Clinton Township Newsletter

1 9 A u g u s t 2 0 1 6 C R e A T i v e C u s T o d y A R R A n g e m e n T s C A n h e l p C h i l d R e n A d J u s T Divorce is a difficult adjustment for everyone, especially for children. Parents can help their children cope by staying as positive as possible and being creative particularly when it comes to custody arrangements. The trend in custody arrangements is moving away from the "every-other- weekend-and-alternate-holidays" model toward co-parenting. In the past, we thought the less we interrupted a child's home life the better, and we were convinced that constantly moving children between two different homes added to their stress. Research has proven that wrong. A study published last year in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health confirmed that, in cases of divorce, children who spent equal time with both parents displayed significantly fewer psychosomatic problems than those who lived primarily in single-parent homes.* Successful co-parenting arrangements require patience, cooperation between parents and thinking outside the box. Alternating Weeks: One option is for children to spend one week with mom and the next with dad, choosing the transition or hand-off day that's most convenient for all involved. For younger children, a mid-week visit with the other parent can be helpful. The Rotation Schedule: Pick a formula – 2-2-3 or 3-3-4-4 or some other combination that ensures children get to spend both weekdays and weekends with each parent at some point during the month. Here's what this arrangement might look like: Week 1: Monday and Tuesday – Mom, Wednesday and Thursday – Dad, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Mom Week 2: Monday and Tuesday – Dad, Wednesday and Thursday – Mom, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Dad Even well-intended arrangements may need adjustment. Factors that may warrant an adjustment to your custody arrangement include: • The arrangement looks good on paper, but isn't practical. • As children age, their needs and schedules change. • One parent is forced to relocate due to a job change or remarriage. It's important to note that changes to court-ordered custody arrangements require approval of the court. Your divorce attorney or mediator can help you reach the custody arrangement that works best for your family and adjust those arrangements as the need arises. – Victor Rotolo *Source: "This Divorce Arrangement Stresses Kids Out Most," http://time.com/3836627/divorce- parents-joint-custody/ LAW FIRM THE ROTOLO 502 U.S. 22 Lebanon, NJ 08833 908∙534∙7900 www.RotoloLawFirm.com Victor A. Rotolo, Esq. Former Police Officer, City of Elizabeth Mediation and Arbitration: Services and Venue Available Victor A. Rotolo is a long-time resident of Clinton Township and the founder of The Rotolo Law Firm. Call The Rotolo Law Firm today: 908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your half-hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. The Rotolo Law Firm • 502 US 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.RotoloLawFirm.com f s C k n i T T i n g / C R o C h e T C l u b Join us at the HC Family Success Center (FSC) every Thursday night anytime between 5:30 – 7:30 pm for our free Knitting/Crochet Club! All age groups and experience levels are invited to join in on the fun, work on a hand-crafted project and enjoy dinner and socializing with our wonderful group of knitters! Bring your own materials and work on your own projects, or just come in and use our yarn and tools to create your handmade masterpiece! Our experienced teacher can guide you to the next level, whether you are a beginner or have been hand-crafting for years! We're a fun and friendly group and we are always looking for new members. Dinner is provided and this program is absolutely free of charge! Contact Penni Trionfo at the FSC at 908.237.0465 for more info. Lic # 01587A 1262 Rt. 22 W Lebanon, NJ 08833 Phone (908) 236-6878 Fax (908) 236-7125 After Hrs. (908) 797-5091 www.clinton-autobody.com LEBANON DOOR COMPANY • Overhead Doors • Electric Operators • Storm Doors 119 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ 08833 908-236-2620 Glenn Coats, Proprietor Established 1957 Fax: 908-236-2946 Home: 908-730-6536

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