Archive for April, 2009
How long will the divorce take?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
I’ll give a good lawyer answer – it depends. In Alabama, we have a mandatory 30 day “cooling off period.” So, if the case is uncontested from the outset, it will take at least that long from the time the Agreement is filed with the Court until the Divorce Decree is signed by the Judge.
On [...]
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Can one lawyer represent both of us?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
No, it is a conflict of interest for one lawyer to represent both sides in a divorce. It is not unusual for one lawyer to draft the divorce documents for an uncontested divorce and there not be a second lawyer involved, but understand that such a lawyer has an ethical obligation to protect the interests [...]
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Can I Stop the Divorce?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
My spouse wants a divorce but I do not want to give it to him/her. How do I stop the divorce?
Unfortunately, you cannot stop the divorce. As I tell my clients, it takes two people to decide to get married, it only takes one to decide to get a divorce. The party that does not [...]
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FAQs – A New Feature
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Today I will begin posting a series on frequently asked questions. I will cover all aspects of family law from the beginning of the divorce case to the end, and beyond.
I have often heard it said that divorce is the second most difficult event in a person’s life (surpassed only by the death of a [...]
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A better divorce?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
I’ve been reading a lot about the process called collaborative divorce.
Collaborative divorce is an alternative way for divorcing spouses to resolve their disputes without going to court. Although it is a relatively new approach, having only originated in the early 1990’s, it is quickly spreading throughout the country. The latest estimates are that there are [...]
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9 Questions to Ask the Divorce Lawyer (Before You Write the Check)
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Selecting the lawyer that will represent you is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your divorce case. You should try to find a lawyer who is skilled, competent, and who regularly handles family law and divorce cases. Seek someone who is responsive and willing to communicate with you throughout the [...]
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9 Ways to Reduce the Pain and Expense of Divorce
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
One of my goals in helping families that are in the process of going through a divorce is to help them reduce the pain and the expense that is often associated with the process. I have written an article that outlines nine ways you can reduce the pain and expenses of your divorce case. I [...]
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Divorce and Taxes
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
The law firm of Ullman and Allen recently posted their Top Ten List of tax issues in divorce. The failure to consider the tax ramifications of a divorce settlement is one of the biggest mistakes made by parties and even their lawyers. #10 on their list is “Get professional advice.” I echo that and suggest [...]
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Your Credit History
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
I suggest that all of my clients in divorce cases check their credit reports. Many of them are surprised at how easy it is for an estranged spouse to obtain credit in their name without their knowledge. As of June 1, 2005, Alabama residents can get a free copy of their credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. [...]
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Division of Retirement Assets in Divorce
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
A prospective client recently asked me whether or not she could receive a portion of her spouse’s retirement account in her upcoming divorce. I explained to her that in Alabama, if the parties have been married for 10 years preceding the filing of the divorce complaint, the court has the discretion to award them up [...]