Child Custody and the Working Mom: Preparing for Divorce

The world has changed -- for the better -- in the last fifty years, and women are now a more pronounced presence in the professional work force.  While much work remains to be done towards achieving full equality, I see many divorces involving spouses balancing their careers and their children.  Oftentimes, the wife is both a professional and a caregiver.  In these types of situations, preparing for a divorce in advance is vital:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-helfend-meyer/child-custody-and-the-wor_b_3369173.html

Great advice in this piece.  The trend in Alabama has been towards one parent having primary physical custody and the other having visitation.  This fact only stresses the importance of the advice in this article.  If you're in need of a child custody lawyer, don't hesitate to call.

State of Florida v. Zimmerman: Criminal Defense Strategy

Regardless of whether you believe George Zimmerman murdered Trayvon Martin or acted in self-defense, a trial looms on the horizon.  And, twelve Floridians will be saddled with the responsibility of deciding the former's innocence or guilt.  A case with such monumental media exposure undoubtedly requires creative and nuanced legal strategy -- from both sides.  The defense's posturing continued today via Mr. Zimmerman's criminal lawyer:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/justice/florida-zimmerman-defense/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

The members of the jury will not assume their duty without some knowledge of this case.  It is vital for both sides to present their story in the media, without the hindrance of the rules of evidence.  Pictures, texts, and phone calls, which are likely inadmissible at trial, can be planted in the minds of potential jurors now.  As the adage says: "You can't unring the bell."  Once a future juror sees or hears these pictures and texts, it's difficult to forget them, regardless of how a Judge may instruct.

Choose an Attorney Based on Personality? Yes!

If those in need of the services of an attorney knew how much the personality and conflict-resolution skill of an attorney play into the outcome and expense of the client's case, the practice and business of law would be completely different.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-baer/the-personality-and-philo_b_3246689.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

This is a very insightful article by Mark Baer.  And, I'd advise every person searching for a lawyer to read it. 

I strive to create and nourish healthy relationships with other attorneys.  Why?  Because great relationships with other attorney's help keep me sane and undoubtedly serve the best interests of my client.  I am not hired to perpetuate ongoing personal conflicts with other attorneys.  I am hired to pursue the goals of my clients as quickly and efficiently as possible.  That's only possible if I and the other attorney understand our roles and respect one another's obligations and responsibilities.  It isn't always possible, but, when it is, it makes a world of difference.

Divorce and Mediation: Facts v. Myths

Mediation is required in every divorce case filed in Morgan County.  So, it is important that the parties in the case understand what mediation is and how it works.  Though I always apprise my clients of what to expect, this article provides some useful information to those who haven't consulted a lawyer yet:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-l-danois-jd/mediation-myths-and-misunderstandings_b_3137489.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

I would add that generally most participants in a mediation have an attorney with them.  And, no one does mediation before filing for divorce -- though it is certainly possible to do so.

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.