Family Law Attorney

Many people use social media to keep in touch with their family and friends and share news about their lives. While this is mostly harmless, it can be risky for those going through a divorce. If you’re getting divorced, it may be best to stay off social media for now.

Here are a few different ways social media can hurt your divorce case.

It Can Show Your Spending Habits

When people look at your social media profiles, they may get an idea about how much you spend. For example, if you frequently post photos of yourself at fancy restaurants or shopping downtown, people might assume that you have a lot of money to burn. If you are trying to obtain child support, this could hurt your case. Your ex could argue that you really do not need the money if you can afford so much on your own.

It Can Demonstrate Unfit Parenting

If you and your ex have children together, an experienced family law attorney, like one from Hurst, Robin & Kay, LLC, may advise you to be especially careful on social media. Anything you post can be used against you in your custody case. For example, you might post a photo of yourself drinking at a bar with friends. While that might seem innocent enough, the judge could deem you as an unfocused and irresponsible parent.

Your Words Can Come Back to Bite You

It is common for people to feel anger and resentment toward their ex during a divorce. However, even if you and your ex are not on good terms, you should not bash him or her on social media. If the other side sees your angry posts about your ex on your social media pages, they can show that to the judge to paint you as unstable. 

It Could Expose Your New Relationship

Attorneys generally advise people in the middle of a divorce to avoid dating. However, not everyone follows this advice. If you do decide to date someone new during your divorce proceedings, you should not post about it on social media. While there is nothing illegal about dating someone else while going through a divorce, it can make things more difficult on you. If your ex sees that you’re dating someone new and gets jealous, he or she may drag on the divorce and refuse to compromise with you.

Your Friends Can Tag You

Even if you are not posting anything on Facebook or other social media profiles right now, keep in mind that your friends can still tag you in photos. This can hurt your divorce case. For example, if you want to obtain spousal support and your friends tag you in a vacation photo, it could indicate that you really don’t need the support. If you want to remain on social media, ask your friends to avoid tagging you in posts.

If you need help with your divorce case, you should contact a family attorney as soon as possible.

Divorce Lawyer

When you need help with setting up a trust and are not sure what to do, it could be a sign that it is time to hire a lawyer and receive help — as a divorce lawyer may suggest to you. Hiring a lawyer to discuss the unique details of your case is highly recommended, and it will help you accomplish your specific goals regarding estate planning. Whether you want to find out what kind of trust to set up or need to make changes to your estate plan, there is legal help available. Lawyers who possess the qualifications and estate planning experience will be able to give you personalized legal assistance. If you have any questions and need to urgently speak with a lawyer right away, there are some tips that you should keep in mind. 

Identify your assets

Before you set up a trust, you should identify which assets that you want to place in the trust. Specific assets are suitable for putting inside a trust, such as bank accounts, stocks and personal property. Know that there are certain kinds of assets that lawyers advise against putting in a trust, such as cash, vehicles, and retirement accounts. If you have any questions about whether the assets you have can be placed in a trust, reach out to a lawyer and they would be able to help you choose assets. 

Choose a trust type 

One of the advantages of having a trust is that there are several different kinds, which makes them flexible for different needs, as you can learn from a trust lawyer like one at Kaplan Law Practice, LLC. There are irrevocable and revocable trusts. Revocable trusts can be changed by you, the grantor, during any point in your life as long as you are not incapacitated, while irrevocable trusts cannot be changed once they are created. A qualified lawyer who knows about the different types of trusts can help you choose one that best suits your needs and goals. 

Designate beneficiaries 

It strongly recommended that you designate beneficiaries who will receive your trust assets after your death. If you do not name any beneficiaries at all, your assets will not be guaranteed to be distributed to them, the trust will not be enforced. The assets will be under the probate process, which means that the court will be the ones to oversee how the assets will be distributed. If you want to make sure that your loved ones are the ones who receive the assets, then list them as the beneficiaries in your estate

Consult a lawyer early 

There are lawyers experienced in trust planning who are ready to give you the legal assistance that you are seeking and deserve. You should not have to deal with a difficult legal problem on your own. They can assist you with finding a trust that is right for you and your estate needs. For more information about how you can set up a consultation with a qualified lawyer, give one a call right away to get started.

Divorce Lawyer

If you and your child’s other parent have decided to end your romantic relationship in favor of coparenting, you both have a lot to consider when it comes to structuring your family’s coparenting arrangements.

Not so long ago, it was very common for a child to reside with one parent for most of the time and with the other parent on every other weekend. This is an arrangement that still works well for some families. However, parents who live close to one another and who want to be as close to equally active in their children’s lives may prefer alternate arrangements.

In recent years, a number of parenting time formulas have emerged, as more and more parents seek to balance the need for homelife stability for their kids and the desire for both coparents to have their children around as much as possible. One popular schedule – especially for parents of small children – is the 4-3 custody schedule. If you’ve heard about this method, it is important to consider your child’s unique needs – and your family’s ability to manage this schedule – before committing to it.

How Does 4-3 Custody Scheduling Work?

Essentially, a 4-3 custody split allows a child to spend three days each week with one parent and three with the other. Many families prefer to start the split on Friday mornings and end them on Monday mornings, as this arrangement may work for certain work obligations and lifestyles. However, the split can take place whenever it would work for your family.

The Pros and Cons

As an experienced divorce lawyer – including those who practice at Felt Family Law & Mediation – can confirm, there is no single solution to the challenge of coparenting schedules that works for every family. You need to do what will serve your child’s best interests while not making the schedule so unmanageable that you and your coparent can’t sustain it without an unreasonable amount of stress.

The primary benefit of the 4-3 custody schedule is that it allows both parents to have their child residing in their home on a schedule that is close to a 50/50 split but is more stable and predictable than other near-half arrangements. Many kids find the “one week at one house, one week at the other house” breakdown to be too difficult to manage because just as they are getting into a rhythm in one location, they have to pack up and leave. Also, the stability of having a clear time every week when switches will be made can be good for smaller children especially, because they never have to go too long without one parent in predictable ways.

Yet, there are significant limitations to this approach, especially with older kids. Moving around this often can make older kids and teens feel like they can never, ever settle down. Also, if your kids have a lot of extracurricular activities that switch from season to season, the constant chaos of their home/school/activity schedule can be rough on their mental and physical health.

Work Injury Lawyers

Very few people expect to go into work and get hurt. However, as work injury lawyers from Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can attest, it happens more than you may think. That is why the law requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance. If you were injured at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. In order to receive those benefits, you have to take certain steps after your work accident.

Let Your Employer Know About the Accident

If you get injured at work, you are required to inform your employer. He or she will have you file an accident report. In New Jersey, you have to file the report within 14 days after the accident. If you don’t, you will not be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits anymore.

Collect Evidence

To prove that your injuries were a direct result from a dangerous condition at work, you have to provide evidence. That is why you should try to gather evidence as soon as possible. For example, if you fell down the stairs at work because of broken stairs, you should take photos of those stairs. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident, such as when and where it occurred, names of witnesses and what you were doing when the accident happened.

Seek Medical Care

No matter what types of injuries you sustained at work, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. A doctor should give you a full assessment and then recommend the appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that your employer may require you to see a specific doctor.

When you see a doctor, be completely honest about what happened and include as many details as possible. Describe your symptoms and how they have affected your life so far. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you should disclose them.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

Workers compensation benefits can pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. To ensure that you are fairly compensated, you should track all of your expenses, including how many days you miss from work. You also keep track of your receipts for medical bills as well, like your doctor’s visits and prescription medications.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Whether your doctor suggests bed rest or physical therapy, it is important to follow his or her orders. If you stop treatment prematurely, you could put your health in jeopardy. You could also get your workers compensation benefits cut off.

Consult a Lawyer

Filing a workers compensation claim can be complicated, so it is wise to have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side. A lawyer can help you file all the paperwork on time and guide you through the entire process. He or she can handle negotiations with your employer’s insurance company and make sure that you are not taken advantage of.

Schedule a consultation with a work injury lawyer today to talk about your case.

When considering a divorce contact a divorce lawyer residents can trust. There are many factors that lead a couple to decide upon a divorce. While every couple and divorce is unique, this time often brings a lot of emotion. Whether divorce stirs up anger or deep sadness, having support through the entire process can be incredibly beneficial. Thankfully, experienced divorce lawyers not only provide legal support but are empathetic, non-judgemental listening ears as well. Clients should never have to fear their attorney sharing what they disclose as that working relationship is marked by confidentiality. 

How can divorce lawyers help their clients?

Divorce lawyers help their clients in a number of different ways. Offering support, explaining legal terms, working through settlement, and advocating on behalf of their clients are just a few examples. Attorneys such as those at Felt Family Law & Mediation desire their clients to fight for what they rightfully deserve. They will work hard to ensure that their client is well represented.  Legally, divorce lawyers help their clients beyond what they may see. Filing paperwork, working with their spouse’s lawyer, and dividing assets require the experience and training that divorce lawyers possess. 

What advice do divorce lawyers desire their clients to know?

Divorce lawyers can provide their clients with counsel throughout the entirety of their divorce process. When it comes to ways in which clients can protect themselves, and the outcome of their divorce, attorneys have some helpful tips. Clients should avoid over-sharing or vent about their spouse and divorce on social media. Although it may be tempting to expose certain aspects of your spouse’s character or disclose private information, clients should think of the consequences. When something is posted to the internet, it can and will be used against them during the trial. Judges typically do not respond well to clients bashing their spouses online. This could hurt the outcome of a client’s divorce, and potentially their custody battle as well. 

What can clients expect going into a divorce?

Clients should have realistic expectations regarding their divorce proceedings, and their outcome. Some clients may compare their divorce to other neighbors, friends, or family members’ divorce experiences. However, this type of thinking can be potentially dangerous and lead to unrealistic expectations. Each divorce is unique because of the couple, their assets, and custody of their children if they have any. While clients are encouraged to fight for what they believe is fair, they should also learn to compromise with their spouses. Some assets are harder to divide than others. This is where having a divorce lawyer which you can trust is crucial. Wise attorneys understand when their client is being taken advantage of, and when to fight for what is rightfully theirs. While divorce lawyers will strive for the best outcome possible for their clients, they cannot make any guarantees. 

If you or a loved one are considering divorce, it would be in your best interest to contact a divorce lawyer to discuss your options. Contact a law firm Utah residents can trust, and schedule a risk-free consultation today.

Wills Lawyer

If you are an adult, then you need to write a will. Having an estate plan is just part of the package of being a grown-up person. So you may be wondering what exactly is involved in writing a will anyway? Do you just write down what you want on a notepad, sign it, and leave it at that? Or do you need to write it and then get it officially notarized? The process of writing a will is more complicated than this, but it’s also fairly straightforward. As a wills lawyer offers, here are some tips to consider when writing the first draft of your will.

What do you want to include in your will?

Take a look around your home and outside of it, and write down all of the items that you see. You may have initially thought that you didn’t have many assets, when in fact you do. Everything from non-valuable items to your vehicle and property are considered assets. There are assets that are non-tangible too, such as your retirement accounts and life insurance policies. So if you have any of these, then after you pass away they will need to be distributed to someone else. Make a list of your assets and then you can move on to the next step to decide who gets what.

Who do you want to receive what?

Think about who you want to give your stuff to. What would you want your partner, your children, your family, and your friends to have? Once you have your list of assets, then you can write names next to those assets based on who you want to receive which items. Write down the names of the people that mean the most to you and who you want to inherit your belongings. Then consider how you want to divide up your assets to those you care about the most. Keep in mind that you can also transfer assets to a charity organization if you so wish. Although uncommon, this may even include your divorced ex or estranged family members.

Who do you want to carry out your wishes?

After you pass away, you won’t be around to ensure that your wishes are carried out. So what you will need to do is choose an executor for your will. As your lawyer would recommend, such as the team from Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, this person is someone that you trust to make sure that your wishes, as stated in the will, are carried out. This person is going to be responsible for paying off your debts, having property appraised and sold, transferring property to beneficiaries, submitting reports to probate court as required, and more. Your executor should be someone who is ethical and would always have your best of interest at heart.

Writing the first draft of your will doesn’t have to be complicated, as a rough draft outlining your wishes is the best way to begin. After that, you may consider meeting with a lawyer who has experience in family law and estate planning matters to assist you further. 

Divorce Lawyers

Even though divorce means a relationship did not end the way you wanted, it does not mean you stop caring for that person. As our divorce lawyers know, a tragic accident of either ex-spouse can throw both sides of a family into shock and grief, which is why we asked some friends to put together tips on how to stay safe on the roads. Tractor trailers are large and powerful vehicles, but unfortunately, they can also be incredibly dangerous. Every year, thousands of accidents involving tractor trailers occur across the US, causing serious injury and death. Knowing the common causes of these accidents can help you stay safe on the roads and protect yourself in the event of an accident. A tractor trailer accident lawyer from our friends at Martin Wren, P.C. takes closer a look at why these accidents occur and how you can reduce the risk of being involved in one:

Driver Error

One of the leading causes of tractor trailer accidents is driver error. This means that the driver of the tractor trailer has made a mistake which has led to an accident. Driver errors can include anything from fatigue, not paying attention, or even making reckless maneuvers. All drivers should practice safe driving habits, but the size and speed of tractor trailers make it even more important for truckers to pay attention and be aware of their surroundings.

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Maintenance issues can include brake failure, tire blowouts, worn-out steering systems, and other issues that can lead to an accident. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to make sure their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected regularly. If a trucking company fails to keep up with regular maintenance or fails to fix known problems, they can be held liable for any accidents that occur due to poorly maintained vehicles. Truckers should also take the time to inspect their vehicles before every trip. This includes checking lights, brakes, tires, and making sure all fluids are at the correct levels. Even something as small as a broken light can cause an accident if it goes unnoticed.

Poor Road Conditions

Improperly maintained roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can lead to a truck accident. If a driver hits a pothole or an uneven surface, it could cause the truck to veer off course and into other lanes of traffic or onto the shoulder of the road. Poorly lit roads or roads with low visibility can also be a problem. If a driver can’t see ahead clearly, they may not have enough time to react to an obstacle or slow down in time to avoid a collision. Finally, narrow lanes can be especially dangerous for large trucks, as they limit the available maneuvering room and increase the risk of a rollover. All of these factors can increase the likelihood of a tractor trailer accident, so drivers should be aware of these risks and drive accordingly.

Inclement Weather

Heavy rain, sleet, snow, fog, and ice can all create dangerous road conditions. Even if the driver is well-trained and experienced, hazardous weather conditions can make it difficult for them to control their vehicle safely. Additionally, these conditions may limit visibility, making it harder for the driver to spot hazards in time to react. Tractor trailer drivers need to take extra precautions when driving in inclement weather by reducing their speed, being aware of their surroundings, and allowing plenty of time to brake. Poor visibility is one of the most dangerous elements of inclement weather and drivers should not be afraid to pull over or wait out bad weather until visibility is safe.

Distracted Driving

When a driver takes their focus off the road, it can lead to devastating consequences for those involved in the accident. Distracted driving can take on many forms, such as talking or texting on a cellphone, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in conversation with other passengers. It’s important that drivers remain focused while behind the wheel and avoid activities that can draw their attention away from driving.

If you have been in an accident with a tractor trailer recently, contact an attorney near you for help.

Divorce is a harrowing experience for all who are involved. While divorcing couples must navigate the legal complexities of divorce and the often emotionally fueled process of forming agreements, the process can profoundly impact children. As the family initiates the divorce process and begins to adjust to their new routine, it will be imperative to keep the children’s needs at the forefront of all decisions that are being made. Service members who are deployed or have pending deployments may be especially concerned over how their position within the military could affect agreements surrounding child support and child custody. 

As a military divorce lawyer from Robinson & Hadeed will share, several considerations must be made in divorces involving those in the military. State laws can vary when enduring divorce and making child custody arrangements, which is why it may be in the parties’ best interest to discuss their case with a legal professional who has experience in this area of practice. 

Family Care Plans

For any person serving in the armed forces who has a family, developing a family care plan is a crucial part of the process. It’s essential to be aware that the requirements for a family care plan can vary depending on the military branch a person is serving. In some situations, a family care plan may be required. These plans are imperative because they ensure that the service person has developed a plan for how their families and children will be cared for in their absence. For example, should they be deployed or engaged in active duty, a family care plan is critical to ensure a designated guardian who can step in to care for children. Typically a family care plan is required in situations such as:

•  Single, pregnant service members
• A service member with sole custody of a child
• Service members who are the primary caregiver for someone else (this may include a spouse who requires constant care)
• Couples in the military with children

Regardless of the above situations, anyone with children and spouses should consider developing a plan should the service member be deployed for duty. While families should update care plans yearly, it’s also important to note that these family care plans may be helpful during divorce negotiations because they may be included within child custody arrangements. 

Considerations for Service Members

One of the most challenging topics of divorce is negotiating child custody arrangements. It can be difficult to agree on issues involving children that are shared. Despite this, keeping the children’s needs at the forefront is important to ensure that custody arrangements are developed that put them first. Service members may even be concerned that their military status will impact their ability to obtain custody of their children. While there are many intricacies to this, there are several considerations that should be made when determining child custody:

• Situations where a parent is deployed for active duty
• Accommodations for relocation due to military service
• Developing or updating a family care plan

While these can be challenging topics to face, there are plausible solutions that can work for the family. And while a typical custody arrangement may not be the best option, a lawyer can help work with parties to negotiate a child custody plan that is tailored to meet the child’s needs. 

To learn more about child custody and divorce, consider reaching out to an experienced lawyer for guidance. 

There are many things that you may need a family law lawyer for, including child custody situations, divorce, child support, and more. When you are preparing to go to court, you may think that mediation is not for you. Perhaps you were in an abusive relationship or were in a relationship with your partner where you simply cannot stand each other anymore. Whatever your situation, it is important that you speak with a trusted family lawyer before you choose to skip the mediation process. You may find that going through mediation has many more benefits than you knew about. 

Benefits of Mediation For Family Law

Below, you will find some of the main benefits of using mediation during a familial dispute or legal issue. 

• Mediation gives you flexibility. When you choose to go through mediation, you will find that you have more flexibility in your routine and your appointments. If you went straight to court, your lawyer, like an family lawyer from a law firm like Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC knows that your schedule for going to court will be determined by what the judge’s calendar looks like. You can avoid court appearances and scheduling conflicts by going through the mediation process. 
• Mediation can help you parent better. If you are going through a child custody battle then you know that at the heart of your battle are your children. They should never be caught up in the middle of your arguments and should be protected at all costs. Many couples who break up find that they can co-parent better and respect each other’s decisions after going through mediation. Even if a divorce is messy, mediation can bring a level of organization and trust to the process when knowing that both parents are putting their kids’ best interests first. 
• Mediation saves money. If you and your spouse are going through mediation for your divorce or mediation for child custody, you will quickly find that you can save thousands of dollars. Getting a divorce can cost an exorbitant amount of money, no matter who is at fault for the divorce. Instead of going through your savings, mediation can help you and your partner resolve some or all of your issues at a less expensive price. 
• Mediation affords you privacy. Many people are embarrassed about going through a divorce or having child custody issues. Others simply do not want to air out their family issues with the public. Whatever your reasons for wanting to remain private during this time, mediation can help give you privacy. If you avoid the courtroom and get a mediator, you can work through your issues in a private and safe environment. 

Any kind of family law issue can be difficult, especially when there are children involved. If you would like to see if mediation is right for you, reach out to a lawyer you can rely on today. They can help point you in the direction of a good mediator and get you on the right track.