What is mediation?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Mediation is a process where a neutral third person (in Alabama it is usually a lawyer trained in mediation) assists the parties in resolving the issues in their divorce case. Mediation is not binding, which means that the mediator does not make decisions about the case. The mediator’s role is to try to facilitate an [...]
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Can I Change Lawyers?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Yes, ultimately it is your decision to work with the lawyer you choose. But, you should understand that switching lawyers in the middle of the case can (and likely will) costs you more money and may lead to delays in getting the case to trial as the new lawyer has to get up to speed.
You [...]
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Are the fees I pay my divorce lawyer deductible?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Only those fees paid to your divorce lawyer that are directly attributable to tax advice and/or related to the production of taxable income (such as alimony) can be deducted.
You may want to ask your lawyer at the conclusion of the case if she can give you a breakdown of what portion of the fee you [...]
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Can I have my spouse tested for drugs?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
If one spouse in a divorce case wants to have the other spouse tested for drugs, they can file a motion and the Judge will decide whether to grant the request. Generally speaking, if custody or visitation is an issue, and there is some reason for suspecting abuse, the Judge will grant the request and [...]
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What should I do if I suspect my spouse is cheating?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
There are two things that I recommend for the person contemplating divorce under these circumstances. One is obvious, the other may not be.
First, you need to seriously consider getting a private investigator. In Alabama “fault grounds” is relevant in a divorce case and can affect the property settlement and alimony awards. Depending on whether the [...]
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What will my divorce cost?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
This is a question you should ask your lawyer at the initial consultation. If you are working for a lawyer that charges fixed fees like our firm does (also known as flat fees), then they can tell you exactly what the fee will be. But, even if you are working with a lawyer that charges [...]
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Can I date while the divorce is pending?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
I suppose that you can, but my general advice is that you don’t. Even though a divorce case is pending, you are still married. Having a sexual relationship while the case is pending is still adultery. Even in the absence of any sexual contact, a dating relationship may be a strike against you in the [...]
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How should I choose a lawyer to represent me in my divorce?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Choosing the right lawyer is vital to the satisfactory resolution of your divorce or family law case. In my opinion, there are a number of things that you ought to consider. In fact, I dedicate an entire chapter to this topic in my upcoming book on divorce in Alabama.
For this article, I just want to [...]
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Can I bring someone with me to meet with my lawyer?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
Many of our clients ask whether or not they can bring a friend or a relative with them to the meeting with me. This is usually not a good idea.
The conversations that a lawyer and client have with one another are generally confidential. However, if another person is present during those conversations, it loses its [...]
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What about my “prenup”?
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Jim Jeffries.
If you are about to go through a divorce and you and your spouse signed a nuptial agreement (either before your marriage or after), you need to inform your lawyer of that fact immediately. That seems like a rather obvious statement, but I have seen cases where the client’s failed to mention to their lawyers [...]