Category Archives: Child Custody

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

Child Custody, Crime, Divorce, General Legal, Opinion

When NOT to Call the Police…in your family law matter.

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When to call the Police regarding a Family Law matter has been blogged here, When to Call the Police! This post is When NOT to call the police and is just as important as the former. So, when do you NOT call the police?

  • When he Just Won’t do What you Want.  He does not have to do what you want.  He has to do what he is Ordered to do.  Just because he won’t do as you ask, if he is complying with an Order, does not mean you should call the police.  If he is not breaching the peace the police are not going to do anything.
  • When There is no Court Order in Place and the Kids are Otherwise Safe.  Just because they are not with you does not mean the other parent will be arrested.  When there is no Court Order in place each of you have equal rights to the children.
  • When she Leaves Them With her Family and NOT you.  This is not a crime, if no Order is in place, it’s not even contempt.  Again, if the kids are safe…
  • When you are the Instigator to a Fight.  You will get arrested. You calling the police does not lessen the chances of this.  The police’s job is to figure out what happened.
  • When There is NOT a Legitimate Reason to Call 911.  Crying wolf does NOT help your case.  You will likely be exposed for doing so and it will backfire. Don’t do it.  Also, when you cry wolf and allege abuse that did not happen it makes it more difficult for the next person who really did suffer abuse. If it’s not an Emergency don’t call.
  • He’s 15 Minutes Late for the Pick-up or Drop-off.  It’s not kidnapping if he’s stuck in traffic.  The police are not going to do anything.  You probably shouldn’t even call your attorney.  Just wait 15 more minutes or call him.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and if you find yourself in an Emergency call 911, and if you find yourself not getting what you want call your attorney or your mamma.

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, Crime, Divorce, General Legal

The TRUTH about LIE Detectors.

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“I’ll take a lie detector test!” Famous last words.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/01/08/become-a-human-lie-detector-how-to-sniff-out-a-liar/

Lie Detector Tests and their application in Mississippi Law is limited. The tests themselves are deemed generally unreliable by a legal standard and are not admissible in Court, absent mutual agreement or stipulation otherwise. However, law enforcement relies on them when administered properly. Personally, I have seen testing and the results impact several cases.

First off, What is a Polygraph Test? A test which measures and records physiological indicators such as; blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity, while the subject is asked and answers a series of questions. Wikipedia.

During the actual test only the test taker and examiner are present. The questions asked are typically only a few and they are asked a number of times, the exact same way. There are no surprise questions, no questions that are not rehearsed, and no Lamp Shades.

The test is measuring your involuntary responses and during the pre-test phase you are instructed to lie about an answer for comparison to involuntary responses during the testing.

Despite their limited Courtroom application, law enforcement agencies routinely administer Polygraph tests to suspects of crimes and the FBI uses polygraph testing regularly for not only suspects and witnesses, but also testing their own personnel, staff and agents.

I have used Polygraph testing in several cases where issues involved abuse allegations.  In one instance a properly administered and passed Polygraph test helped result in a matter being dismissed by the Court and helped end a criminal investigation and rightly so.

As for the tricks on Ocean’s Eleven on to how to beat the test…well, the FBI tests for counter measures.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law litigation attorney in Mississippi and encourages 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, Child Support, Divorce, General Legal

You Got Served! Now What?

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Is that person following me? Why am I being called up to the personnel office? You hope against hope that it is not a package from 1) the IRS, or 2) an attorney.  The person may be a plain clothes process server you have never seen before or even a sheriff’s deputy or constable.  What do you do? Run? Scream? Invoke the Castle Doctrine? No.

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Breath. Take the papers. Be polite to that person, as they may later be a witness.

What to do When you get Legal Papers?

  • 1) Take the papers.
  • 2) Review the papers.
  • 3) Make a copy.
  • 4) Take them to an attorney.

“Okay. I took the papers. What next?” Call your lawyer.  DO NOT IGNORE THE PAPERS!  Do not put them in the car to be forgotten. Do not pile them up with your junk mail.

In most instances the moment you received those papers a potentially critical deadline began to run.  That deadline can be from 2 days to 7 to 30 or 45 days, but nonetheless a clock is now ticking.

On numerous occasions I have had a potential client call and say that they have Court on Wednesday. I think, “well…today is Monday they can’t do that.” My next questions is when did you get the papers? “About 2 months ago”  Yikes. Don’t do this.

Think of all the anxiety they have put themselves through with the weight of those legal papers on their mind. If you get papers take them to an attorney.  Have them reviewed, know what they mean and how you need to respond to them.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney. “Leave the drama, take the papers.” (apologies to the Godfather).

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