When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

According to law enforcement sources, shoplifting activity has daily, weekly and seasonal patterns. Shoplifters are more often caught later in the week and during high-demand periods such as pre-Easter, pre-summer and pre-Christmas. Because the majority of shoplifters are juveniles and young people, their activity reflects the times when they are free to visit the mall and shops--after school, during weekends and vacation periods.

Because we are entering the school summer vacation period, it's a good time to review what is known about shoplifting in general and juvenile shoplifting in particular. However, not all shoplifters are alike. There are the opportunistic shoplifters who take items for their own use. There are those who steal for resale, often to support drug habits. Finally, there are organized groups who systematically steal large amounts of merchandise for resale.

What is taken by shoplifters? Many national surveys have shown that the most common types of goods stolen in the U.S. include cigarettes, over-the-counter drugs and condoms and other birth control products. Music, videos and designer clothing are also attractive to shoplifters.

Why Do Kids Shoplift?

Teenagers usually fall into the "opportunistic" category. In some infrequent cases, the teen actually needs the item and cannot afford to purchase it. Some kids crave the attention or are seeking to lash out against their parents and authority. Others do it to fit in with their friends. Still others love the thrill. Many say that they had no intention of taking anything when they entered the store where they were caught.

Opportunistic shoplifting like that committed by teens has increased in recent years, possibly as a result of the sluggish economy and high unemployment among teens. Retailers have responded to the increase by pressing charges against younger teens and waiting less time for parents to arrive before calling police.

Penalties For Shoplifting

What happens to kids who are caught and convicted of shoplifting in Massachusetts? It depends on the value of the items stolen. If the items were valued under $100, the fine will be $250 for the first offense, and $500 for the second offense. A third conviction for shoplifting goods worth less than $100 could put someone in prison for up to two years.

If the items stolen were valued at $100 or more, someone convicted of shoplifting could face up to 28 months in prison and fines of up to $100 for the first offense. The penalties get steeper with subsequent convictions.

My Child Was Stopped At The Store. What Should I Do?.

When you receive that call from store security to come pick up your child, you probably have no idea what to do. Here are some tips that will help you - and your teen - survive the experience:
- Find out what's going to happen. Will your child be charged, banned from the store or required to make restitution?
- Don't yell at your child while you are still in the store. You'll probably say something that you will regret later.
- Once you feel ready to talk with your child about the incident, be very clear about how he or she can regain your trust
- Don't try to shelter your kid if the matter goes to court. That's the job of the defense attorney that you hire on behalf of your child.

One of the most important things you can do is to stay hopeful - your teen's life is not ruined. Less than 1.6 percent of kids who attend court-ordered programs after being caught shoplifting are ever charged again.

Article provided by Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group
Visit us at www.masscriminaldefenseattorneys.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage


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When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

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Bicycle safety for adults and children

The state of Washington is interested in promoting safe bicycling and offers many resources for bicyclists. It is especially important for children to learn safe bicycling habits, as they are especially likely to get into bicycle accidents.

Ready for safety

It is important for riders to be properly equipped. A helmet is a necessary accessory for all riders. Lights are required by law at night, a white headlight and a rear taillight or reflector. Riders should dress in bright colors to be more visible to motorists. Using headphones is never a good idea, as they can keep the rider from being fully aware of surroundings.

The Washington Department of Transportation reminds bicyclists to follow all the rules of the road, just like operators of any other vehicle. WDOT offers suggestions for safer bicycling.

Conduct in traffic

Being constantly on the alert is paramount. Bike riders must pay attention to everyone else around them and be ready to act quickly to avoid an accident. A careful rider will be constantly scanning the surroundings, always looking back before changing lanes.

Bicyclists should act predictably so that motorists know what to expect and avoid inadvertently colliding with a bicycle. Predictable behavior includes obeying traffic signals, riding with traffic, staying within lanes and signaling turns. It is best to ride in the middle of a lane when possible and to pass on the left rather than the right side of cars.

Children on bicycles

Of course, children are at risk on bicycles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions parents that bicycle crashes are more likely to send a child to the emergency room than any other sport or athletic activity.

More than 20 percent of those who are killed in bicycle accidents are children aged five to 15. Head injuries are the most frequent cause of death. Providing a child with a properly fitted helmet can help reduce the chances of a serious head injury by up to 88 percent.

The most common type of bicycle collision that children get into is called a "midblock rideout," which happens when a bicyclist enters a road from a driveway, alley or curb without looking in all directions for oncoming traffic.

Parents need to remember that young children do not have the same kind of cognitive functioning as adults. Children lack the impulse control that may be needed when they have to pause before riding into a street. They can also easily become distracted, and they have not learned to use peripheral vision to detect hazards. They may not yet know enough to anticipate that an unseen car could be coming around a curve.

Parents can help by showing their children a good example, knowing their children's limitations and enrolling children in bicycle safety courses when available. Children are most likely to be injured by falling, so parents will do well to look over the child's riding route for potholes and other obstacles and practice avoidance techniques with the child.

If a child is hurt in a collision with a car while bicycling, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine whether they may be able to recover costs, including medical treatment and compensation for the child's pain and suffering.

Article provided by Law Offices of Matthew D. Dubin
Visit us at www.dubinlawoffice.com/

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Bicycle safety for adults and children

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MissingCritters.com Offers Five Tips to Create a Pet-Safe Home

There is no better way to celebrate a pet than to provide them with the safest possible environment. Pets, like children, are mischievous and curious. A pet, however, will continue to think like a child while growing quickly into the equivalent of a teenager or adult. The following five easy-to-remember tips address common and serious dangers in and around the house:

1.Protect pets from ingesting medications, chemicals, and yard treatments.

Think of pet safety as child safety. Close tightly and immediately items considered a poison or medication. Do not throw them in the trash. Follow local hazardous waste and medication disposal methods. Keep the Pet Poison HelpLINE telephone number handy: 800-213-6680.

A yard may contain unnoticed pet poisons. The effects may not be immediate, but are deadly, nonetheless. Natural and pet-safe treatments include: corn gluten meal, a natural weed killer and fertilizer and diatomaceous earth or boric acid (Borax) to kill pests.

2.Prevent and be prepared for a runaway pet.

What awaits a lost dog or lost cat is reflected in the statistics published by the ASPCA Less than 5% of all missing animals get returned to their owner. Do not underestimate a pets ability to get loose no matter how great the mutual love.

• Doors and windows should be kept closed or screened.
• Add additional security In the yard gate latches, a natural dig deterrent such as citronella or pepper, or a simple fence extender such as Dig Defence products.
• A pet should always wear an ID tag, have a microchip, and be registered with MissingCritters.com for free and instant Internet posting and searching.

3.Visually scan objects, appliances, and doors in the home and yard. Ask, What would happen if ?

What would happen if a pet ate, walked on, went inside, or knocked over _______? Fill in the blank with objects, appliances, doors and drawers throughout the house and yard. Then move it, close it, adjust it, or not leave it unattended. Chewing up homework or messing up a half completed puzzle may be annoying, but jumping on a hot stove, eating a small, sharp object, or knocking over a lit candle can be harmful.

4.Always have water accessible.

More water than can be imagined is required to keep pets alive and healthy. From hamsters to cats, from parakeets to dogs, from bunnies to snakes, make sure that there is always water available. No pet asks for water. Dogs just go directly to the toilet for a drink.

5.Even a short trip to the store requires attention.

Shopping will only take a minute is a common belief, but a rare occurrence. How often have we run to the store for two or three items and returned with two or three bags?

• Never leave pets alone in a car on a warm day the car will become much hotter than the outdoor air and tragedies are common in this situation. If left in a cool car, crack all the windows a little and ensure a pets muzzle cant get all the way out. Leave a shallow pan of water on the floor.
• While driving, if a window is left open, make sure the opening is small. Animals do NOT always sense what would happen if they instinctively jump through a moving cars window.
• The drivers seat means very little to a pet. If possible, use a cage in the back of the car or a commercially available, pet seat-belt in the back seat. Pets are notorious distractions for drivers and very poor at steering.

Finally, practice this mantra: Protect a pet like protecting a child! The above tips will help reduce the chances of severe harm to a pet and, in some cases, to their human caretakers.

About MissingCritters:

MissingCritters.com is a website founded with the vision: What if all lost animals and all found animals could instantly be posted on a public bulletin board with almost no effort and was 100% Free? Our approach is simple, yet elegant Use a cell. Click a pic. Save a stray! This free, easy-to-use website is designed so that the owner of a missing animal is immediately notified when the pet is found and, if taken to a shelter, returned home within the short window of time before the critter is adopted, transferred elsewhere, or put down. Companies interested in advertising to support the site can contact Stuart Harris at SHarris(at)MissingCritters(dot)com.

News source: PRWeb

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MissingCritters.com Offers Five Tips to Create a Pet-Safe Home

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Author of Celibacy's Child, Lisa B. Overton to Appear on AZTV's Morning Scramble Show Tuesday

Lisa B. Overton is opening up and telling the world about her life as the child of a forbidden love affair. This moving story details her experience growing up as the child of a Roman Catholic priest and an ex-nun who entered into a 30+ year clandestine love affair.

She tells the poignant story of her childhood and how she survived loneliness, shame and hypocrisy in her parents' painful and secretive shadow and how she eventually forgave them both. She never knew who her father was until finally, on her mother's death bed Lisa asked, "Was Uncle my father?" It tells the tale of a forbidden love and the child who was

Celibacy is a spiritual requisite for Priests of the Catholic religion. The law of celibacy is not considered to be a doctrine, but rather a discipline to abstain from all sexual intercourse and marriage. It is believed to be purifying and to strengthen their connection with faith.

The celibacy laws of the church were very clear, stating that any priest who strayed from the strict rules would be banned from priesthood, which is why he never told her his true identity. He simply was known as "Uncle."

"I wrote this book, not with malice towards the Catholic church, but with the hope that one day Rome will remove celibacy from it's doctrine. The stigma of shame that infected my mother's life as well as my own, came at a horrific price for both of us."

Lisa is going on AZTV's Morning Scramble show with Pat McMahon on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, airing at 8:00am to discuss her new book. Celibacy's Child is available on amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Celibacys-Child-ebook/dp/B00B90OWCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366421961&sr=8-1&keywords=celibacys+child and has a Facebook page where you can receive updates of events taking place https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celibacys-Child
You can stream the show live at http://www.aztv.com and check out AZTV's Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/aztv7.

This is a story of family bonds and forgiveness. It was written for families to offer hope and repair trespasses against one another. It is especially good for daughters and mothers.

Contact Information: Mackenzie Miller
Cloudnine Marketing
Phoenix, Arizona
United States
Voice: 4804171799
http://www.cloudninemarketing.com

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Author of Celibacy's Child, Lisa B. Overton to Appear on AZTV's Morning Scramble Show Tuesday

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Contested adoptions in Minnesota

Contested adoptions in Minnesota

Not every parent that has a child is able to provide that child with the care that he or she needs. Maybe the parents had problems with drugs or alcohol, mental health difficulties that prevented them from parenting safely; or were too young to handle the responsibilities of being a parent. In some of these situations, a family member may step in and raise the child for the parents either on an unofficial or a legally recognized basis.

In some situations, however, a child may be placed in foster care, and ultimately may become available for adoption. In most cases, these adoptions of children out of the foster care system will proceed according to plan. Even though it may take time before the adoption is finally finished, foster parents usually know what to expect. However, when an adoption becomes contested, things can get very difficult very fast.

In many contested adoptions, either foster parents or relatives may try to prevent the adoption from occurring, or instead seek to adopt the child themselves. Sometimes it can be difficult to timely locate family members who may be able to provide care for the child. This can lead to even more delays, making it more disruptive to move the child to new caregivers, and making it more likely that litigation will ensue as a result. Extensive and time-consuming litigation is often the end result when such situations arise.

These cases can become extremely complex, because of the number of parties involved. These frequently include foster parents who are looking to adopt the child, relatives or others who are also seeking to adopt the child, representatives from the child protection agency handling the child's case, an advocate for the child known as a Guardian ad Litem, as well as others who may have an interest in the case.

When courts decide these contested adoption cases in Minnesota, they will make their ruling based in large part upon the child's best interests; but other considerations are part of the decision as well, including what level of priority - if any - is to be given to relatives under Minnesota law. The court will have to analyze several factors to determine which prospective adoptive parent(s) can best meet the child's best interests; as well as legal arguments about the requirements of Minnesota statutes concerning relatives. This will often depend significantly upon the testimony that was heard at trial, and often involves the use of experts in an effort to show why one party should be chosen as the adoptive parent(s).

If you are considering adopting or contesting the potential adoption of a child, whether you are a foster parent, a relative or an interested party, it is important that you contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your situation. Adoption proceedings can at times be complex, particularly where there is a possible contested proceeding, and you may need someone to explain the process and your options to you. Being prepared can help you have a plan in place should any issues arise.

While most adoptions will not be highly contested matters, an attorney can help you be proactive, preserve your arguments if necessary and protect your rights at this time. These can be emotionally difficult matters to resolve, they can be legally complex, and you may have trouble focusing on the issues that need to be addressed. An attorney can help you present your case, and allow you to demonstrate to the court why your request should be granted.

Article provided by Walling, Berg & Debele, P.A.
Visit us at www.wbdlaw.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage

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Contested adoptions in Minnesota

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Tragic death of child pedestrian in Harlem raises safety concerns anew

The sad death of a six-year-old on his way to school who was run over by a semi truck in East Harlem on February 28, 2013, has raised emotions and highlighted the awareness of New Yorkers to the dangers associated with living in a huge city. Little Amar Diarassoubba was reportedly in the crosswalk with his nine-year-old brother a half block from his school when the first grader was run over by the back wheels of the truck.

The morning rush-hour truck-pedestrian accident is still under investigation so many of the details are unknown and although some have been reported, many questions exist -- one being, where was the crossing guard who was apparently missing from the site? And where was the truck driver, who claimed that he did not even know that he struck the child until he was flagged down, looking? It has also been reported that the daily presence of large food delivery trucks in the neighborhood has been controversial.

The New York Times reports that the truck driver received traffic citations for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and for failing to drive with due care, and that the crossing guard has been suspended without pay, but that both are unlikely to be charged with any crimes.

Systemic issues

SchoolBook reports that two recent studies suggest that East Harlem, especially the area around the victim's school, may have a high concentration of child pedestrian traffic accidents with resultant child injuries and deaths. Many media reports have described an ongoing controversy as to whether the New York Police Department has worked hard enough to prevent, investigate and charge those at fault for pedestrian traffic accidents with crimes and traffic infractions.

According to the New York Times, since this accident, elected officials have been calling publicly for "new traffic-calming measures from the city".

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 percent of kids in fatal pedestrian accidents with cars die from traumatic brain injuries. The CDC reports that children are at increased risk of such accidents in part because of their smaller statures, propensity to dart out into traffic and less sophisticated perception of traffic danger.

Regardless, the characteristics of child pedestrians are obvious and drivers on busy city streets, especially those operating large vehicles, owe a duty of care to keep children safe by driving reasonably and in accordance with traffic laws.

If your child is seriously injured or killed in New York City because of being struck by a motor vehicle, you should discuss the situation with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A lawyer experienced in the handling of motor vehicle accident cases can advise you of your legal rights and potential remedies such as bringing a personal injury lawsuit. If the driver was negligent or reckless, or violated any state or local traffic laws, that evidence will be important in your case. A knowledgeable lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to obtain the proof necessary to prove your case and maximize the recovery.

Article provided by Dansker & Aspromonte Associates
Visit us at www.dandalaw.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage

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Tragic death of child pedestrian in Harlem raises safety concerns anew

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Removal of Children from the Commonwealth

One of the most complex issues faced by the Probate and Family Court arises when one parent wishes to relocate out of Massachusetts with a minor child, or "remove" the child from the state. The removal statute found in M.G.L. ch. 208 Section 30 states that "A minor child of divorced parents...shall not, if of suitable age to signify his consent, be removed out of this Commonwealth without such consent, or, if under that age, without the consent of both parents, unless the court upon cause shown otherwise orders." Though the statute refers to a child of divorced parents, it has also been applied to children born out of wedlock.

The statue provides two easy methods to remove a child out of the Commonwealth. First, if the child is of suitable age, then he or she can consent to the removal. Second, one parent may consent to the child's removal by the other parent. However, the majority of removal cases involve either children who are not old enough to consent, or involve the other parent opposing the removal. In this situation, the statute authorizes the Court to order the removal "upon good cause shown."

Over the years, the courts have been tasked with determining what exactly the vague language "good cause shown" means. Fortunately, the case law has been relatively settled after the Supreme Judicial Court's precedential case, Yannas v. Frontistou-Yannas, 395 Mass. 704 (1985), which primarily focused on interpreting this phrase. The court began its analysis by broadly stating that "good cause" means that it would be in the best interest of the child, including whether the child's quality of life would be improved, the effect the move would have on the child's relationship with the non-custodial parent, and the emotional and developmental effects of the move on the child.

More specifically, the court in Yannas and later courts alike placed significant weight on whether the custodial parent has demonstrated a "good, sincere reason" for wanting to remove the child. A "good" reason to remove the child has been interpreted to include a move closer to extended family, a move by the custodial parent for better job prospects, and a move for a new spouse's employment. A "sincere" reason for seeking removal is one that is not motivated by a desire to diminish or preclude contact between the non-custodial parent and the child. Once this "good, sincere reason" threshold has been met, a court will then determine all other factors affecting the "best interest of the child" collectively to reach its decision.

There is no easy answer to the removal question. Most often, it becomes an extremely contentious and emotionally charged issue. The most important thing to remember for a removal case, as well as any other case involving children, is that the courts will always act in the best interest of the child and seek to preserve the child's relationship with the non-custodial parent.

The Massachusetts Family Law Group
124 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 203-776-0535
Website: http://www.thebostondivorcelawyer.com/

Dahlia Habashy
Massachusetts Family Law Group
Associate Attorney
124 Long Pond Road Suite 12
Plymouth, MA
US 02360
Voice: (508) 732-9977
http://www.thebostondivorcelawyer.com/

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Removal of Children from the Commonwealth

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Cellphone photos and videos subject many to child pornography charges

It is a high-tech world and everyone today seems to have a cellphone. Many cellphones have the capability of taking photos and video that users share with friends and family or keep for their own viewing pleasure. However, careless or reckless use of cellphones can get their owners into legal problems.

A Pennsylvania man was recently convicted in a Maryland court of one count of receipt of child pornography. He received a sentence of 10 years in federal prison and will have 50 years of supervised release upon completion of his jail time. The man was accused of videotaping young boys with his cellphone as they used the urinals in rest stops along I-95.

A Midwestern coach was accused last year of taking pornographic videos on his cellphone of his own children when, in fact, his kids had merely asked him to videotape them while they cavorted after taking a bath. The judge threw the charges out but only after the man lost his job and was publicly disgraced by the felony charges; one of using minors in a sexual performance and another of possession of child pornography.

Sexting

Sexting is a relatively new term, meaning the act of sending sexually explicit photos, video or messages via cellphone. The practice is increasingly popular, especially among teenagers and young adults.

In Maryland, child pornography laws make it a felony to create, possess or distribute an image of a minor engaged in any type of sexual activity. Even photos or videos taken by minors of other minors are subject to criminal penalties.

Illegal acts of child pornography

Child pornography laws are broadly construed in Maryland. Actions that are illegal in the state include such acts as:
- Taking a photo or video of a minor engaging in sexual conduct
- Manipulating computer images to depict or describe a minor engaging in sexual conduct
- Asking or coercing a minor to be the subject of a sexual photo or video
- Knowingly allowing a minor to be the subject of a sexual photo or video
- Possessing, promoting or distributing a photo or video of a minor engaging in sexual conduct

Penalties for child pornography convictions

An accusation of child pornography can have a devastating impact on a person's life. Even if the charges are later dropped, the harm has already been done to the person's reputation, job and relationships.

Penalties for convictions of possession, promotion and distribution of child porn can vary widely depending on the number and type of charges, a person's prior criminal history and the laws of the state in which the person is charged. Federal charges may also come into play in certain circumstances. Penalties often include jail time, penalties and registration as a sex offender.

If you are accused of a child pornography crime, seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable about defending sex crime cases can help ensure that your rights are protected.

Article provided by Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter
Visit us at www.waechterlawfirm.com

FL Web Advantage

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Cellphone photos and videos subject many to child pornography charges

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New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services gets a new name

The Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey - previously known as DYFS - recently underwent a change in its official name. Going forward, the state agency will be known as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or simply DCP&P.

Unfortunately for those who have experienced frustration dealing with this agency in the past - for instance, those falsely investigated for child abuse - the recent name change will likely not significantly impact the substantial powers afforded to this New Jersey agency.

New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency

According to New Jersey's Department of Children and Families, the mission of DCP&P is to "ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children." This agency is charged with accomplishing this mission by investigating allegations of child neglect or abuse, and arranging for a child's protection if needed.

And while protecting children is an admirable mission everyone can support, there are countless New Jersey parents who have encountered the seemingly never-ending procedural roadblocks and frustrations that often come with dealing with DCP&P - or its predecessor DYFS.

Moreover, many New Jersey parents find themselves feeling powerless when they are pitted against the vast powers utilized by the agents of DCP&P. For instance, DCP&P has the limited ability to enter a person's home without a search warrant or even sufficient probable cause that would be necessary in criminal situations.

If someone simply notifies DCP&P of supposedly "suspicious" activity, the agency can possibly enter a person's home and take his or her children - which is especially frightening for parents given that it is possible for children to be taken away in situations when the anonymous allegations are ultimately proven to be false.

It is important for New Jersey parents to know that they do have a right to appeal DCP&P findings if the agency determines abuse or neglect occurred. Depending on the circumstances, the appeal can progress in two different ways. For example, if the child has not been removed from the parent's custody, the appeal will likely be argued before an Administrative Law Judge; however, if the child has been removed from a parent's custody, the appeal will be heard in Superior Court.

Unfortunately, there is limited time in which to appeal a DCP&P finding, meaning it is imperative to contact an experienced DCP&P defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced DCP&P defense attorney can help defend against child abuse charges by collecting important evidence and providing knowledgeable advice.

Article provided by Maynard & Sumner, LLC
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Child support payments in Michigan increase due to economic recovery

Increases in court-ordered child support payments may point to a recovering economy in Michigan. The news comes after several years of rising unemployment and difficult financial times, creating a situation in which over ten percent of child support payments came from welfare checks. However, that number has been falling, and is projected to continue falling as the economy improves and those responsible for child support payments are now able to honor their obligations.

Enforcement efforts in connection with child support payments

Of course, ability to pay is not necessarily enough to account for the increase in child support payments. Rather, successful enforcement efforts are also responsible for the uptick in payment. Among enforcement efforts have been felony warrant arrests, mandating that parents with large amounts of outstanding child support payments must enter the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program, or KPEP, or pay their child support.

KPEP requires enrollees to get up early, follow a curfew and look for work. Many parents in arrears choose to pay their child support when faced with the choice between that and KPEP. Given that the numbers indicating an uptick in payments include post-enforcement payments, it is clear that enforcement efforts play a major role in funneling the fruits of economic recovery toward the payment of unpaid child support obligations.

Factors considered in a support determination

There are a number of factors that judges consider when making a child support determination. The primary factors include the parents' income, the time each parent spends with the child, health insurance and medical expenses, the costs of childcare and educational expenses. While these are the general guidelines when it comes to child support determinations, courts have also looked to other factors including the existing child support obligations a parent has for other children, extraordinary medical expenses, the child's standard of living pre-child support order, any unusual expenses the parent may have or incur, the child's financial situation and extremely adverse financial situations. Given the post-recession environment, judges may have been more lenient to those in dire financial straits, but signs of recovery may alter this trend.

Michigan child support attorney

People who are concerned about child support may benefit from speaking with an experienced family law attorney. A family law attorney can explain the factors a judge will use in setting child support, help make sure that a judge is aware of all relevant factors and gather evidence to support your position.

If you are having trouble meeting your current child support obligations, it is a good idea to speak to an attorney. It may be possible to get a child support modification if your circumstances have changed since the time of the initial court order. Enforcement efforts by the state to secure outstanding child support obligations may require the assistance of an attorney experienced in this area of the law.

Article provided by Velzen, Johnsen & Wikander, P.C.
Visit us at www.westmichigandivorce.com

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Child support payments in Michigan increase due to economic recovery

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