Arrears in Child Support Payments

A person who owes a court-ordered amount of child support may fall behind in paying this sum. This occurs because of many reasons, including illness or sudden financial hardships, changes in custody and the needs of a child, or the occurrence of an employment change or remarriage. If you are behind on your child support payments, talk with a lawyer to learn more about what options you have to catch up on what is owed and avoid legal penalties.

Paying Off Past-Due Child Support

If you have a large child support debt, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan to cover it. These loans are available from banks, credit unions and online lenders. Your interest rate will depend on your credit rating, so it is important to shop around before applying.

The amount of the loan will be based on what you owe in child support. If you have a high credit rating, you should be able to get a loan for more than the total amount of your past-due support.

You can also try to contact the other parent and request that they pay a portion of their support obligation through a payment plan or in other ways. While this approach will not eliminate your obligation, it can make it easier to pay the debt and avoid legal consequences that could be as severe as wage garnishment or jail time.

Credit Reporting

Under federal law, child support agencies are obligated to report past-due child support to credit reporting agencies. This can cause problems for parents who try to apply for a mortgage or other financing to purchase property.

Liens on Real Estate

A lien can be created against any real property you own if you owe back child support or arrears to the custodial parent. If you own a home or other property, you should consult a family law attorney to discuss the best way to handle your arrears and your rights regarding the lien.

If you are behind on your child support payments, it is crucial to act quickly. If you don’t, your income will be withheld automatically by the government to pay off the debt. This can result in a reduction of your income or even a loss of your income entirely.

The amount of the debt can be reduced by a judge through a modification order if you can demonstrate that your financial situation has changed significantly since the child support order was issued. You should be able to show that the modification is reasonable and will benefit you in the long run.

Other legal tools can also be used to enforce child support orders and collect the money that is owed. Some states will freeze bank accounts or seize other property, while others can revoke professional licenses and driver’s licenses of parents who are delinquent on their child support obligations.

A custodial parent’s failure to pay child support can be a serious issue, and it is not an easy problem to resolve. If you have questions about your support payments or are struggling to catch up on the amount owed, call Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC today. Our attorneys can guide you through the complex process of settling your case and helping you recover the money that is owed.

How a Child Support Lawyer Can Help in a Divorce Or Separation

Child Support lawyerIf you are facing a divorce or separation in Phoenix, the best Child Support lawyer will help make sure that your children get the money they need from both parents. An experienced child support attorney can also help you resolve the issue if it becomes an issue in court.

A Child Support Attorney Explains the Guidelines

The Arizona Supreme Court sets guidelines for child support that are based on several factors, including each parent’s income. The court also considers the number of children, the amount of time each parent has the children, and how much each parent pays for health insurance, daycare, or other expenses.

A child support order can only be changed by a judge or a family support magistrate. In order to change your order, you must ask the court for a modification or hire an attorney to represent you.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help You Establish, Modify, or Enforce your Child Support Order

When a couple separates, the child’s needs will change as the child grows and develops. It is critical that a court determines how to address these changing needs by setting up a support order that is appropriate for the circumstances. A good child support lawyer will use the guidelines and other laws as references in helping to ensure that the needs of the child are met in a fair manner.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help With Retroactive Support

If your income has increased or decreased, you may be able to ask the court for a change in your child support order. This can happen by contacting Support Enforcement Services (SES) in writing, by phone or through e-mail and completing a written request form.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help Determining the Cost of Extra-Curricular Activities

Many parents wonder if they should pay for their children’s extra-curricular activities or if these should be funded by the other parent. While the answer to this question will depend on the specific situation, parents often resolve these issues in the separation agreement or at a mediation session.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help Make the Process Easy

As a parent, you want to be able to have access to information about your child’s extracurricular activities and costs, especially since you will likely have to pay for them. If you are a parent, it is important to know that you can seek a child support order that covers the cost of extra-curricular activities such as soccer, gymnastics, or music lessons.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help Reduce Stress

While it may be difficult to think about, a divorce can have a devastating impact on your finances and your family. A Phoenix child support lawyer can help reduce the emotional stress that comes with a divorce by guiding you through the process and ensuring that your needs are met.

Your Child Support Lawyer Can Help with Visitation Rights

If you are a parent, you probably understand that visiting your children can be an emotionally and physically taxing experience. During this time, you need to be able to spend quality time with them and enjoy their company. However, when you and your ex-spouse have a difficult time getting along with each other, you can struggle to maintain your visits with your children.

Tips on Choosing the Best Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Lawyer

If you’re going through a divorce, you need the finest divorce attorney in Spring Hill to protect your interests. Choosing the right one will make your experience less stressful and more productive. The best divorce lawyer will be someone you trust to fight for your rights and help you through the legal process.

Approach

Your divorce attorney should approach your case with a strategy that is in line with the way you want to proceed. Some may use a collaborative style that aims to resolve issues through negotiations, while others may take a more aggressive approach.

Collaborative Divorce

If your marriage is peaceful and you can agree on major issues, such as who gets the marital home, child custody schedules, and alimony, it’s in your best interest to look for a divorce attorney who specializes in mediation. This can help keep your case out of the courtroom and save you time, money, and stress.

A good divorce lawyer will be familiar with the laws in your state and the judges who hear family law cases. They’ll know how to use this knowledge to shape their strategy and ensure you get the best possible outcome.

Expertise

If you have complicated or highly valuable assets, a divorce attorney who specializes in complex property division matters may be better suited for your case than one who focuses on simple child support and alimony. They can also use their extensive experience to anticipate what might happen in the future and help you put together a settlement proposal.

Consider a free consultation

It’s important to meet with potential divorce attorneys before hiring them, especially for complex or high-net-worth cases. You’ll be able to ask them questions about their experience, approach, and fees.

You can also check for references from friends or other professionals, such as accountants. A good referral from a trusted friend or professional will give you an insight into how well the attorney worked with them and whether they would recommend them to anyone else.

Advertising

A good divorce attorney should have a website and/or an ad presence on billboards, bus stops, and other places that can be easily spotted. However, if the website looks outdated or the ads aren’t visible, it can be a sign that the law firm isn’t committed to being the best divorce attorney for you.

Comfort level

Finding a divorce lawyer is one of the most difficult and emotional things you can do in life, so it’s important to find one who will be easy to work with and who treats you with respect and patience. A good attorney will also be available to communicate with you regularly and answer your questions as they arise.

Your lawyer will likely be the most knowledgeable person in your corner during the divorce process, so you should feel comfortable working with them. They’ll guide you through the process and make sure you’re not making any mistakes that could cost you more than you bargained for.

All you need to know about filing a divorce

It can be a very stressful and emotional process to go through a divorce. You will need to consider how it will affect your financial future and your emotional health. If you are considering divorce, you should speak with a qualified North Carolina family law attorney before deciding to file.

A divorce is a court order that terminates a marriage. There are many reasons why a couple chooses to end their relationship. Some of the most common reasons include money or financial concerns. For instance, a joint bank account may be more susceptible to overuse if one spouse files for divorce. For more information about how to file a divorce just click this link https://www.thedivorcelawyersdallas.com/.

The first step in the divorce process is to file a petition. This will give the court important information about the parties, assets, and children. Divorce petitions also include requests for spousal support, child custody, and division of debts.

After the divorce petition is filed, a judge will begin the legal process. When the divorce is finalized, you will be entitled to a divorce decree. Although a divorce is a very emotional and confusing experience, there are ways to make the process less stressful. Here are some tips for filing for a divorce.

One of the most difficult parts of the process is figuring out when to file. There are various forms to fill out, and each state has different rules and requirements for pleadings. Most counties have their own rules, and you may need to hire a lawyer. While it is possible to do some of this on your own, you should consider hiring a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

You can also hire an assistant to assist you with the legal paperwork. These people work under the supervision of a lawyer, and you will pay a fee for the service. However, you should be aware that not all lawyers offer this type of service. In fact, the vast majority of lawyers only help clients who have a significant financial stake in the divorce.

Whether you choose to seek legal counsel or to go it alone, the process is not easy. Not only does it involve filling out forms and determining where to file, but it can be very expensive and time-consuming. Even if you do not have an immediate financial concern, you should still consult with an experienced lawyer. An attorney will be able to talk you through your options and advise you about your rights.

If you have children, the process can be even more complicated. There are different laws that govern when a child’s custody and visitation will change after a divorce. Also, domestic violence can have a huge impact on alimony and child support payments.

If you are in the middle of an abusive relationship, you may fear that your partner will find out about your plans to get a divorce. In this case, you should consider asking for a protection order before you file for a divorce.

Many states have waiting periods before a divorce can be finalized. For example, in North Carolina, you will need to wait at least six months to be eligible for a divorce. Other states require you to have lived in the state for a certain amount of time before you can file.

Child Support Process – Taking the First Step to Collecting Child Support

Applying for child support can be a simple process if you know what to do. You can complete the application online or email it to the DSS in your area. To expedite the process, you can also call the DSS to set up an appointment. Make sure you print and fill out all forms before your appointment so you have the correct information on hand. If you are unable to attend the appointment, you can also fill out the application in your local office. Consider seeking the help of a qualified child support attorney serving San Diego.

Once you receive an order, the non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay the amount ordered by the court. These payments will continue in the same amount until the arrears have been paid. During this time, you must make sure you are paying your child support payments on time. If you are behind on your payments, you may be able to enroll in direct deposit. You may also request to pay by paper check.

Mediation is a good alternative to litigation because it allows for more creativity on both sides. During litigation, judges often take a rigid approach and apply child support guidelines without regard to individual circumstances. When parents work together, they combine their financial and mental resources to come up with a reasonable solution. This is much better than a long, drawn-out battle between two sides who don’t agree on anything. It also saves time and money.

Child support payments are used to provide food, clothing, and shelter to children. In addition, most states require divorced parents to have medical and dental insurance. The better-employed parent will be the one responsible for providing medical, vision, and dental insurance. When it comes to medical care, the amount of child support payments can go a long way. This is why it’s so important for both parents to maintain a good healthcare plan.

Child support can be a difficult process, as the parents can disagree on what expenses the support payments should cover. In addition, parents may disagree on how to handle purchases not covered by child support. In such a situation, it’s important to consult with a family law professional to understand the child support laws in your state.

Depending on the number of children, the court will determine how much money parents must pay in periodic installments. Typically, this is based on a percentage. So, if you and your ex-spouse earn $70,000 combined, the court will multiply this amount by 25%, giving you a basic child support obligation of $17,500 per year.

If you don’t pay child support, you may be ordered to do so by the court. In some circumstances, a court may issue a warrant or default order if you don’t follow up on your obligation. If you’re unable to pay your child support, you’ll need to contact the court to arrange a telephone hearing.

If your circumstances have changed since the last review, you can request a modification of your child support order. However, you must have a substantial change in your circumstances to be able to obtain a modification. For example, if you’re no longer earning enough to pay the child support amount, you can request that the court reduce the amount or increase it. In order to receive a modification of your child support order, you’ll need to present a written request explaining the changes. During this process, you’ll have to provide current financial information.

Child support is calculated according to guidelines that have been established by the state. These guidelines are in place to protect the rights and responsibilities of the parents. Parents may request to modify or circumvent the guidelines, but this arrangement is only valid when both parents agree. If you do, the agreement is only valid if the court approves it.

Child support payments can also be used to pay for a child’s basic needs, such as education and transportation. This money can help cover the costs of going to school, including tuition to private schools and lunch money. It can also help cover the costs of daycare services or hiring a nanny or babysitter.

While child support is generally not difficult to obtain, there are some steps you should take to make it successful. First, determine who is the legal father of your child. Usually, a parent is legally required to pay child support until their child reaches the age of 21. However, in some cases, the non-custodial parent is the one who is eligible to receive child support.

 

Experienced Family Law Attorneys Resolve Divorce and Custody & Family Issues

Whether you are divorcing your spouse or are facing a difficult custody battle, experienced family law attorneys can help you achieve the best possible divorce result. These lawyers are trained in dealing with opposing counsel and are able to negotiate fair settlements on your behalf. They will also advise you on the benefits of divorce mediation. Divorce mediation involves a facilitator who helps you and your spouse reach an agreement on terms that are agreeable to both of you. It’s not right for everyone, but it can help you avoid courtroom drama and ensure that you reach the best possible outcome.

Family law issues are often sensitive and involve children. An experienced and compassionate legal team can help you achieve your desired results while also keeping your mind at ease. In Pensacola, you can turn to a family law firm that specializes in divorce and custody cases. Alkam Law Offices is an experienced firm that provides personalized service to clients.

In Florida, divorce attorneys can also help you get a restraining order, which can protect you from a violent spouse. Additionally, if you or your spouse is accused of domestic violence, you can request that your child custody order be modified. It’s not uncommon for people to falsely accuse the other spouse of domestic violence, so you’ll need to hire an experienced family law attorney to protect your rights.

Child custody disputes can be emotionally exhausting and stressful. Hiring an experienced family law attorney is crucial to protect your interests and prevent you from wasting valuable time in court. An experienced family law attorney can also assist you in settling disputes through mediation. This way, both parties can remain in control of the process and voice their opinions and ideas. The process can be stressful, but a mediator can help you find a solution that is acceptable to both of you.

Hiring a family law attorney can help you avoid the stress and money of a divorce. In addition to helping you navigate the legal process, your attorney will represent you in court and negotiate the best resolution for your case. Choosing the right family law attorney can make or break your divorce. Choose someone who takes the time to listen to your situation and is committed to helping you resolve the issues.

Family law attorneys should be able to help you resolve a wide range of family law issues. They will be able to help you settle child custody disputes, visitation, child support and other issues that arise out of divorce. They can also handle restraining orders and other cases involving domestic violence and paternity.

If you are considering a career in family law, it’s important to find a law school with a family law program. You can visit a law school’s website to learn more about the career path, as well as the various courses and experiential learning opportunities. You can also visit a law school and meet a family law professor or contact the admissions office to ask questions.

Family Law – Protect Yourself From an Abusive Partner

If you are in the midst of an abusive relationship, you should consult a family law attorney. These cases are particularly complicated because the abuser may be emotionally or psychologically manipulative. As a result, the abuser may be unwilling to disclose the extent of his or her abuse. In this situation, you must have a strong advocate in your corner who will aggressively fight for your rights. In addition to educating you on your rights, your family law attorney should be experienced in handling domestic violence cases.

In addition to physical injury, abuse may also cause damage to personal property. This may be an attempt to control the victim. Typically, this type of behavior results in emotional distress, physical harm, or psychological damage to the victim. Whether you’re facing an abusive relationship or simply dealing with a situation where you don’t feel safe, family law attorneys will help you get the legal assistance you need to end your situation.

If you’ve suffered domestic violence, you can use the services of an attorney to get a restraining order, which will protect you and your children from further abuse. An attorney can also obtain a protective order for you and your children, and help you with custody and visitation issues. A family law attorney can explain the laws surrounding temporary support and the rights of children when divorced or separated.

A good family law attorney can help you gain custody of your child. The safety of your children is an absolute priority. Your attorney will be able to identify if your child has been exposed to domestic violence, and will be able to fight for them. A skilled lawyer can also help you fight false accusations of domestic violence and avoid receiving a protective order.

Although domestic violence statutes apply to spouses and partners of opposite sex, they also apply to parents and other family members. You should consult with a local advocate or shelter representative if you’re concerned about your relationship. The victim can also contact a lawyer if the abuse is committed by an adult who is not married.

In addition to domestic violence, threats of physical injury, sexual abuse, and gross neglect can be considered child abuse. These laws apply even to foster parents, custodians, and guardians of minor children. If you are being victimized by this type of abuse, contact an attorney immediately. A licensed attorney will help you obtain protective orders to protect your children and your family. In Houston, threats of abuse are very serious and should be taken seriously.

The Family Violence Act provides full protection for victims of abusive relationships. Obtaining protective orders can help ensure property ownership and spousal support for victims of domestic violence. The protective order process requires a number of detailed documents, and it is best to work with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

An order of protection can prevent abusers from seeing children or contacting their victims. These orders can also be challenged, and the accused party may be evicted from the home and prohibited from seeing their children. If you suspect a situation of domestic violence, a Houston family law attorney can help you get the protective order you deserve.

LSNYC is a unique program that provides legal assistance for victims of domestic violence. This program helps victims file their cases by providing legal aid and holistic support. The program’s mission is to empower victims and empower advocates. Its team also coordinates statewide family law advocacy and supports community collaborators.

If you are looking for a lawyer with expertise in family law and domestic violence, consider working with a pro bono attorney. The Houston Divorce Lawyers can help you navigate the complicated system of the courts.

In many family law jurisdictions, mediation is the standard before appearing before a judge. COVID, which allows for videoconferencing, has helped increase the use of mediation. It also reduces delays in court. Despite the challenges of dealing with domestic violence cases, COVID has allowed families to reduce the need for a judge.

In addition to child custody cases, domestic violence can affect the division of assets, and alimony. A skilled family law attorney can protect your family members and minimize the financial damage caused by domestic violence.

 

 

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Conflict in the Divorce Process

Whether you’re divorcing your spouse or filing for a civil divorce, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself for divorce court proceedings. If you’re the filing spouse, you should take steps to avoid negative self-talk and intense emotions. In addition, you should try to be more proactive about your divorce case. It’s essential to seek support and guidance throughout the entire process.

Regardless of your reason for divorce, you should be prepared financially. This includes establishing individual credit, even if your spouse has no assets. This is important because you may need credit for day-to-day living expenses. Alternatively, you may try to cut off your spouse’s financial support. However, the courts will not treat this as an emergency, since it may take months to get a credit card in your name alone. It is imperative that you hire a skilled Miami Divorce lawyer as early as possible to minimize the risk of a divorce lawsuit.

A divorce is often a complicated and stressful process. While it is not easy to navigate, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid conflict in the divorce process. First, try to do some soul-searching to determine what made you unhappy in the first place. Secondly, make sure to avoid placing blame on your spouse. This is a mistake that can make you feel like a victim. This mindset gives you a feeling of powerlessness, which is not helpful. You should instead aim to maintain an open line of communication to avoid any conflict in the process.

Next, the respondent needs to file a response to the divorce petition. Failure to do so can lead to a default judgment, which can be difficult to reverse. The respondent can dispute the grounds for at-fault divorce, the allegations made in the divorce petition, and decisions made on child custody, property division, and financial support.

Despite the challenges of divorce, it is important to stay positive and look forward. The difficult process will allow you to grow as a person and move on. Divorce can be a time for healing and growth, and can lead to better relationships in the future. It is important to seek support and guidance when you are going through a divorce.

Before you file for divorce, you should prepare your children for the process. Make sure your kids’ needs are your top priority. Money will always be an issue, but your children’s welfare should be your first priority. This way, you can minimize conflict and save money on the divorce attorney’s fees. Remember that divorce is a painful time for the kids. But if you can prepare them for the situation, the divorce process will be less difficult.

If you’re planning to file for divorce, you must carefully assess your finances before filing. Not only do you need to consider the impact of divorce on your finances, but you also need to consider inflation and the financial needs of your children. If you have children, you may need to negotiate child support and alimony. Planning your finances well in advance will help you make wise financial decisions during the divorce and secure your financial future.

While divorce is an emotionally difficult process, you should try to stay positive and compassionate. Even though you’re grieving the loss of your spouse, you’ll also need to maintain a positive relationship with your ex-spouse. A positive outlook will help you stay focused on the future. You should try to surround yourself with people who are positive and encouraging. Make a list of the things you’d like to accomplish during divorce, and use it as a guide for your decisions.

After filing for divorce in Miami, you’ll need to serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can serve the papers yourself or you can hire a professional process server. The petitioner must provide proof of residency in the state, and proof of physical or emotional abuse. You’ll need to serve the forms to your spouse within 40 days.

Ensure the welfare of your children is your highest priority in the divorce process. Your children have less control over the outcome than you do, so it’s important to make sure you make them feel as loved and supported as you can. Remember that they’ve already had enough to deal with, and you must make sure you show them that you’re there for them.

It is important to realize that you don’t have to like your ex to be able to work together. Even if you have children together, arguing with your ex is not good for them, and it’s likely to distance you.

 

 

Tips To Help You Find The Best Domestic Violence Attorney

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you will want to find the best attorney possible to represent your interests. While domestic violence is generally associated with men beating women, it can also occur between men and women. Even same-sex relationships can result in domestic violence. Florida courts are sympathetic to victims in these situations. Here are some tips to help you find the best lawyer for your case. Listed below are some qualities to look for in a domestic violence attorney.

Experience – The Best Domestic Violence Attorney in West Palm Beach must have extensive experience in handling these types of cases. Often, accusations stem from miscommunications, misunderstandings, or misinterpretation of events. Therefore, the first step to pursuing a domestic violence case is to find a lawyer in West Palm Beach who is experienced in this area. A lawyer who has experience in the courtroom will be able to defend you with a clear mind and a commitment to your interests.

Experience – Whether you’re facing a criminal case or simply have been accused of domestic violence, an attorney can help you with all of your legal options. Attorneys can help you obtain restraining orders, explain your options, and help you get the protection you deserve. Domestic violence issues can affect child custody and child support. Contacting a domestic violence attorney and criminal defense lawyer is also important if you’re facing charges for domestic violence. Failure to take action could negatively affect your life.

In addition to a criminal defense, domestic violence attorneys can help you obtain an injunction that restricts the abuser’s ability to contact the victim or come near vulnerable places. Every type of injunction has different requirements, and you need an attorney who understands the ins and outs of domestic violence cases. You may also want to consult with an attorney before entering a plea. Ultimately, a successful defense can protect your rights.

In addition to protecting your rights, a criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your reputation and future. While it’s not uncommon for a domestic violence conviction to result in a criminal record, it is important to consult with an attorney early on to protect your rights and increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. Domestic violence cases are sensitive and complex, so it is essential to choose the right attorney to represent you. You may even find yourself in need of an injunction, which would prevent you from having access to guns or a gun.

Regardless of the level of domestic violence, a conviction may result in life-changing consequences for the accused. In addition to limiting the victim’s freedom, a domestic violence conviction can lead to a prison sentence. It can also affect the victim’s career and family life, as well as alienate friends and family. To avoid such a life-altering situation, hire the best domestic violence attorney in Florida.

Child Custody Agreements

In most cases, the term “child custody” refers to a set of responsibilities and power that a parent has to a child or children. Some jurisdictions use child custody with a definition that excludes unmarried parents. The courts in most states have a preference to use the phrase “child custody” in deciding custody issues. Most child custody battles are thought to occur when one of the parents has primary custody of the child or children, or when one of the parents has more physical or legal custody of the child or children than the other parent.

 

Generally speaking, different types of Child Custody exist depending on where you live. In St. Louis, there are two main types of custody disputes; joint custody and sole custody. When the state grants sole custody to one of the parents, that parent has total control of and has access to the child or children of that parent. If the court grants joint custody to both parents, then it is called shared custody. If only one of the parents has legal custody, then it is called single-parent custody.

 

Parents must often work out their own version of custody agreement. Joint custody agreements tend to be more fair because both parties are equally represented and are allowed to present their cases and make their wishes known to the judge. Parents must decide how much time the child will spend with each parent and how that time will be spent. Some judges prefer joint custody over sole because it allows both parents to spend quality time with the child. In the St. Louis visitation court, joint custody is usually the preferred arrangement because it tends to lead to a more peaceful and amicable relationship between the two parents.

 

Once a judge has ordered joint physical custody, that’s the only time the child spends with either parent. At that point, there is no time limit on visitation. Each parent can visit the child once in one month, twice in the same month and three times in any month. For the purposes of visitation rights, if one of the parents moves out of the state, the judge will consider the child to be in the custody and protection of that parent.

 

After a divorce, in order for the court to determine which party has legal custody of the child, they must look at the details of the divorce agreement, child custody laws in the state and any stipulations included in the agreement. A St. Louis family law attorney can help the judge make this determination. It is important to include everything in writing so the judge can make an informed decision. For details about child custody, please check out www.stlouisdivorcelawyers.net/child-custody/.

 

The parenting time schedule and visitation are usually governed by the visitation rights of each parent. If one of the parents is more likely to have frequent changes in routine, they may want to emphasize stability and predictability in the child’s schedule. On the other hand, if both parents frequently change their routines, they may wish to include flexibility in the visitation schedule. A parent can use a child glossary to list the ways that they wish to manage their child’s time. They can also work with the judge to ensure that their wishes are included in the parenting plan.