Thinking about divorce?
A successful divorce begins with great divorce advice. Child custody, spousal support, and property division are just a few of the things to consider. Do not try to handle this without legal representation. More »
Child custody: The main issue
A lot of divorces I handle come down to the issue of child custody. For the sake of your children, it is important to know your rights before entering into any custody agreement. More »
You are in good company.
Divorce is hardly an exception anymore. In fact, with the rate of marriage steadily dipping over the past decade, and the divorce rate holding steady, you are likely to know more previously married couples than those who are legally bound. More »
Victim of domestic violence?
Domestic violence can take the form of mental or psychological abuse as well as threats of physical or mental abuse. If you feel like you have been a victim, seek professional assistance immediately, including an attorney. More »
Do you need a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is an agreement between two people that deals with the financial consequences of their marriage ending. If you feel like you need this protection, Alabama law heavily favors professional legal assistance in these matters. More »
How to Tell Your Kids About Divorce
Divorce can be a difficult situation for anyone to face, and it can be especially challenging for children, who perhaps do not understand why their parents are getting divorced, or are confused about their own role in their parents’ marriage. Talking with children about divorce is an essential step toward helping them accept the situation, but it can be difficult for many parents to do. Oftentimes, parents put off talking to their kids about their divorce because they are unsure how to approach the topic, but this delay can make a divorce even more difficult for a child or children to move past.
When kids are suddenly facing the divorce of their parents, they may feel like the divorce is their fault, or they could become angry and begin acting out. Such a situation can make a divorce even more difficult to process for both spouses, but talking to your kids strategically and effectively might prevent any confusion or anger.
Strategies for Talking to Your Kids
While talking to your children about your divorce may not seem appealing or may seem beyond your capabilities, just remember that a lot of people have to go through this process and there are ways to make it easier on both yourself and your kids. Some strategies for making this process easier include the following:
- Talk to your kids with your spouse – present a united front
- Carefully explain the reasons for the divorce, as appropriate
- Make it clear that the divorce is not the child’s fault
- Maintain eye contact and a calm voice and demeanor
- Avoid blaming your spouse for anything, and stay positive
- Allow plenty of time for kids to ask questions
Each of these strategies can make talking with your kids about your divorce easier, not just for your children, but for you as well. While you may not implement all of these strategies, you can decide which will work best for your situation and use them at your discretion. If you feel like you need additional advice for talking to your children, you may want to consider talking to a divorce lawyer, as these professionals have the experience necessary to advise families in a variety of situations. Remember, every family is different, so talking about your divorce with your kids will be a different experience for you than it would be for someone else.
If you are considering divorce, The Self Law Firm is happy to offer a free consultation. Call today: 205-647-1000.
Protection from Abuse Orders Can Be Misused
A Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) is a vital tool for domestic violence victims; however, it can be manipulated and abused in certain situations. When this occurs, innocent people are forced to deal with unfair and unjust legal consequences as a result.
Every year, countless domestic violence victims are given no choice but to take out a restraining order against their abuser. In Pennsylvania, this restraining order is referred to as a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA).
What exactly is a Protection from Abuse Order? A PFA is a piece of paper which is signed by a judge that tells the abuser to stop the abuse or harassment immediately. If that person does not cease harming the victim, then they will face serious legal consequences. Therefore, a PFA provides legal protection from domestic violence for male and female victims alike.
PFA’s serve a vital role in preventing household and family members from incurring further harm from their attackers. When a PFA is in place, it is supposed to put an immediate stop to the abuse going on inside the home. This can include further attempts to cause bodily injury or commit sexual assault. It can also be used to stop child abuse, false imprisonment (keeping a person against their will), stalking or harassment that places a person in fear of bodily injury.
Restraining orders certainly serve an important function in society, since they protect individuals and children from domestic violence. PFA’s can be temporary or they can be permanent. If they are permanent, they can hold in place for up to three years. This means that if a man or woman had a final protection from abuse order (PFA) taken out against them, they can be forced to move out of their home and be prohibited from contacting their spouse or minor children for three full years.
Can people ever be wrongfully accused of domestic violence? The answer is yes! Unfortunately, it happens all the time. As law enforcement and the courts frown so heavily upon domestic violence, people have found a way to manipulate the system by taking out PFA’s against innocent people.
PFA’s are frequently taken out for a good solid reason against valid claims of abuse; however, they are also taken out for less honest reasons. Sometimes bitter household members go to extremes when they want to get rid of a roommate they don’t like. Instead of sticking out the lease, they make false allegations of domestic violence in order to get the person to leave. These people might think they are doing the right thing, but what they are really doing is messing with somebody’s life.
On the other hand, sometimes a bitter or jealous spouse makes false allegations of domestic violence when they are trying to gain an edge in a divorce settlement or child custody dispute. Either way, making false allegations of domestic violence and taking out PFA’s against innocent people is wrong. Regrettably, it’s the alleged accuser who has the burden of proof to show that they are entirely innocent of the charges against them.
When somebody is accused of domestic violence and has a restraining order against them, they are urged to seek legal representation as soon as possible. For a lot of people, a PFA would affect many important aspects of their life. It could force them to move out of the family home, prohibit them from visiting with their children and even hand over their firearms.
If you had a PFA taken out against you, it is vital that you hire a criminal defense attorney right away. The Self Law Firm can help you prepare for the hearing, so you have the highest chances of a positive outcome when you are standing in front of the judge. Call 205-647-1000
I’m Considering a Divorce, What Should I Do?
If you are thinking about a divorce, the first thing you should do is consult with an attorney who handles divorce matters in your area. Family and friends may be valuable confidants and comforters, but they are often the source of incorrect legal advice. Too often I meet with people who have talked to friends or family and been given totally wrong information about one or more issues they will face in the event of a divorce. Friends and family are very important for both emotional and possibly financial support but don’t rely on them for divorce advice.
One of the things I enjoy most about my practice is meeting new people and discovering how I can best assist them with their particular circumstances. Every person’s situation is unique and deserves a unique approach to its resolution. A divorce lawyer can advise you regarding your specific circumstances and tell you what you should be doing as well as things you should not be doing to put yourself in the best possible position to either get the best settlement or prepare yourself for a potential trial.
If you think a divorce might be in your future, come see me today and take proactive steps towards identifying and resolving those specific issues that are going to be important in your situation.
Dealing with a divorce can be stressful and confusing. Let The Self Law Firm help alleviate some of your anxiety by providing answers to your questions. Call to setup a consultation today: 205-647-1000.
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