Category Archives: divorce

Child Custody, divorce, General Legal, Opinion

Why Do I Need a Private Investigator?

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Private Investigation is not as glamorous, or as easy, as you think it is…

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Why should I get a P.I.?

They know what they are doing. (usually)

They are good at what they do. (usually)

They are professional, will document their efforts and testify in Court.

They can be objective and unemotional about your circumstances.

They aim to satisfy as they care about their reputation.

Why doing it myself is a bad idea?

You do NOT know what you are doing.  (Watching old reruns of Magnum PI does not qualify you for the job)

You are NOT good at it.  You will get caught following too closely, spotted watching them, seen taking an obvious picture, or will lose them in the crowd.

You’re efforts will be viewed as biased. (of course you will say you saw him cheating, you’re trying to get a divorce!)

You CANNOT be objective nor unemotional. (the desire to confront her will be almost unbearable)

You do not care what anybody thinks!!  (He’s a perv!!)

Read more on what a Private Investigator needs from you.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney and has seen the P.I. at the restaurant, “on the clock” and knew NOT to say hello!

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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divorce, General Legal

Testimony in Court; Answering Yes or No.

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Testimony is nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be that hard.

Courtroom sketch: Wired.com / Norman Quebedeau

A witness’s job is to tell the truth and answer the question asked.  It is not to guess, to anticipate, to make-up, or change the story.

Judges routinely get irritated with a witness when asked a “Yes or No” question , but the answer begins with, “You see, what had happened was…”

There are 2 different sets of Rules when testifying.

1) You are called by your attorney or are a “friendly” witness. Under these circumstances you may not be asked yes or no questions of material importance. If you are, the other side may object due to “leading.”  That is asking a question which suggest the answer.

Lawyer 1: You witnessed Jimmy kissing Jane, didn’t you?

Lawyer 2: Objection. Leading.

Judge: Sustained. Don’t lead your witness.

Lawyer 1: (asked one at a time)How do you know Jimmy? How do you know Jane? On what occasions, if any, have you seen them together?

2) When you are called by the adverse lawyer or are deemed a “hostile witness” then the questioning attorney may use leading questions.

Lawyer 2: You witnessed Jimmy kissing Jane, didn’t you?

Lawyer 1: Objection. Leading.

Judge: He’s on Cross Examination. The witness may answer.

Witness: Yes. (explain if allowed)

If the question can be answered with a Yes or a No, then you as a witness need to answer Yes or No. The Court will allow you to explain your answer, if necessary.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and can handle the truth.

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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divorce, General Legal

FaceBook, At Your Service; How You May be Able to use FB to Serve Your Spouse

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FaceBook is not just for stalking your ex anymore…

TechnoGuido

A New York Court has authorized a Divorce litigant to attempt service on her hopefully, soon-to-be-ex via FaceBook.

This is unusual because under normal circumstances “personal service of process” is required.  That is, the filed divorce papers are required to be handed to your spouse by a non-party, non-attorney for the parties. The rules do provide for service by publication when you do not know where the other party is, but you have to attest to having made a diligent search and inquiry into their whereabouts.

This case is unique in that the Wife does not know where the Husband is, but knows that he is an active user of FaceBook. The Court has determined that service through FaceBook may be proper.

This does not mean that sending your ex a FB message is valid service, however.  Please consult your experienced family law attorney for rules on service and any additional questions.

Matthew Thompson is a  Family Law Attorney and read here for what NOT to do on FaceBook.

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

 

divorce

New Judges are Coming!

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New State Judicial Districting will result in more Judges.

Divorce Courts will have new  chancery judges be added in the 11th Chancery District composed of Holmes, Leake, Madison and Yazoo counties;  the 20th Chancery District composed of Rankin County, and in the 4th Chancery District composed of Amite, Franklin, Pike and Walthall counties.

This will be a much welcomed relief for Madison and Rankin Counties.  A new Circuit Court Judge positions has also been provided for Madison and Rankin.

Over $900,000 in the State budget for 2016 salary and benefits of the new judges and staff was included. The new judges only will run this year in the November general election. June 1 will be the qualifying deadline for the new judges. Judges run in nonpartisan elections. The new judges will take office in January.

Matthew Thompson is a  Family Law Attorney and represents clients in Chancery Courts throughout Mississippi and believes these new Judges will help to ease the crowded dockets in these counties.

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

 

divorce

All the Way to the Supreme Court…

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I hear this a lot. “I’ll take this all the way to the Supreme Court!“

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Spring Break 2015, Louisiana Supreme Court

There are a number of potential stops throughout the appeal process (read more about appeals here) before your case will get to the Supreme Court and there are multiple Supreme Courts.

It’s not too uncommon for your family law case to make it to the Mississippi Supreme Court. All appeals from Chancery Court are filed with the MS. S. Ct., though most are assigned to the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Should you appeal from the C.O.A. (or, if the MS S. Ct. keeps your case) then the MS S. Ct. will hear your case.

For your Family Law case to go further, it would have to include a Constitutional Issue or a Federal Question.  Within Family Law there is an exception to Federal Courts having Jurisdiction, so most likely your Family Law case will not be in Federal Court.

Confusing? Sure, but just know this, your Family Law case is important, though it may not make it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and has been involved in over 40 appeals.  

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

divorce, General Legal

Attorneys are Like Used Cars

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Used car salesmen, stock brokers and door-to-door salespersons have tough reputations, at least the internet says so.

Well, what about attorneys? Lawyers represent the 4th highest rank of depression for any given career.  Attorneys are like used cars.  Some are shiny and look great on the outside, but are held together with JB Weld and duct tape on the inside.  Some look rough and haggard, but can get the job done in an economical fashion.  Some are much more expensive than necessary, but it’s your choice.  Some are just not equipped to get the job done.  Given this, how do you know what you are getting?

  • Ask.  Ask your friends, family and neighbors who they used? How was their experience?
  • Inspect.  You interview the lawyer as much as they interview you. Can they explain the law in terms you understand?
  • Listen.  Are they telling you just what you want to hear?

As Forrest Gump said, “You never know what you are going to get.” But, with a little homework and due diligence you can avoid getting a lemon.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Litigation Attorney in Mississippi and warns you to avoid the Lemon Lawyer.

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

divorce, General Legal, Marriage, Opinion

Have a Plan.

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It cannot be stressed enough. Have a plan. 



Too often lawyers and litigants do things just to be doing something. I like having a plan and carrying out that plan.  I discuss options, steps and expenses for each option and what I recommend and why. 

While this approach takes more effort and time on the front end it can lead to amazing results of achieving seemingly very difficult goals very quickly or without causing a huge scene. 

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce Attorney and loves it when a plan comes together!

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer 

Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or more information on Child Custody and Divorce. (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

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Crime, divorce, General Legal, Marriage, Opinion

SOULMATES do NOT do the Following; The TOP 5 Signs that you have NOT found your “soulmate”

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A noted Practitioner, Professor and Author once said, “Soulmates and Unicorns live in the same zip code.” – Matthew Thompson

That is to say, that perhaps, Soulmates in the truest sense may well NOT exist, a la Unicorns.  However, regardless of your belief, for purposes of this post, assume Soulmates do exist. *

The TOP 5 Things Your Soulmate Will NOT Do:

5.  Physically/Verbally assault you.

4.  Harm your family members.

3.  Fake a pregnancy to induce you into marriage or remain in one.

2.  Isolate you from all other persons/friends/family.

1. Encourage you to establish a shell LLC so that you may then purchase their dream home at your expense, placing ownership interests into their sole name and doing all of this in a fashion as to hide it from all others. All the while, said Soulmate pays no heed as to your current financial condition and whether it is what is best for you.

*Science has yet to conclusively prove that Soulmates exist.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and can help you part ways when you realize your Soulmate is NOT your Soulmate.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer 

Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or more information on Child Custody and Divorce. (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

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