SettlementBoard.com News, Articles and Information for Legal Junkies

22Aug/110

Finding a Caring Family Law Attorney

When searching for an attorney, many people focus solely on past results.  They obsess over finding the attorneys with the best track record in court, the ones who earned the largest awards and settlements.

Of course, results are important, but too often people forget the human side of the attorney-client relationship.  Especially in matters of family law, we place delicate matters that are of great personal importance in the hands of our attorneys.  A person involved in a family law case will spend a great deal of time talking with, and listening to the advice of, his or her lawyer.

If you face a family law issue in the Phoenix area, it is vitally important to find a caring family law lawyer.

Signs of a caring attorney

No two people are identical, but caring matrimonial attorneys—whether in Phoenix or elsewhere—share certain characteristics.

Understanding

A matrimonial lawyer must not only understand the details of your case, but must know which of those details are important to you.  People prioritize things differently based on their own emotional needs, and some clients need more emotional support from their attorney than others do, in order to support their decisions.  An experienced attorney can identify how much of this emotional support a client needs, and tailor the lawyer-client relationship accordingly, to make the client feel comfortable from the initial consultation.

Open lines of communication

Did you feel as if your attorney listened to you during your initial consultation? Or were you just the next appointment on the calendar?  Does this attorney speak in plain terms, or only legalese?  Remember that an attorney with whom you cannot communicate is an attorney with whom you cannot work effectively.

An experienced Phoenix matrimonial lawyer must have the sensitivity to recognize and deal with the specific emotional needs of his or her client.  If you do not feel that this bond exists between yourself and your attorney, the relationship may not be the right one for you.

A matrimonial lawyer in Phoenix on your side

From the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C.  f amily attorneys in Phoenix represents clients throughout Maricopa County in a range of family law matters.  We also handle criminal defense cases.  For experienced, cost-effective legal representation tailored to your particular needs, contact the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C. today.

22Aug/110

Child Custody, Visitation, Vacations and Holidays

Child custody rulings, which are at the heart of many divorce procedures, can come into sharp focus at the times when children enjoy extended school holidays.  If your divorce agreement does not explicitly state how to handle child custody during school vacations and holidays, these events may become difficult and frustrating. Here is some simple, practical advice for addressing this thorny issue.

Advice from a Phoenix family law attorney

  • Learn to compromise.  No divorced parent should expect to have his or her kids on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, for instance, but should instead realize that giving up one holiday this year may earn advantage for next year
  • Do not blame the kids if they cannot spend a holiday with you .  It is not their fault.  Instead, do something you personally enjoy during such holidays
  • If it is important to you, delay a holiday celebration.  Few kids would complain about a second Christmas morning
  • Avoid sharing holidays and, especially, avoid agreeing to do so in writing. This sets a precedent that may cause friction in the future, especially if either parent remarries
  • Never assume that it is okay to make plans on your own.  Do not book flights, hotels, or anything else until your ex agrees to your plans.  The further you plan with your spouse, the easier such discussions become.  Waiting to the last minute just increases the chances of hurt feelings and resentment
  • Focus on the positive aspects of the situation.  Divorces are generally hard on children and parents alike, and the holidays often increase the level of stress
  • Always remain flexible.  If your ex has the kids on a particular holiday, and there is a delay in his or her return, be understanding.  You never know when you may find yourself in a similar situation

Phoenix family law attorneys address issues of child custody and visitation every day.  If you are involved in a divorce, and feel that these issues may be sticking points for you or your spouse, discuss them with your attorney.  Remember, also, that it is possible for a Phoenix family attorney to modify existing divorce agreements, should circumstances change.

A Phoenix family attorney fighting for you

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C.  represents clients throughout Maricopa County in a range of family law matters.  We also handle criminal defense cases.  For experienced, cost-effective legal representation tailored to your particular needs, contact the family law attorneys in Phoenix from the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C. today.

22Aug/110

Trial versus Settlement: The View of a Phoenix Family Lawyer

No two matters of family law are the same.  In some cases, the parties simply cannot stomach the thought of a lengthy and expensive trial, and plan to settle out of court from the very beginning.  Other people, however, can envision no other way to settle their case than a trial by judge or jury.

Most family law disputes, however, fall somewhere between these extremes.  For people who fall within this gray area, the choice of trial versus settlement can be difficult.  Will a settlement be as rewarding as a favorable court verdict? Will the expense of a trial offset the benefits?

The factors involved.

A Phoenix family law lawyer weighs several factors when deciding if a trial or settlement is best for a particular case.  These factors include the following:

• Cost.  Can you afford an ongoing trial, in both financial and emotional terms? Remember that you must also factor in the emotional toll on children and other family members
• Strength of the case.  The strengths and weaknesses of both sides of your case not only help a Phoenix family law lawyer identify the chances of winning at trial, but also help him or her determine if you have leverage to negotiate a settlement
• Practicality. In a settlement, nobody gets everything he or she wants.  Therefore, when considering aiming for a settlement, prioritize your goals and determine whether the probable settlement is one you can live with

The choice of trial versus settlement is never easy. Never forget that a settlement has a controlled outcome, whereas a trial can amount to a roll of the dice.  However, a trial may also be your only chance at a decision you can accept.  No matter which choice you make, all parties must welcome compromise, and prepare for the length and cost of their decision.

Every case is different.  This is why family lawyers exist—to help people navigate their own unique cases, in order to reach a fair conclusion.

A Phoenix family law lawyer fighting for you

Located in Arizona, Phoenix family law attorneys of the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C.  represents clients throughout Maricopa County in a range of family law matters.  We also handle criminal defense cases.  For experienced, cost-effective legal representation tailored to your particular needs, contact the Law Office of Lincoln Green Jr., P.C. today.

22Jul/110

Jackson Divorce Laws in Perspective



Divorce not only ends a marriage, but also involves a lot of decision making—like equitable sharing of marital assets and debts, child custody, etc.

Divorce proceedings in Jackson, Tennessee can be complex and confusing without the help of an attorney, especially when preoccupied with mental distress due to the marital problems and stress. Immediately contact a divorce law firm in Jackson, where the attorneys will be familiar with the state and federal laws can can provide responsible legal counseling.

The routine divorce proceedings in Tennessee

  • The couple must have been residents of Tennessee for at least six months or more to take up divorce legally.  The law expects the parties involved to abide by the strict filing guidelines for documents submitted in the county court.
  • Though Tennessee has 15 separate grounds for divorce, the most common grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences between the parties. Proper presentation of evidence and testimony alone can validate the grounds and avoids the judge dismissing the case.
  • Division of property might become a bitter experience unless the couple comes up with an agreement outside the court proceedings. Nonetheless, if property division decision must be made by a judge, proper documentation and evidence must be presented to protect the rights on properties.
  • Regarding child custody, Tennessee laws works in the best interests of children. It is important to come prepared to demonstrate that you are the best custodian for the child.
  • Child support as per Tennessee courts can be determined based on a basic set of criteria like income of both parents, regular expenses, standard of living, and many other factors.

It is important to protect yourself from further emotional distress and start fresh. Put your mind at ease with proper legal settlements, using the help of a Jackson divorce lawyer.