Sunday, January 27, 2013

Family Law and Kim Kardashian: Covering the Gamut

In a short time, Kim Kardashian has managed to involve herself in multiple family law issues, her significant others, and her unborn child. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/25/kim-kardashian-kris-humphries_n_2552879.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

Simple planning and wise decision-making could have avoided these issues.  However, when difficult situations do arise, a family law attorney is invaluable and imperative.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Plaintiffs and the Alabama Supreme Court

Alabama's reputation as a defendant-friendly state (with regards to "plaintiff's" cases like personal injury and so on) appears to be supported by the data:

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/01/alabama_supreme_court_mostly_r.html#incart_river_default

Though this isn't news to most personal injury lawyers, the statistics introduce a new topic for conversation.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Why All Adults Need a Will

Great summation as to why all adults, regardless of age, need to plan for the end and secure a last will, living will, and durable power of attorney:

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson21/index3.htm

As an estate planning attorney, I also encourage you to check my website for more information. 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Facebook and Divorce: An Unlikely Tandem

Facebook can be an asset, or a thorn in your side, in a divorce proceeding.  For those who heavy-handedly share their personal lives with everyone on Facebook, take note:

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-06-01/tech/facebook.divorce.lawyers_1_privacy-settings-social-media-facebook?_s=PM:TECH

Discretion and wise-posting are wise choices if you believe a divorce or child custody hearing may lie in your future.  An, if a divorce is right around the corner, contact a divorce attorney.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Sperm Donors May Owe Child Support

A recent court decision in Kansas found that a man who answered a request on Craigslist to donate sperm to a lesbian couple is, pursuant to Kansas law, the legal father of the child and must pay child support to the child's mother.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/04/us/kansas-sperm-donation/index.html?iref=allsearch

Since the parties involved failed to utilize a medical doctor to facilitate the insemination, the law will not ignore his paternity.

Alabama law is analagous (Section 26-17-702).  If you are considering sperm donation or using someone else's sperm donation to become pregnant, consult a child support attorney versed in Alabama family law first.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

"Two Big Child Custody Mistakes"

Great Article by Family Law Attorney Bob Jeffries:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-jeffries/two-big-child-custody-mis_b_2318594.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

I've seen this in my practice twice.  Lesson to be learned: do not rely on informal custody arrangments.  Use a child custody lawyer, record the agreement in writing, and have a Court approve it.  Protect yourself and your children.