q: Where will the stimulus check be deposited?
A: If you received a federal tax refund which was deposited directly into your bank account from your 2018 or 2019 federal tax return, the money will be automatically deposited in that account.
If you mailed your 2018 or 2019 liability or received the refund via mail, the IRS will mail the stimulus check.
If you already filed for 2018/2019 but did not provide bank payment information, or have only paid a liability (rather than received a refund) you can update your information here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Q: What if I have not filed taxes in 2018 or 2019?
If you were not required to file a tax return for either year, you can still fill out the necessary information to receive the stimulus check. The IRS has set up a website to assist with this: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
Q: Who qualifies?
A: The stimulus check is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and filing status.
If you earn the following:
· Up to $75,000/single or married filing separately you will receive $1,200
· Up to $112,500/head of household you will receive $1,200
· Up to $150,000/married couples filing joint return you will receive $2,400
You'll receive a reduced payment if your AGI falls between the following ranges:
· $75,000 and $99,000/single or married filing separately
· $112,500 and $136,500/head of household
· $150,000 and $198,000/ married filing jointly
The payment is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$112,500/$150,000 thresholds.
Q: What children qualify?
A: Children under the age of 17 (as of December 31, 2020) qualify the filer for an additional $500 payment per child.
Q: My co-parent and I have joint custody and share parenting time, who is entitled the check for the minor children?
A: Whoever was entitled to claim the minor children in 2019, either pursuant to a court order or IRS guidelines will receive the stimulus check for the minor child.
Q: What if we are separated but not officially divorced?
A: The stimulus check will be deposited based on the bank information the IRS has available. If you have not yet filed your tax return for 2019, the IRS will use your information from your 2018 filing. In the event of a dispute about who is entitled to this money, consult with your attorney for more specific information.
Q: What if my co-parent was entitled to claim the children in 2019, but we have since significantly altered the parenting schedule and now I have substantially more parenting time?
A: While the stimulus check will be deposited into a bank account consistent with the information that the IRS has, this does not necessarily mean that the person who receives the check is entitled to 100% of the proceeds. In cases like this, it is wise to check with your attorney for further guidance.
However, given that the amount of the stimulus for children is small compared to the cost of litigation and attorney fees, this is a great time to be compassionate with your co-parent and see if you can determine a division of the check that makes sense for your situation. Does one of you need the money substantially more than other regardless of parenting time? (i.e. Has one of you lost your job and the other is still working?), Do you both need the money but one of you is carrying the load of parenting responsibilities currently regardless of what was happening in 2019? Remember, this money is meant to help families through these trying times, just because the IRS says you are entitled to it, does not mean that is what has to happen. Keep in mind what is best for your entire family and most importantly, your child(ren).
]]>Answer: No. There is not a specific age when the Court allows a child to determine who they will live with or how often they will have parenting time with the non-custodial parent. Until a child turns age 18, the court has jurisdiction to determine custody and parenting time issues. Generally, the Court will give more weight to the preferences of an older child, as long as that child's preference is not contrary to their best interests.
There are various ways, however, by which a child can have input into a custody or parenting time determination:
1. Under ORS 107.425(6), the Court may appoint counsel to represent a child in a domestic relations proceeding. The attorney appointed for the child can advocate for the child's wishes. If a child requests the appointment of an attorney, the Court shall appoint an attorney to represent the child.
2. If a custody or parenting time evaluation is conducted pursuant to ORS 107.425(2), typically the child will be interviewed and the evaluator may take the child's views into account (again, the older the child, the more likely his/her views will hold weight with the evaluator).
3. A child can testify in Court and tell the Court his or her preference for custody and/or parenting time. However, this can be a risky proposition - many judges do not like children testifying in court, as they do not believe that a child should be put in the middle of "adult issues."
NPR's All Things Considered had an interesting piece yesterday about the increase in divorces of middle-aged and older Americans. The radio piece cited a study out of Bowling Green State University, which found that one in four people getting divorced is age 50 or older.
-Barbara