In dividing marital property and debt in a divorce, equitable distribution is the law in most states today. Equitable distribution means that courts must divide marital property in a just manner when considering all the...more
Inheritance is an event that eventually happens in the life of many. When a family member becomes deceased, or even a close friend, an individual may inherit a piece of their deceased family member’s or friend’s estate....more
An increasing number of lawyers are tempted to put their primary practice area in their law firm name. No matter their practice area, the firm name often says the area of law in it, like bankruptcy, personal injury, family...more
When a divorce begin, many are upset. They are emotional. They might even be angry. Events that led up to the divorce can cause a wide-range of emotions.
These emotions can cause lots of parties to march into the courtroom...more
Giving back is something that is important for a lawyer. At the beginning of their career, many lawyers are concerned about paying back their student loans and other debts. They may be concerned about getting grounded in...more
Many lawyers and law firms are used to potential clients reaching out to them by telephone. For this reason, they install a great telephone system in their law firm to take these calls. They might hire receptionists or an...more
In divorce or family law matters, pre-trial conferences, settlement conferences and other preliminary court dates often take place. These court appearances can sometimes take place in open court. In other instances, they can...more
In a previous article, I talk about ditching the stock photos on your webpage. The reality is that stock photos do not really tell the consumer much about your law firm. With the ability to quickly and easily take and edit...more
Spousal maintenance cases are some of the most litigated cases in the context of divorce. In many instances, one party is seeking spousal maintenance, while the other party does not desire to pay it.
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When many are trying to resolve their divorce, they end up negotiating with their soon-to-be ex-spouse. Many prefer negotiating directly with their spouse versus hiring lawyers to help them. The idea of lawyers becoming...more
Divorce and family law matters can certainly be an emotional time. In many of these cases, parties are worried about custody and support of their children. Custody cases in particular can cause a wide-range of emotions. While...more
Deciding where to put your law office is an important decision. Where your law office is located can have a big impact on the success of your firm. Whether it’s the only location for your law firm, or an additional expansion...more
“I can’t” versus “I can” is an important mentality in any work environment. This is true as well within a law firm.
No matter whether somebody is a lawyer, paralegal or other administrative employee of the firm, employees...more
An increasing number of individuals are interesting in having a prenuptial agreement prior to getting married. The idea is that if the marriage does not work, the divorce can be simplified....more
After a trial in divorce or family law matter, post-trial motions can often be filed. A post-trial motion could be in various forms. It could be a motion simply for a new trial. It could also be a motion to amend, reconsider...more
Many clients complain about the fact that most lawyers bill by the hour. They often do not like billable hours because it results in the cost of their case being variable.
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Initial consultations are an important part of most law firms. Potential clients meet attorneys about their cases. They want an attorney who can help them achieve their goals. Most clients come in knowing generally what they...more
Most parties desire to settle their divorce or family law matter. Most do not want to end up putting their case in the hands of a judge at trial.
At the same time, settlement is hard for most parties. The truth is that if...more
In divorce and family law matters where custody of children is litigated, it can often present a unique set of complexities for a family court. Family court judges might start with default parenting plans or custody schedules...more
In 2016, new child custody legislation was passed in Missouri known as HB1550. This new law went a long way toward making shared parenting the norm in Missouri. However, in 2018, new legislation was introduced in Missouri to...more
Many law firms think of availability as having somebody to take calls in the law office Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Once 5 pm hits in many law firms, business stops until the next day....more
Most parties want to settle their divorce amicably outside of court without a trial. For various reasons, some parties cannot reach a decision on every aspect of their divorce. Some parties might not even be able to reach an...more
Potential clients call and email lawyers and law firms with the hope of getting help with their legal matter. For many potential clients, the need is imminent. They have a pressing legal situation and they want help and...more
Many when they hear about collaborative practice wonder how long as it been around. “Is this a fairly new process? Has it been around a long time? What’s the history?”
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Divorce rates have been high in United States for decades. This is not exactly a new phenomenon in society. There is, however, some recent data showing that millennials are having more of a tendency to stay together than...more