The Second Amendment and Gun Rights

A fascinating article on the proliferation of the notion of "gun rights" arising from the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/burton-newman/the-nras-fraud-fabricatio_b_3103358.html

It will be interesting to see how the law regulating gun ownership and purchase evolves over the next few years in the wake of recent gun violence.

Hitting the Jackpot . . . and Using It to Pay Child Support

You've likely seen, with slight envy, that a New Jersey citizen won a recent $338 million Powerball lottery jackpot.  What you probably didn't see is that he then used it to pay a $30,000 past-due child support obligation:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/01/us/new-jersey-powerball-winner-court/index.html?iref=allsearch

Unfortunately, many, many men owe large amounts of past-due child support.  And, most of them will not win a large jackpot.  As a child support lawyer, I assist folks in this type of situation all the time.  Give me a call.

Divorce and Personality Disorders

Personality disorders often influence high-conflict divorce and child custody cases silently and from the shadows:
 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tina-swithin/why-our-family-courts-are_b_2908574.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

This article succinctly summarizes the issue.  I'm optimistic that divorce attorneys and family law judges will become more aware of how drastically personality disorders impact such cases in the next few years.

Legalize Marijuana?

I represent many folks charged with marijuana-based crimes -- mostly Posssession of Marijuana 2nd Degree (personal use).  The legalization of marijuana is a ubiquitous topic in today's legal community:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/legalize-marijuana-dont-bogart-that-joint-my-friend_n_2773979.html

This is an interesting read.  Regardless of your position, this will undoubtedly continue to be a debate at the state-level.  Until it is legalized, make sure you know a competent criminal attorney.

Divorce and Alabama History

Interesting history in Alabama involving divorce.

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2013/03/when_alabama_flourished_as_div.html#incart_m-rpt-2

Residence requirements now require an individual live here for six (6) months prior to the filing of the divorce.

Taxes and Divorce

Issues regarding income taxes often complicate divorce cases.  Being informed is the first step to eliminating unnecessary complication:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/03/07/taxes-and-divorce-6-tips-for-women/

(Even though this article is addressed to women, the advice is applicable to both sexes.)

In the end, divorces depend just as much on "accounting" principles as they do on "legal" rules and principles.  An effective divorce attorney will have mastery of both. 

Child Support: Record-Setting Arrearage

This is the worst child support contempt case I have ever heard of:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/22/justice/new-york-child-support/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Child support obligations are as certain as death and taxes.  Consult a child support attorney if you are involved in any type of child support case.