What Qualifies Me for an Annulment in Alabama?
As a domestic relations attorney, every so often I meet with a person who wants to know if he or she can annul their marriage. It’s a term that entered pop culture and developed misconceptions of it’s requirements as well as it’s utility. I’m sure that you have heard a…
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Custody
A conviction for domestic violence in the state of Alabama, comes with a presumption that the offender should not be awarded custody. Don’t count on this as a blanket statement. Each case will need to be evaluated for the facts because some harassment cases can be labeled as domestic violence…
Why Most Cases Settle in Mediation
You may have heard the term mediation in the context of litigation. It’s a common way in Madison County and the surrounding areas, that cases are resolved. In mediation, the parties hash out their differences with a neutral mediator. Most of the time they are represented but sometimes the parties…
Things To Consider Before Filing For Divorce
If you are reading this article, you probably have a long list of reasons to divorce. They are all perfectly valid reasons; but, this article is suggesting that you press pause to thoughtfully consider the following questions: Am I ready to end my marriage? What does life look like if…
Communicating Effectively – Making Co-parenting Work for the Benefit of Children
I was speaking to a parent who has joint custody and asking him what are the most important things when it comes to co-parenting. His top three suggestions are: Communicating effectively. What causes it to be effective? In writing, concise, neutral, and non blaming. Don’t always respond immediately if you…
Don’t Do This! Children As a Weapon in Child Custody Cases
The most important you have as is raising your children to be happy, healthy individuals. When you are divorced this can become a greater challenge as you navigate your thoughts and feelings about your ex spouse. How you treat them and how you interact with them in front of and…
How To Win a Court Case for Child Custody
Disputes about child custody are often the most stressful part of a divorce. It is better for all involved if a divorcing couple can come to a child custody agreement without court intervention, but that is not always possible. If the terms of your children’s upbringing are to be decided…
Co-Parenting With a Difficult Ex
In jurisdictions where joint legal custody is the norm, co-parenting can be a constant struggle. You hope that you will be able to resolve things without fighting but the threat is ever present when you have a difficult parent who wants to be contrary. And remember, you divorced for good…
Preparing To Move Out When You Don’t Have The Money
The first step is establishing a budget when you are preparing to move out. It sometimes seems impossible to figure it all out but you can do it. The first question is where will you live? Do you have someone you can stay with? Parents, relatives, friends? You don’t want…
Gratitude: Your Secret Weapon to Creating Inner Peace
Why Is Gratitude Important? Have you ever heard the saying, The Best Defense Is A Good Offense? What if the best offense in your divorce (in addition to having Leigh Daniel Family Law to get you the legal outcomes you need) is actually your attitude? Have you noticed that when…