Marital Problems get worse around the holidays.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

Around holiday time, things get tough enough with stress levels increasing for everyone.  If a marriage is already in trouble, these holiday external forces usually make matters worse.  Read the list below and you may see yourself here.

1.  BLENDED FAMILIES.  Where there are children from several former spouses, it is difficult to even plan a holiday meal where everyone can be together. 

2.  DEADLINES TO MEET.  Christmas and Hanukah fall on specific dates.  Presents have to be ready when the time comes, which means shopping and wrapping has to be done on time and is often rushed.

3.  MONEY IS TIGHT.  Especially in these troubled times with the economy being what it is, and some of us even being jobless into the new year. 

4.  FIGHTING OVER HOW MUCH TO SPEND or what bills to pay or not pay. Everyone has an opinion and this causes marital friction.

5.  DIFFICULT EXs.  Put the kid on the plane……..or not. 

6.  NOT IN THE MOOD.  Too stresssed for sex.

7.  ADDICTION AND CELEBRATION.  No champagne for alcoholic or drug users.  Or DUIs for those that imbibe.

8.  COMING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  Everyone knows the stress of travel whether it is on a plane, train, or auto.

9.  STAYING TOGETHER DURING THE HOLIDAYS FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS.  Many couples stick it out until January.  

10.  SHOULD YOU OR SHOULDN’T YOU?  There is a way out.  For marriages that can’t outlive the pressure, the way out is separation and divorce.  Consult your local shrink, then call us.

For more information, click on our website at www.familylawwpb.com or consult with one of the attorneys at Robin Roshkind, P.A. by calling 561-835-9091.

Divorce, Children and the Holidays

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

At this time of year, divorced parents often face problems with holiday timesharing of children, even where court orders are in place.   Sometimes children just don’t want to go, or a parent does not want to part with the child.  Unfortunately, courts in South Florida do not see these matters as emergencies, and so the violating parent may get away with the stunt, at least for a time enough to ruin vacation plans of the other parent.  However, eventually,  the violating parent may be held in contempt of court, or worse face a custody battle and risk losing holiday timesharing next time.

The violation is contemptable.  The proof would be that the violating parent had no good legal reason to withhold timesharing of the other parent.  The downside is that the violating parent succeeds, at least this time.  Getting into court quickly to avert the violation is very difficult.  The issue normally has to be dealt with after the fact.  If you have such a complication for the holidays, call one of the attorneys at the Firm asap or click on the Robin Roshkind, P.A. website at www.familylawwpb.com for additional help and information.