Category Archives: Child Custody

Child Custody, Crime, divorce, General Legal, Marriage, Pets

It’s NOT the Lawyer’s Fault that You Don’t See Your Kids

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But, for that d@#^lawyer!

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I hear this a lot.  “My life was great until my lying ex and her d@#^ Attorney messed it all up!”

Right.

It was all peachy until you;

  • Had an Affair; or
  • Physically Assaulted Your Spouse; or
  • Habitually Abused Illegal Drugs; or
  • Threatened Physical Violence; or
  • Took Your Children and Refused to Return Them or Disclose Their Location; or
  • Refused to Support Your Family; or
  • All of the Above, and then some…

Is life fair? Certainly NOT.  Do your actions directly impact the quality of that life? You better believe it. So maybe your lying ex and her d@#^ attorney are NOT totally to blame.

  • Do What has Been Ordered of You
  • Be the Best Parent you Can be
  • Don’t Threaten, Harass, or Make False Allegations

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Litigation Attorney in Mississippi and believes that you reap what you sow.

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, Marriage, Opinion

Don’t Make Up Stuff About Your Ex.

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It can be fun to “run them down the road” or “throw ’em under the bus,” figuratively speaking, of course.

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They were, after-all, mostly responsible for the worst thing that happened to you as an adult. (Or the best, if you consider you no longer live with that cretin?)

But, why make stuff up about how bad they were? It serves no purpose. Recently, I heard the other side of the story from a friend of the ex.  It was chock full of outrageous conduct, statements and actions- some criminal, that were just not true.

I thought, “Wow, if he was that bad I would have divorced him too!”

However, the conduct, statements and actions were not true.  I know because I deposed the ex during the case. I asked, under oath, about all the dirty deeds. They were not mentioned.

People seem to have one of two predispositions. 1) We remember things better than they were, ie: childhood years, college days, or 2) We remember things much worse than they were, ie: “he never loved me.”

Making things up about your ex may be fun, but it serves no purpose and delays the “healing process.”  It also may backfire down the road when you finally forgive and resume some semblance of a relationship.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Litigation Lawyer in Mississippi and believes the truth can set you free.

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, General Legal

BEASTIE BOYS on Parents’ Rights to Records; Know this LAW- MCA 93-5-26

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You Have to Fight…for Your Right to…PARENT!

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With apologies to the Beastie Boys, it should NOT be a fight to get your child’s important school  and medical records.  Fortunately, by law in Mississippi, you are entitled to those records regardless of your Custody papers.

REGARDLESS of CUSTODY!

Miss. Code Ann., Sec. 93-5-26, concerns a noncustodial parent’s right of access to records and information pertaining to  minor children.

“Notwithstanding any other provisions of law…access to records…pertaining to a minor child, including but not limited to medical, dental and school records, shall not be denied to a parent because the parent is not the child’s custodial parent if such parent’s rights have not been terminated by adoption or by termination of parental rights proceeding.” Id.

As a parent you have the right to this information by law.  You can request medical records regarding your child’s health and prior appointments, you can get their school records and grades, whether the other parent gives it to you or not.

Armed with this Statute and a smile, schools and doctor’s offices have no right to refuse you this information.

Print YOUR Copy of the Law Here!   Miss. Code Ann., Sec. 93-5-26

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Litigation Attorney in Mississippi and wants parents to know their rights and fight for their right to…Parent!

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

Child Custody, Crime, divorce, General Legal, Marriage

Mic Test: “Testing 1, 2, 3…”: Recording in Divorce- Good, Bad & Ugly

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Recording Fever has swept the divorce world, at least, since the 1980s.

Recordings set the record straight, right? It’s incontrovertible proof that so-and-so said what-they-said on any given date.  It’s right there on tape…

Not so fast. First of all is it legal where you are? States have differing laws on recordings. Generally, in this state, recording is legal so long as one person to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. However, this is not the case in every state and some require all parties know and consent.

Secondly, is the recording a set-up?  There have been instances where a spouse (or ex-spouse) intentionally created circumstances where the other spouse would “blow up.”  Under these circumstances your recording may get you in more trouble than it’s worth.

Third, is the recording complete and unaltered? Recordings can be edited. They can certainly be manipulated.  Recordings must be authenticated, complete and relevant to be considered admissible.

Fourth, is it as valuable as you think? I know a Judge whose opinion is “You need to be focusing on parenting and communicating with the other parent rather than recording every interaction…“

Recordings, either audio or video or both, may well be legal, legitimate, complete and valuable, but it could easily be illegal, under false circumstances, incomplete and of no value. Discuss the laws regarding recordings and admissibility with your attorney.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi and warns clients of the possibility of surveillance and recordings, reminding them to say and do things they do NOT mind being played back in Court.

You may  contact Matthew with your family law matter or question at (601) 850-8000

Child Custody, Crime, divorce, Marriage, Opinion

How Do You Tell When a Lawyer is Lying?

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“His lips are moving.”

Perjury has been blogged about.

Never lie. (PERJURY)  You will get caught.  The truth is easy to remember.  Remember, usually, it’s not the crime but the cover-up that gets you.  The very affluent husband, with a great job, testified that he was unsure of his income, but knew his expenses down to the penny.  He testified under oath that his expenses exceeded his income by over $10,000 per month.  The problem?  He had no debt.  This situation of making $10,000 less than he was spending had been going on for months, if not years, but he always made payroll, carried no debt, had no loans and could not explain how this could be.  Perhaps he had a money tree out back.

Lying to your kids has, as well.

It never fails.  One of the aggrieved parties to a divorce tells the dirty details to the child regarding the other parent.  This is never appropriate or “ok.”  Never. Never to a young child. What about when….? No. Never.

But that parent, with their righteous indignation tells me, or testifies, “I do NOT lie to my child?”  My response?  “Well, what about the Tooth Fairy?“

The Top 5 Lies of Divorce clients are here.

5.  Lies about Income.

4.  Lies about their role within the Home.  

3.  Lies about Other Marital Fault.

2.  Lies about Value$.

1.  Lies about Adultery.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Attorney in Mississippi and encourages potential clients to tell your lawyer the truth!

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

Child Custody, divorce, Opinion, Visitation

Going to Bat for Your…Ex!? – Things Great Parents Do Whether they Like it or Not.

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Ex-spouses.  The scourge of happy families.

Despising your ex is a “fundamental right” that most divorcees have earned. Usually, about half of the time, the ex deserves it. However, there are some involved who do not.  The children.

Promoting and encouraging a good relationship between your ex and the children is usually a very good thing.  You should do it.  How, you ask?

Go to Bat for the Other Parent.

If the child indicates they don’t want to go to visitation or that they would rather go to Jenny’s birthday, don’t acquiesce.  Tell them how important it is to go see the other parent. Tell them how much that time means to the other parent. Tell them how much fun they will have.  Even if you don’t believe it.

Think about if the roles were reversed.  Jenny’s birthday is not that important to your child. It’s just another school friend’s birthday. Time with the Other Parent is Priceless.

Here are some other tips on NOT being a Terrible Parent:

Signs of Terrible Parenting.

How to be a Terrible Person.

And, here’s the Best Thing You Can do for Your Child!

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody  Lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi and goes to bat for his clients.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer Visit the website: Thompson Law FirmYou 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, Marriage, Opinion

Judges Love This – Making a Comeback; Turning Adversity into a Positive

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I’m not going to go all Tony Robbins on you, but Judges love a comeback story.

Adversity is a part of life.  Oftentimes it is self-inflicted. I see a lot of clients that do things that are against their own best interests and it is a safe bet that at the next hearing they will have to answer questions about it.  However, just because you did some things you should not have does not mean you should give up and wallow.

I represented a client who was an alcoholic.  This person would drink themselves into oblivion and was an abusive person under the influence.  As expected it lead to trouble in the marriage and home-life and with work.  It impacted every aspect of their life.  He was sued and the wife sought temporary custody and sought to get temporary support.  He was served and summoned to a court date.  We showed up and the other attorney was expecting a fight.

We had a conference with the Judge and the other attorney told the Court all of the awful things my client does while under the influence. The Judge, so used to hearing two or three sides to every story, asked for my take.  I advised the Judge my client had a serious problem with alcohol and when under the influence acted in an inappropriate and unjustified manner, however when sober was a great father, worker and person. That the real issue was addiction and that my client needed help.

The Judge and the other side were surprised by the candidness displayed.  The Judge told a story of her own relative who struggled with alcohol abuse and that she wished he would have had the opportunity for help. The Judge stated that if he admitted a problem that she would assist in getting him help and would not hold it against him.

He was committed to an alcohol treatment program and his support obligations were held in abeyance pending completion.  It was exactly what was needed.

You can turn negatives into positives, you just have to stop doing the negatives…

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Divorce Attorney and will try to help you turn adversity into advantage.

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

Child Custody, Child Support, divorce, Grandparent Visitation, Irreconcilable differences, Modifications, Visitation

DONATE NOW to the MVLP; Helping Low-Income Mississippians attain Lawyers

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Low-income Mississippian’s have a definite need for legal services and lawyers and the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project is working to make sure those Mississippian’s get the help they deserve.  MVLP needs your help too.

MVLP

Click Here to DONATE Now.

Q: What is the MVLP?
The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, or “MVLP,” is a 501(c) (3) non-profit legal aid organization.

Q: What is the Mission of MVLP?
MVLP enables volunteer attorneys to provide equal access to justice for Mississippians of low-income and limited means through high quality pro bono legal assistance.

Q: What types of cases does MVLP handle?

  • Divorce
  • Child support contempt, child support modification,  and visitation.
  • Emancipation
  • Simple wills 
  • Adoption, guardianship, and conservatorships
  • Name change, birth certificate correction,
  • MVLP hosts legal clinics throughout Mississippi which are staffed by local volunteer attorneys and law students.

Q: How does MVLP work?
Qualified clients are matched with volunteer attorneys who will represent him/her on behalf of MVLP. MVLP staff periodically review the client’s case to ensure that the match is successful, to assess the progress of the case, and to record pro bono hours contributed by the volunteer attorney.

Q: How is MVLP funded?
MVLP receives funding from the Civil Legal Assistance Fund, the Mississippi Bar Foundation, Legal Services Corporation, special events and seminars, donations from law firms, other business and individuals like you. Over the past several years, MVLP’s funding from the Mississippi Bar Foundation and the Legal Services Corporation, in particular, has been substantially reduced because of the country’s current economic situation. MVLP anticipates additional cuts from both sources in 2015, making this year’s fundraising campaign especially critical.

Q: How will My Donation be used?
Annual campaign donations will help MVLP to do the following:
• Recruit more volunteer attorneys to provide much-needed legal services to the poor;
• Increase the number of legal clinics and public awareness workshops offered throughout Mississippi;
• Increase the number of training sessions to volunteers on the types of matters handled by MVLP;
• Provide financial support to clients who cannot afford filing fees and other court costs; and
• Allow the organization to actively engage in short- and long-term, strategic planning with a focus on ways to expand its capacity to reach more individuals in need.

Q: What are the fundraising levels?
Benefactor $10000
Sustainer $5000
Partner $2500
Advocate $1000
Patron $500
Friend of MVLP $250

Or any amount.

Q: How can I Donate?
A: Donate online through PayPal at www.mvlp.org/donate.

Mail your donation to MVLP at PO Box 1503, Jackson, MS 39215 or

Call MVLP at 601-960-9577 and a MVLP volunteer can pick up your donation.

Please make a Donation Now!

Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Family Law Attorney, Board Member for the MVLP, a volunteer attorney for MVLP and has made his donation for the 2014 campaign and challenges you to help as you are able to this worthy cause.  

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