However, you are not required to do so, and there are some excellent reasons why you may not want to.
A polygraph, also known as a lie detector test, does not actually detect lies. Instead, it records physiological changes associated with deception, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and changes in breathing patterns. However, several factors impact the reliability of a polygraph, including:
Studies have highlighted the fallacies and limitations of using polygraphs to detect deceptions, with some researchers referring to it as "junk science”.
While some may believe that agreeing to a lie detector test demonstrates a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, it can have drawbacks. A false positive (indicating deception when there is none) can influence the direction of the investigation or give the investigators the perception of guilt. Several people have been wrongfully convicted due to false positive polygraph results.
It also has limited use in the overall legal landscape. In California, polygraph evidence is inadmissible unless both parties agree to its use.
If you are asked to submit to a polygraph test, it's crucial to invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. You will want to discuss the situation with someone who understands the intricacies of polygraphs and their implications and will ensure your rights are protected.
]]>Does that mean the holiday season is followed by the divorce season?
Beginning in early January and continuing through March, there is an increase in the word ‘divorce’ in online searches and an uptick in divorce filings.
Many couples experiencing marital problems may choose to delay their divorce until after the holidays to avoid disrupting family celebrations. They are also reluctant to have the cloud of divorce impacting their children during what many consider a magical time.
Furthermore, the holiday season can sometimes exacerbate already existing marital issues. An already tense situation is heightened by increased financial stress, alcohol consumption and time spent with extended families.
As the year winds down, many look to January as a time for making new resolutions and changes. January symbolizes a time of doing away with the old and new beginnings. For people in unhappy marriages, it may seem like a good time to file for divorce and seek a fresh start.
There are also financial considerations at play. Waiting until the new year allows the couple to take advantage of certain tax benefits. It also allows extra time to prepare for the following year’s tax season. In addition, there may be year-end bonuses that may be included in the division of marital assets.
While it’s true that divorce filings tend to increase in January, it’s also important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique. Deciding to divorce is profoundly personal and should be based on your specific circumstances.
If you are considering divorce, it’s important to discuss your situation with someone who can provide valuable guidance and ensure your rights are protected.
]]>Unfortunately, for some divorcing couples, co-parenting is not always possible. They need to find another parenting solution.
Parallel parenting and co-parenting are two different approaches to shared parenting after a divorce or separation. Both methods allow parents to share custody and remain involved in their children's lives, but how they interact and coordinate differs significantly.
Co-parenting involves both parents working together to raise their child. They make joint decisions regarding the child's education, health and general welfare. They communicate regularly and have a parenting plan that allows them to each spend quality time with their child.
This type of arrangement generally works best when there is minimum conflict in the parenting relationship.
Parallel parenting is where each parent has their own parenting style and rules for when their child is with them. They parent independently of each other and communicate only when necessary. It can be used where there is a high level of conflict between the parents, that would be detrimental to the child. Other benefits include:
Parallel parenting may work in some situations, but it might not be the best long-term solution. Still, in the immediate aftermath of a highly contentious divorce, it offers both parents a chance to heal while focusing on the well-being of their child.
]]>Early planning is key. Discuss and agree upon the holiday schedule well in advance. As December is fast approaching, if you and your co-parent haven’t worked out a schedule for the end of the year – when celebrations and time off school are usually the name of the game – it’s time to get going.
Although you may not need this reminder often, it is important to keep your children's best interests at heart when stress levels are running high. The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration for them. Ensure that they feel loved and valued by both parents. Avoid putting them in the middle of any disagreements.
To that end, flexibility can go a long way in smoothing over potential conflicts. Be willing to compromise and adapt plans if necessary. This flexibility shows your children that their well-being is your top priority. If your co-parent is stepping on your goodwill, you may need to revisit your parenting plan in the new year, but if it’s possible to keep from escalating tension during the middle of the holiday season, that will likely be to your children’s benefit.
The tensions of the season are undeniable. The holidays can be an emotionally charged time. Take care of your emotional well-being and seek support if needed. Especially if your co-parent drives you crazy, taking time to take care of yourself is important. And if you feel guilty about making this effort, remember that your kids are more likely to enjoy the holiday season if you are relaxed than stressed.
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