Category Archives: Child Custody

Child Custody, Visitation

Child Custody & COVID-19

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We are getting many questions concerning Custody and Visitation schedules and exchanges of children during this time.
The first advice to give is to use common sense and follow the recommendations of authorities.  


From the CDC, The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.  
If the necessary precautions have been taken, no one in either home is sick or showing symptoms, and no one in the home is in the vulnerable class, visitation exchanges should take place as ordered.  

If someone has been exposed to the virus or showing symptoms or is traveling from an infected area, be SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE! Try to avoid travel and exposing other individuals to the virus. While children are resilient and may be asymptomatic, they can still spread the virus to vulnerable persons.  

If visitation exchanges are not possible, utilize FaceTime or video chats to maintain daily contact with your children. Parents need to work together for the safety and well being of everyone, which calls for flexibility and access, whether direct or remotely through technology.

Chad King is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds parents that being reasonable is not a weakness.

Child Custody, General Legal

Custody Sword-fight; Alternative Dispute Resolution

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A Kansas man filed for Court permission from an Iowa judge to duel his ex-wife (or her attorney) via sword-fight to resolve their ongoing custody dispute.

David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, alleged that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, had “destroyed (him) legally”. Id.

Ostrom argued that the Court had the authority to “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally,” noting in his pleading that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States”. Id.

Ostrom requested sufficient time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords.

Ostrom explained his pleading thusly, “I think I’ve met Mr Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity.”

Judge Craig Dreismeier responded that a decision would take some time, citing irregularities with both sides’ motions and responses.

“Until the proper procedural steps to initiate a court proceeding are followed, this court will take no further action concerning any motion, objection or petition filed by either party at this time.”

Citing The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/man-requests-sword-fight-ex-wife-lawyer-settle-legal-dispute

Matthew Thompson (601)850-8000

Celebration, Child Custody, Visitation

Happy halloween- the “Forgotten” Holiday

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Halloween is a fun excuse to dress up, eat candy and be a kid again.

However, you may only get this chance if your divorce papers allow it! Halloween is not a “real” holiday, and while admittedly it has a relatively short shelf-life on being magical, it’s still a fun experience.

Halloween is not in the Court’s standard schedule and not a Federal Holiday. So, if you want it you better address it and/or ask the Court for the day or that it be alternated between the parents.

Don’t only count on the other parent to be reasonable. Sometimes they are NOT!

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to consult the calendar when devising a custody schedule.

Adoption, Child Custody, General Legal

BeGreat Bow Ties…Thank YOu!

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Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very unique new bow tie in my mailbox!

BeGreatBowTies.com

Someone sent me the above bow tie. It is by far the most unique bow tie have. Also, intentionally or not, it was sent anonymously. I could not glean who it was from. The word “KIDS” and the “Scales of Justice” certainly indicate it was intentional and someone who knew me and TLF’s passion for helping families in Mississippi. So, thank you.

BeGreat Bow Ties has a meaningful and moving backstory.

The company was inspired by Tyrelle D Shaw, who committed suicide in June 2015. Tyrelle was the original creator of the unque bow tie idea…

Some 44,965 Americans commit suicide every year. This alarmingly high number shows the need for change and awareness of this problem. Suicide is an issue that’s plagued our communities for far too long and unfortunately it’s on the rise.

At BeGreat bow ties, we want to show that every life matters and there are resources available that can help.

We donate 5% of every purchase to Elevation Society, Their mission is focused on reducing suicide, bullying, and depression by uniting humans to collectively solve issues and show every individual their life is worth fighting for.

I am grateful for my BeGreat Bow Tie and will wear it proudly.

Thank you!

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody and Adoption lawyer in Mississippi.

Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce

Love your Child MORE than you Hate the Other Parent…

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Your job as the parent is to do what is best for your child every time.

It can be hard to show grace to a spouse/other parent who does not deserve, but most of the time it is what is best for your child.

It does not mean that they are not held accountable, but what it does mean, is that short of placing your child in true danger, you encourage and promote a relationship between the child and the other parent.

Just not saying hateful things (like they do ) is not enough. Your child is half of them and half of you. If you convince them that the other parent is ALL bad, then you are telling your child that half of their identity is bad.

Exceptions, of course, are made for abuse and dangerous conduct, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and thinks the Family Law world needs a little more love.

(601)850-8000

alimony, Child Custody, Divorce, Opinion

Why Settling isn’t Settling for less…

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Most cases settle. Most cases should settle and “settlement” is not a dirty word.

Court, despite preparations, always has a level of unpredictability. Witnesses who you thought would be great, are nervous and are not great. Evidence that you knew was significant was prevented from being used due to an objection. What you believed to be the facts morphed into something else because of other testimony.

The judge was cranky. The air conditioner broke. Your lawyer forgot to ask you a question.

Settlement eliminates the risk and unpredictability of Court. Also, you just may get the outcome you would have gotten without the stress, anxiety and burning bridges that sometimes comes with contested litigation.

Sometimes settling your case is the way to go.

Matthew Thompson is a litigation attorney in Mississippi and still advises that sometimes settlement is best.

Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Opinion, Visitation

Best Parenting Advice; Be Consistent and Be Positive

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No, this isn’t a Tony Robbins webinar.

This advice comes from years of custody disputes, multiple counselors, being a parent and seeing a lot of what-not-to-do.

#1 Be Consistent

Be there. Show up when you are supposed to. Be there when you can in addition to when you are supposed to. Be supportive mentally, emotionally, financially. Be calm. Be steady. Be there.

#1A Be Positive.

Be a good example. Be a positive role model. Say nice things about your child. Say nice things about the other parent. Be reassuring. Be encouraging. Be loving. Be affectionate.

That’s it. Do those things. You’ll win at parenting.

Matthew Thompson is a child custody attorney in Mississippi and encourages all parents to be consistent and be positive, even you.

(601)850-8000 Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms

Child Custody, Divorce, General Legal, Visitation

School records, grades and cooperation…

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If you’re a parent you are entitled to your child’s school record, grades and information.

This is true regardless of the type of custody or visitation you have. This is true regardless of whether the other parent gives it to you or not. You are entitled to it by law in Mississippi. MCA 93-5-26

So, how do you get it?

  • Ask the other parent.
  • Ask the teacher.
  • Ask the guidance counselor.
  • Ask the principal.
  • Ask the guardian ad litem.
  • Formally request it in writing.
  • Have your lawyer request it.
  • and if all else fails
  • Issue a Subpoena.

Be nice, be professional, but be assertive.

The few exceptions to this are if your parental rights have been terminated and/or the child has been adopted or if there is a Court Order preventing you access.

Matthew Thompson is a Child custody lawyer in Mississippi and encourages you to be involved in your child’s schooling.

Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms (601)850-8000