Laura L Mancuso's Answers

Buying wine for kids

Providing alcohol to your daughter in your home is legal but providing it to her friends under the age of 21 is illegal even if you provide it in your home and supervise them. Some people think that if the party doesn't it "out of hand" that the police will never find out that you provided minors with alcohol. However, there are many possible scenarios in which police could show up at your house for some other reason such as an injury. The injury could be non-alcohol related but then the...

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Misdemeanor

One year in jail and a $5,000 fine for a gross misdememeanor. For a "simple" misdemeanor, 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Remember that these are maximum punishments. Certain misdemeanor crimes also have minimum punishments so you should consult an attorney.

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Modification of parenting plan and child support order

It is possible to have an attorney do one modification and not the other but it may not reduce your costs signficantly. It is also possible that an attorney could ensure both modifications are done properly thereby reducing risk of significant cost to you in the long-term. You should discuss your concerns with an attorney regarding attorney fees and ask the attorney what you can do to help reduce the fees. Maybe it is possible to seek attorney fees or sharing of costs from the other party.

Can my ex withold the children from me, if I hav visitation rights in the parenting plan?

You should file a motion for contempt and get the court to order a show cause hearing. In the declaration to support the motion for contempt against her give specific facts of when she has withheld the children from you, when it started, and your failed attempts to get her to follow the parenting plan. She can't make unilateral decisions which violate the terms of the parenting plan. However, do you know why she says the environment is not stable after your recent marriage? Be prepared to...