Category Archives: Child Custody

Child Custody, Divorce, General Legal

Rankin Chancery Judicial Election

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Again?!? It seems there is a Judicial race every year. Normally, this is not the case, but the legislature saw fit to create new judicial positions and with the untimely passing of a sitting Chancellor, another election is around the corner.

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I’m not sure why a graduation cap is in this graphic.

Rankin County Mississippi will host a contested Chancery Judge election this fall. Contested in the nicest sense of the word!

Running as the incumbent is John McLaurin.

John McLaurin was selected by Governor Bryant to fill the vacancy left by Judge Dan Fairly’s passing. Judge McLaurin served as the Family Master for Rankin County since 2007, hearing the exact type of cases he now hears as a full-time Chancellor.

Judge McLaurin “has extensive legal experience with heavy emphasis in the chancery court system. He is a lifelong resident of Rankin County…” said Bryant.

McLaurin holds a bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Prior to taking the bench, he practiced law at McLaurin & McLaurin since 1976.

McLaurin is a lifelong member of Brandon First United Methodist Church. He and his wife, the late Carol Noel McLaurin, were married for 33 years. They have two adult children and two granddaughters. http://www.governorbryant.com/gov-bryant-appoints-john-mclaurin-jr-as-rankin-county-chancery-judge/

* As a point of interest, McLaurin is the great-great nephew of the former Governor of Mississippi, and U.S. Senator, Anselm McLaurin, and is related to the late Robin Williams.

Running as the challenger is James “Jim” Nix.

Jim has practiced law for over 35 years and same was devoted almost exclusively to matters which are within the substantive jurisdiction of the Chancery Court.

You may remember attorney Nix from the last contested Rankin County Chancery race.

Neither candidate has really cranked up their political machines. However, this will be the most civil and professional contested race, ever, in Mississippi.

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Family Law Attorney and wishes both candidates could win.

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

Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Modifications

Where Does Your Child Live? Child Custody

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“I have Joint Custody.”

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I hear this often,”…but I have Joint Custody!” However, the Court Order determines what you have.

There are 2 types of Custody in Mississippi Law. Legal Custody and Physical Custody.

Legal Custody is the decision-making right regarding the child related to their health, education and general welfare. It requires the parents to keep the other reasonably informed of the child’s goings-on.  It is commonly Joint Legal Custody, but this has no bearing on the schedule.

Physical Custody is where the child resides on a primary basis. Within Physical Custody there are typically 2 types. 1) One parent has Physical Custody subject to the other parent’s rights of visitation, or 2) Joint Physical Custody. Joint Physical Custody does not require it be a 50/50 time split, however it is defined as each parent spending a substantial amount of time with the child.

Joint Legal allows access to information and creates an obligation for consultation regarding issues concerning the child. Joint Physical is “Joint Custody.”

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Child Custody attorney.

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, Divorce, General Legal, humor, Irreconcilable differences, Opinion

3 things NOT to say the First time you call a Lawyer.

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Calling a lawyer for the first time feels worse than going to the dentist or seeing a letter in your mailbox from the IRS.

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In addition to being nervous, you are typically calling because you are having legal problems and need help.

3 things NOT to  say on that first call:

  1. TLF:  Thompson Law Firm, this is Sara speaking. How may I help you?

           PC:  This is John. Y’all have to do free (or pro bono) cases, right?!

 2. TLF:  Thompson Law Firm, this is Sara speaking. How may I help you?

           PC:  This is John. How much is a No Fault divorce?

         TLF: Well, John, that depends upon whether all of the issues are agreed upon with regard to…

        PC:  Attorney “So-and-So” said he’d do it for $500.00 dollars!

     3. TLF:  Thompson Law Firm, this is Sara speaking. How may I help you?

           PC:  This is John. I need a bulldog! I want a Junk Yard Dog that will get down and dirty, do whatever it takes and be willing to go lower than Trump or Hillary!

         TLF: Well, sir,  all we do at TLF is family law, but there is a right way of handling matters…

BONUS:  TLF:  Thompson Law Firm, this is Sara speaking. How may I help you?

           PC:  This is John and I need a divorce…hold on just a second…(said into speaker) I need a #5, super biggie sized, extra ketchup and pickles, and a diet coke…(back to TLF)…now, where was I?

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Divorce Attorney and knows it’s hard to make that first phone call, but NOT doing the above and being prepared will make it easier.

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

 

 

Child Custody, Divorce

LIAR: It’s still a Lie even if YOU believe it.

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“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” Winston Churchill

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Everybody lies. The ones to watch out for, however, are the ones that believe their own lies. It’s not ALWAYS someone else’s fault. It’s not ALWAYS you being the victim. The Judge was not bribed, the fix was not in, and it was not a vast conspiracy between the lawyers, the Court and the FBI.

Lying is the act of knowingly and intentionally making a false statement. Lies are often told out of fear. Usually lies are defensive and are told to avoid the consequences of the truth. They are often white lies that spare another’s feelings, reflect a stereotypical societal attitude, or to appear as a civilized human. Pathological lying is considered a mental illness as the lies take over rational judgment and stray into the fantasy world. Pathological lying is described as habitually lying. It is when an individual consistently lies, even if there is nothing to gain. The lies can even be obvious and often pointless, but are told nonetheless.

There are many consequences of being a pathological liar. Due to lack of trust, a lot of pathological liars’ relationships fail. As the lies and disease continues, lying can become so severe as to cause legal problems including; criminal consequences, divorce and issues in a custody case.

Treatment through therapy may help. The problem with treatments is the patient often won’t admit that they are lying. A “normal” person knows when he or she has lied, but the pathological liar may not be able to differentiate between the truth and a lie. Pathological liars believe their lies and may manufacture false memories to support the lies that have been told. Pathological lying may also be a symptom for other personality disorders. A combination of medication and psychotherapy may help a compulsive liar to stop lying routinely.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law litigation attorney in Mississippi and advises you not to lie!

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.

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Child Custody, Crime, Divorce, General Legal, humor, Modifications, Opinion

The SleepOver Challenge; How to Judge Yourself and Others

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Serving as Family Law Attorney leads to having information that you wish you did NOT have.

http://blog.fabkids.com/2014/05/splendid-slumber-party-ideas/

From swinging key parties to recreational substance abuse, the surprises just keep coming.  I am constantly surprised at what “normal” people are doing, even your neighbors.

One way to judge your actions is to ask yourself “Do I pass the SleepOver Challenge?” This simple test is whether you would allow your child to go to a sleepover at the neighbor’s house if they were doing what you were doing.

If you answer “yes,” then a Judge would likely be okay with your conduct (assuming you are in the bounds of societal norms).  If your answer is “no,” then it’s time to re-examine what you are doing.

And, if you are engaging in some really bizarre behind closed doors conduct, just disregard this, keep it to yourself and don’t invite anyone for a sleepover.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Attorney practicing Family Law in Mississippi.

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.

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Child Custody, Divorce, Visitation

Be BETTER than a GOOD parent.

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Everyday I hear about issues concerning what to do and how to do it regarding child and parenting matters?

Can he come to the school program?

What happens if she’s late?

What if…?

The best single piece of parenting advice is;

BE A REASONABLE PARENT ALL THE TIME!

Of course he can go to the school program.  Almost anyone can go to the school program. It’s a safe bet that if I can go, he can go. (Unless there is a Court Order stating otherwise.) If she’s running 15 minutes late, wait 15 more minutes.  Send a text or call. Ask why she’s late. She was late to everything you ever did in 12 plus years of marriage!  Why would it be different now?

What if…? As to “What Ifs?” Ask yourself what would a reasonable parent do.  Read more about the best thing you can do for your child here.

So, invite your ex to the next event for your child. Go out of your way to be cordial and at least not hostile. Your child wants them there. Tell yourself that you are being the “bigger” person, if you have to.  It’s what your children need!

Matthew Thompson is a Family and Child Custody attorney in Mississippi reminding you that acting in your children’s best interests should be your #1 priority!

Follow the blog:#BowTieLawyer Visit the website: #Thompson Law Firm  You may also contact Matthew with your family law matter or question at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms

alienation, Child Custody, Crime, Divorce

One Way to Stop Having an Affair!

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Stop having the affair.

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Stop texting, talking, FaceBook stalking, lunching, canoodling, meeting, pining, yearning, lying, pretending, excusing, allowing, submitting.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Attorney in Mississippi and suggests you stop.

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

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

Child Custody, Divorce, General Legal, humor, Opinion, Visitation

5 Ways NOT to introduce your new BF/GF to the Kids…

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It’s going to happen at some point. You will get to (or have to) introduce your new soulmate to the children.  But, do you have to make it awkward?

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These are the TOP 5 ways NOT to introduce your new beauty or beau.

5. At the Traditional Family Holiday Dinner. It should preferably be on an occasion prior to this and more casual.

4. At the pick-up/drop-off exchange.  Sure, at some point you will all be a big, happy, blended family, but a slower introduction is usually better.

3. On an Overnight Trip. Could be contempt, could make for a long weekend.

2. The day the Divorce is final.  This is too soon.

1. At the Wedding.  It needs to be sooner, if possible.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody attorney in Mississippi and next up will be 5 ways to positively introduce that new soulmate…

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

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