All posts by BowTieLawyer

Matthew operates the Thompson Law Firm, pllc, a Mississippi based Family Law firm emphasizing; Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Modification, Contempt and Appeals, handling family law cases throughout Mississippi. (601) 850-8000 Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms www.BowTieLawyer.ms
Opinion, Uncategorized

Pet Peeve of the Day: I’ve Met You 5 Times…

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I usually remember people…

Recently I “met” a man who I have previously met 4 times.

The first time was at a (1) community lunch that we both attended. We sat beside each other talked about our professions and several things we had in common. It was nice.  The second time was (2) two weeks later at a similar event, again sitting at the same table for lunch.  There was a vague memory of the first lunch.  The third time was (3) again at lunch, but this time by happenstance. It was as if we had never met.  The fourth time was at (4) a Wednesday night dinner at church.  We sat immediately next to each other and I intentionally had a “memorable” conversation about Jack Black singing gospel songs.  Who could forget that?

The fifth time (5) was just the other day…

I’m not sure what this means. I’m not sure if I should be offended, or not care, or treat it as proof that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is just not true.  In any event, I recommend that you try to remember people and remember meeting them.

The one final take away is that on all of these occasions I was NOT wearing a bow tie.  Perhaps I am not myself sans bow tie.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Litigation Lawyer in Mississippi, the Hospitality State and is recommitting to the bow tie.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000

Child Custody, Child Support

Tell Your Kids You Love Them!

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Make sure your children know that you love them, unconditionally. Do it today.

(601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

black bow

divorce, Marriage

First Recorded Divorce in the U.S. (Colonies, actually)

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In the Quarter Court of Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Anne Clarke                                                                              Plaintiff

vs.                                                                                          1643-0001

Denis Clarke                                                                          Defendant

Complaint for Divorce

       COMES NOW, Anne Clark, a resident of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and files this her Complaint for Divorce and Other Relief, and would respectfully show unto this honorable Court, as follows;

      1.  Plaintiff, Anne Clarke, alleges as her ground for divorce Uncondoned Adultery and/or Abandonement…

History.com and the Nottage and Ward Blog note the first recorded divorce in the American colonies involved Anne and Denis Clarke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  In January 1643, a divorce was granted by the Quarter Court of Boston on the ground that Denis abandoned Anne to be with another woman.

In a signed affidavit, Denis confessed his actions. There were two children of the marriage and Dennis sired two children with his paramour. He also refused to return to Anne. The Quarter Court of Boston granted the divorce to Anne based on Denis’ conduct.

Divorce, it’s been here at least 371 years…

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Attorney in Mississippi and can help make your marriage History.

(601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

 

divorce

So, Two Alligators Get a Divorce…

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#BowTieLawyerMS  www.bowtielawyer.ms (601)850-8000

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divorce, General Legal, Marriage

Getting UnMarried Without a Divorce (Death is NOT the Only Way Out)

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There are ways to end a “Marriage” other than divorce, and no, I am not talking about death…

http://eofdreams.com/ death.html

I have previously blogged on Annulment and the very limited circumstances that one may be requested.  However, I recently had another Annulment scenario arise that is worth mentioning.

Mississippi has specific licensing requirements to get married.  You have to have a licensed issued, you have to have a ceremony and cohabit.  The license is issued by the Clerk, the Ceremony is the thing you have at the beach, or the church, or the Court House and Cohabiting is living together.

But, what happens when there is a failure of one of the (3) requirements?

Typographical errors in the license do not invalidate a marriage when the marriage is consummated and you are living together.  Failure to comply with licensure requirements and NOT living together does not a marriage make. This situation would result in an Annulment.

But, what if there was no ceremony? 

Failure to have a Ceremony is fatal.  It does not matter if the license was issued. It doe not matter if you shacked up.  If you did NOT have a ceremony; at the beach, church, Court House, or backyard, if you did not jump the broomstick, you are not married.  A Ceremony, of some type, is required.

So, want your marriage to Count- get a license, have a ceremony and live as husband and wife.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce/Annulment Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to act fast if you are seeking an Annulment.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at 

(601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

black bow

divorce

“But, I Pay Child Support!?!”

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Child Support.  The two most despised words in all of child custody related matters. Ok, maybe not the most despised, but it leads to more litigation than any other single issue.
imgres

I have previously written on Child Support in Mississippi.  Today’s post is about what Child Support is really for and what it is not.

I have lost count of the times that a parent paying child support demanded to know how the monies are being spent and wanting to know just what the other parent is spending “their” money on.  I have also heard when the receiving parent has requested additional monies the response is,”I paid my child support, you figure it out.”

Child Support is intended to go towards the child’s needs. Food, shelter, clothing and necessities. However, the statutory sums rarely equate to an amount sufficient for all of that.

Mississippi has the lowest amounts, percentage wise, in the Country. 14% for one child equals approximately $150.00 -$585.00 per month. By the time any rent or a mortgage is paid, it’s gone.

Child support may be used to pay the rent, groceries, gas, clothing, shoes, school expenses, medical, dental, utilities, activities, etc. It’s not limited to solely purchases just for the child and it’s not improper for the parent to spend it as they see fit, so long as it’s a benefit for the child.

The paying parent may well gripe. And, it may be a lot of money to you, but it’s usually not enough to pay for a child’s true expenses.

Matthew Thompson is Child Support lawyer in Mississippi.

divorce

Signs of Terrible Parenting

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In case you are wondering, “Am I being a terrible parent?” Ask yourself these questions, if you answer yes, you may well be parenting terribly.

  • Do you withhold financial support from your child?
  • Do you discuss grown-up issues with your young child?
  • Do you degrade the other parent to your child?
  • Do you take the position Easter is not a “holiday”?
  • Do you prevent your child from seeing the other parent?

A “Yes” to any of these does not require that you are a terrible parent, however your parenting as to that issue may be terrible. So, you ask, how do I not parent terribly?

  • Pay your support- if you have the means go beyond.
  • Do not discuss grown-up issues – the child does not need to know the details of the divorce.
  • Do not criticize the other parent – I agree they deserve it, but the child does not.
  • Easter is a holiday. It just is.
  • Allow your child to see the other parent – exceptions for dangerous circumstances only.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to not be a terrible parent.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer 

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

Child Support, Crime, General Legal

Child Support, FaceBook and Poor Judgment = Rich Consequences

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Pay your Child Support.  It’s been said and blogged before, but a few payors have yet to get the message…

Newly Internet famous, John McCroy, reportedly paid his $100.00 per month child support only one time.  He allegedly refused to pay because he  died and could not afford it.  Neither appears true.  Above is the recent photo of himself with at least $100.00 and being alive.

Social media like FaceBook (also, don’t do this on FB) and other sites are now routinely reviewed in determining a potential party’s whereabouts, goings-on and can be used as a snap shot into their financial status.

I have personally prepared to use FaceBook photos of an ex, severely behind on their obligations, claiming they cannot afford it, but had numerous pictures of their new car and the recent vacation they just took to the beach.  Certainly, there are circumstances where persons cannot afford their obligations when life gets in the way, but pictures of your new car and recent vacation are proof positive you are choosing to not pay your obligations.

Just like McCroy, it was proof they could meet the obligation, but chose not to.  McCroy posted numerous photos and comments once his “story” broke. He noted that no one in the media has mentioned that his Baby’s Mama was keeping the child away from him.  If true he should seek Contempt against her or specified visitation rights, it is not a basis to not pay your child support.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Support Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you that as a parent you have a moral and legal obligation to pay Child Support.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer 

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000