Tapp Law Firm Tapp Law Firm 2026-05-08T13:59:44Z https://www.tapplaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1404702/2025/05/cropped-TLF-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[5 items a child should have at both co-parents’ homes]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50882 2026-05-01T16:05:05Z 2026-05-08T13:59:44Z It can be challenging for a child to pack and unpack every time when moving between their two homes. Not only can this make them feel like they are living out of a suitcase, but they may also not have a sense of belonging in either home.  Co-parents should keep items their child needs at both homes to provide stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Here are five such items:

Clothing

You should have a sufficient wardrobe for your child in the two homes. It should include daily clothing, underwear, socks, pajamas, school clothes//uniforms, swimwear, seasonal clothes and footwear. 

Toiletries

Ensure your child has a toothbrush, toothpaste, hair care items, skincare products and personal care products. They don’t need to pack a toothbrush, shampoo or lotion every time they move.

Toys and games

Some toys can move between the two homes without difficulties, such as a doll or a small card game. However, it helps to duplicate certain toys, such as trucks, trains, board games and art supplies.

School supplies

Of course, your child needs to move with certain school supplies, such as their homework, school-issued electronics, projects and specialized items like music instruments. However, some items can be available in both homes, including stationery, notebooks, athletic gear, calculators and basic art supplies.

Electronics

Your child should have access to electronics in both homes. For instance, a smartphone for communication and a laptop/tablet for schoolwork. Make sure chargers are present at the two homes and screen time rules apply consistently.  Your child can move around with their favorite items or things that can’t be duplicated. Otherwise, they should have anything they need at both homes. Get more information about other ways you and your co-parent can reduce struggles, increasing the chances of successful co-parenting.  ]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[One thing that can really help summer co-parenting]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50892 2026-05-01T16:03:53Z 2026-05-01T16:03:53Z Stay flexible You might have had to fight hard to get a share of parenting time that you are content with when going through the divorce. So being flexible with the other parent may be the last thing on your mind. However, flexibility can make for simpler co-parenting. If this is going to be your first summer after divorce, you may find that the plan you so carefully made doesn’t work. The kids’ summer routine may require a change to the schedules you worked out. You may find that having the children from Monday to Friday as planned simply does not allow you to get enough work done when they are hanging around the house and you are working from home. Another reason you might need to be flexible is to avoid shutting out opportunities. For example, your ex-mother-in-law wants to take all the grandchildren to the coast for a week. However, the only week she can do this is the week the kids are due to be with you. If you refuse because it’s your turn to have the kids, they may feel they are missing out. If you grant permission and perhaps make up the time on another date, it is likely better for them and can lead to future flexibility being directed your way by your co-parent when you need it. Experienced legal guidance on matters of custody and parenting time can help you come up with the sort of arrangement that is more likely to lead to cooperation moving forward.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[Modifying custody orders: When and how to take action]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50879 2026-04-08T14:41:54Z 2026-04-10T14:40:08Z Follow the process It’s not enough to simply ask your co-parent to agree to changes. Such informal agreements may seem convenient, but they are not legally recognized or enforceable if disputes arise later. As such, it’s important to go through the proper legal channels. Modifying a custody order involves filing a petition in the same court that issued the original order. Think of it as a formal request to the court to adjust your child’s living arrangements or your parenting responsibilities. Your petition should clearly explain what you want to change and why these changes are necessary. Once you do this, a hearing will be scheduled where both parents can present their cases unless an agreement is reached prior to Court. The judge may ask questions to clarify how the proposed changes will impact your child, and each parent will have the opportunity to provide evidence supporting their position. The court will then issue a ruling on the matter.

Maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome

Preparation is key to improving your chances of a successful custody modification. Start by gathering clear evidence of the changes in circumstances that necessitate the modification. Remember, courts focus on the best interests of the child, so any information that highlights how the proposed changes benefit your child will strengthen your case. Next, approach the process professionally. Keep communication with your co-parent focused on the child’s needs and avoid letting personal conflicts overshadow the discussion. Present your proposed changes thoughtfully and calmly during the hearing. Lastly, by seeking professional legal guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls as you navigate the legal process and help ensure your petition is as effective as possible. This can make a meaningful difference in achieving a custody arrangement that serves your child’s best interests while avoiding unnecessary stress for both you and your family.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[How courts decide spousal support in same-sex divorces]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50877 2026-04-08T14:39:43Z 2026-04-09T14:00:12Z A common issue among divorcing couples is whether one spouse will be required to support the other after the marriage ends financially. But what is unique to LGBTQ+ couples is that their relationship may have begun years before same-sex marriages were legally recognized in Arkansas. Understanding how courts determine alimony can help both spouses prepare for the legal and financial realities of divorce.

There are different types of alimony

The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and not fall into poverty when the marriage ends. However, alimony is not automatic; a judge typically awards it only when one spouse has financial needs, and the other spouse can pay. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to calculating alimony. Judges consider the details of each case. In addition to financial needs and ability to pay, courts may consider other factors such as:
  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s education, work history, current income and earning potential
  • The age and health of both spouses
  • Each spouse’s assets and debts
  • The standard of living established during the marriage
There are three different types of alimony that a judge may award:
  1. Temporary alimony that helps ensure that both spouses can meet their financial needs until the divorce is finalized.
  2. Rehabilitation alimony, which is one of the most common forms. It is typically awarded for a limited time so that the receiving spouse can gain the education, training or work experience they need to become financially independent.
  3. Permanent alimony may be ordered in cases where a spouse cannot become financially independent due to age, disability or other significant circumstances.
Some same-sex couples were together long before they were legally able to marry. During that time, one partner may have provided financial support while the other pursued education or raised children.  Courts may inquire into the broader picture of the relationship when determining spousal support. Working with a legal professional is essential for understanding your legal rights and financial options.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[3 tips for telling your children you are divorcing]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50875 2026-03-30T13:47:07Z 2026-03-30T13:47:07Z 1. Tell them as a family, if possible It is usually better for you and your spouse to break the news to your children as a team rather than just you or your spouse doing it. It helps the children understand that you will continue to work together for their benefit, even if you won’t all live in the same house anymore. If you have more than one child, breaking the news to all of them at the same time is also wise. This is news they should hear directly from you, and there is a risk that if you tell one of them first, they may tell the others, and the message might not be transmitted in the best way.

2. Time it carefully

There is no ideal time to break the news, but some are worse than others. Try to avoid doing it close to a child’s birthday or a big holiday. Don’t do it when they are studying for a big test. Weekends are often best, as it gives the children time to process the news before school comes around on Monday. It also gives you more time to sit with them and talk some more about everything or answer questions than on a typical weekday.

3. You don’t have to tell them everything at once

Telling your children everything at once would likely be too much for them to take in. You and your spouse will have many issues to sort out before you finalize the divorce, and you cannot be sure how it will all turn out. Seeking early legal guidance can help you understand more about what comes next for you and your children.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[What role can children have in choosing their custody plan?]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50864 2026-03-09T15:27:25Z 2026-03-13T15:25:00Z Some states allow minor children to have a say in their custody arrangements upon their turning a specific age. Arkansas uses a different rubric, as there is no stated age for them to participate legally in the custody process. Here in our state, the courts look to the best interests of the child when deciding where and with whom they will live. Learn more about that below.

Factors courts consider

Family court judges may take the child’s preference into account when making custody rulings. Below are some other potential factors judges can use when determining custody of minor children:
  • The parents’ home environments
  • History of substance abuse
  • Parents' work schedules
  • Parents’ relationship with one another
  • History of domestic violence 
These are not the only factors. Courts may also rely on a parent’s mental health history to place the kids in the safest and most stable home possible.

Kids’ maturity levels matter, too

If your child is enrolled in a special school that is best suited for the child's individual needs, then judge can take that under advisement. That situation may carry more weight than a child simply not wanting to leave their friend group (although that can also be a consideration for kids who struggle to connect and fit in). Under special circumstances, a family court judge may invite the children into their chambers to discuss the pending court decision with Counsel's agreement. Outside of a formal court setting, they may be more likely to reveal preferences or express concerns to the judge.

If you’re seeking full custody

You will need to make a persuasive argument as to why the other parent can’t or shouldn't play a role in their children’s lives. Learning more about parents’ legal rights and responsibilities is always prudent.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[Have you chosen a child custody schedule?]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50833 2026-03-09T15:24:23Z 2026-03-12T15:23:57Z When going through a divorce with a child, creating a custody schedule is one of the requirements. You and your co-parent need to develop a schedule that allows your child to comfortably move between the two homes. Here is how you can do this:

Prioritize your child's best interests 

You should take into account your child’s unique characteristics, including their age, needs and routine. If your child is a toddler, they can benefit more from a schedule that allows frequent contact with both parents. If you have a school-age child or teenager, you want a schedule that does not significantly disrupt their school or social lives. A child’s temperament also matters. Does your child easily adapt to change, or do they need time to adjust? If your child is highly adaptable and handles changes in routine well, you have a lot of options. However, if they have a difficult time with change, fewer transitions and a high level of consistency in routines can be better. If your child has a special medical, developmental, educational, emotional or social need, choose a custody schedule that allows them to easily receive the care they need. Moreover, consider your child’s daily routines. Do they go to school/daycare? Do they have extracurricular activities? 

Consider your schedule and lifestyle

You and your co-parent should factor in each other’s schedules and lifestyles when creating a custody schedule. What are your work schedules? Does any of you frequently travel for work? How far apart do you live from each other? What’s the distance between each of your homes and the child’s school/other activities? Balancing your child’s best interests and your schedules/lifestyles can help you create a custody schedule that is less likely to lead to misunderstandings. Learn more about how to make informed decisions when it comes to your child during divorce.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[The importance of stepparent adoption in same-sex marriages]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50813 2026-03-09T15:23:17Z 2026-03-11T15:22:41Z Same-sex couples can marry and buy real property together. They can also start or grow their families together. Some same-sex couples pursue adoption or medically-assisted reproduction during the marriage. Others enjoy an instant upgrade to parent status when they marry a partner who has already adopted a child or had a child in a previous relationship.  Stepparents get to live with their stepchildren and enjoy many of the same challenges and happy moments as other parents. However, they do not have the same legal rights and protections.  The stepparent in a same-sex marriage may want to adopt their stepchild for several key reasons.

Stepparents have no legal rights

A stepparent often finds themselves in a difficult position if they get divorced. They may not have the privilege of requesting shared custody or even visitation in family court.  They could also end up alienated from their stepchildren if their spouse dies unexpectedly. Stepparent adoption helps ensure that the stepparent can share custody after a divorce or continue providing for their stepchildren if their spouse dies. 

Adoption strengthens the family

Stepparents may feel like they are on the outside looking in when dealing with their stepchildren's needs. The stepchild may also feel as though their stepparent must support them due to the marriage, but may worry that they resent them secretly.  A stepparent adoption helps prove that a stepparent feels committed to their stepchild, not just their spouse. The decision to formalize the parent-child relationship can improve the dynamic between stepparent and stepchild and give the stepchild an enhanced sense of security.  Discussing stepchild adoption can help same-sex couples protect themselves and their families. Stepparents who legally adopt their stepchildren have the same rights and protections as biological or legal parents.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[3 potential benefits of a formal stepparent adoption]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50859 2026-03-09T15:22:07Z 2026-03-09T15:22:07Z secure the same rights other parents have. The three benefits of stepparent adoption briefly explained below are all potentially compelling reasons to legally change the relationship between a stepparent and a stepchild.

1. Protection after a tragedy

Stepparents sometimes find themselves in an unthinkable situation. Their spouse dies, and they learn too late that they have no legal rights to continue living with their stepchildren. A stepparent adoption helps ensure that an involved stepparent can provide for their stepchildren if their spouse passes away unexpectedly.

2. Rights during divorce

If a stepparent gets divorced, they typically do not have automatic custody or visitation rights. They often rely on their former spouse for access to their stepchildren. An adoption helps ensure that a stepparent can see their stepchildren regularly, even if their marriage ends.

3. Strengthened family bonds

Stepparent adoptions create a stronger, more cohesive family unit. They help address a child's questions about whether their stepparent really loves them or just accepts them as the child of their spouse. Stepparent adoptions can make everyone in the family more confident about their connections. Working with a family law attorney can help stepparents fulfill the legal requirements to become adoptive parents. While the process can be lengthy, the benefits it can provide may more than justify the effort required.]]> On Behalf of Tapp Law Firm <![CDATA[What happens when one partner isn’t a legal parent?]]> https://www.tapplaw.com/?p=50837 2026-02-09T20:42:46Z 2026-02-12T09:04:10Z Families are built in many ways, and love, not paperwork, is what defines parenthood day to day. But when the law hasn’t caught up to a family’s reality, that gap can create serious and unexpected risks. This is especially true for LGBTQ families, where one partner may be deeply involved in raising a child without being legally recognized as a parent. When relationships change or emergencies arise, that lack of legal status can quickly become a problem.

When love and the law don’t match

When only one partner is a child’s legal parent, the non-legal parent may have no enforceable rights, even if they have acted as a parent since birth. In the event of a breakup, the legal parent generally has the authority to make decisions about custody, visitation and medical care. The other partner may be excluded entirely, regardless of the emotional bond they share with the child. This imbalance can also create risks during medical emergencies or school-related matters. A non-legal parent may be unable to consent to treatment, access school records or even pick up the child without permission. If the legal parent becomes incapacitated or passes away, the surviving partner could face challenges maintaining custody, despite being the child’s primary caregiver. Financial and inheritance issues can compound these concerns. Without legal parentage, a child may not automatically have rights to benefits, insurance coverage or inheritance through the non-legal parent. Likewise, the non-legal parent may have no obligation to provide ongoing support if the relationship ends, leaving both the child and parent vulnerable. Fortunately, there are legal remedies that can help protect families before a crisis occurs, such as second-parent adoption. This process allows a non-biological or non-gestational parent to become a full legal parent without terminating the rights of the existing parent. Once finalized, both parents have equal legal standing, including decision-making authority, custody rights and financial responsibilities. Just as importantly, second-parent adoption provides long-term stability for the child by ensuring their family is legally protected, regardless of changes in relationship status or future legal challenges. Every family deserves security, clarity and peace of mind. If your family structure includes a parent who may not be legally recognized, speaking with a knowledgeable professional can help you understand your options and take steps to protect the people who matter most.]]>