“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”
― Umberto Eco, Foucault’s Pendulum
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Category Archives: Visitation
Take Your Kids to the Theatre
The movies are fine, but I’m talking about live action theatre.
There’s something really amazing and endearing about witnessing a live performance. Watching the story come to life in three dimensions is an experience that even the highest definition cannot capture.
The Lion King, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid or Mary Poppins, it does not matter. Broadway or a high school production, all offer something to enjoy.
You don’t have to be highfalutin or in a tux and tales to enjoy. And in my experience your kids rise to the occasion and really enjoy it!
BowTieLawyer.MS
Bacon, It’s What’s for Dinner
I am frequently asked about things a divorced parent can do during their weekend with the children.
It’s easy to run out of things “to do.” And the constant eating out, movies and going to the store can get expensive. Quickly! Here are a few things that you can do;
- Eat Backwards, dessert first is always a treat.
- Children’s Museum/Science Museum
- Park/playground
- Church Events
- Neighborhood events
- Play dates with friend and their parents
- Picnics
- Kid’s Eat Free Nights at area restaurants
- Quiet nights at home
- Popcorn parties
- Celebrate Holidays you don’t “get.” Literally, Christmas in July.
- Camping Out, even if just in the backyard.
- Breakfast for Dinner, a time-honored tradition.
You are only limited by your imagination. Having all the money in the world doesn’t make you a great parent. Making the most with the time you have does.
Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and advises his clients to make having a great relationship with your children priority #1.
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.
New Judges are Coming… 11th, 20th, & 4th Districts; The Scoop on the Candidates.
Family Law is not necessarily full of exciting news. Sure, we have juicy stories of debauchery, but that has occurred since man became upright…
Illustration by Barbara Kelley
But, getting 3 new Judge positions is exciting!
Governor Bryant signed into law a bill that creates 3 new judges to hear divorce, custody, child support, paternity, will, estate and land matters, among other limited areas of the law.
These 3 new judges will be over districts that have been in much demand for another Judge.
District 11 is getting a 3rd Judge. District 11 covers Madison, Leake, Holmes and Yazoo counties. The Current Judges are Cynthia Brewer and Robert Clark, III.
The candidate for this seat is James Walker (click for website). Walker is the current Family Master for the District, hearing Emergencies,Temporary Hearings and the types of matters the current Chancellors hear. Walker is the former staff attorney for Judge Cynthia Brewer and former staff attorney for DHS. Walker is the definite front-runner (FB).
District 20 covers Rankin County and will likewise be getting a 3rd Judge. The current Judge is John Grant. There is a vacancy for the 2nd Chancellor due to the untimely passing of Judge Dan Fairly– which will be filled, most likely, by appointment and special election.
Craig Slay is the only candidate that has qualified for the new position, but the rumor mill has at least 4 other candidates in the mix. Slay is the Board Attorney for the Rankin County Board of Supervisors and has practiced law for nearly 20 years. At the time of this post Slay’s social media presence was not readily apparent.
Prentiss Grant is one of those candidates. He has announced publicly to be in the running for Rankin Chancery Judge, though not listed yet on the Secretary of State’s website. P. Grant has practiced for over 25 years and handled many Chancery Court cases, among criminal and personal injury areas of practice as well.
This will be an exciting race to watch!
District 4 covers Amite, Franklin, Pike and Walthall counties and will be getting a much needed second Chancellor.
Conrad Mord is the only candidate to toss his hat in the ring so far. Mord has practiced in the district for 40 years and currently serves as the Youth Court Referee, a.k.a. Youth Court Judge. The current lone Chancellor is Debbra Halford.
Stay tuned for all of your Family Law Judge news. This election coverage will be updated as more candidates qualify, though not so much coverage as to be soul-crushing to the casual reader!
Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney and is interested in the election process and the candidates that will decide critical issues for Families in Mississippi.
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.
Do You Pass “The SleepOver Challenge?”
Sometimes being a Family Law Attorney leads to having information that you wish you did NOT have.
From swinging key parties to recreational substance abuse, you would be surprised to learn what good, normal people are doing, even your neighbors.
One way to determine if your conduct is “ok” is to ask yourself “Do I pass the SleepOver Challenge?” This simple test is would you allow your child(ren) to go to a sleepover at so-and-so’s house if you knew they were doing whatever it is that you are doing.
If your answer is “yes” then in the eyes of a Judge you’ll probably be fine, (assuming you are in the bounds of societal norms, whatever that means). If your answer is “no” it’s time to re-examine what you are doing.
And, if you have some rally 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.
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.
Going to Bat for Your…Ex!? – Things Great Parents Do Whether they Like it or Not.
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:
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
DONATE NOW to the MVLP; Helping Low-Income Mississippians attain Lawyers
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.
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
Court is Unpredictable.
Court. The true final frontier.
Court is where disputes that otherwise cannot get resolved get resolved. However, Court does not always go as planned. Witnesses freeze up and forget details that matter. Your client talks too much and argues with the other side. Or, your client cries uncontrollably and is hard to understand while testifying. The other party has spontaneous amnesia. The Judge has other cases and the other attorney has an emergency in the next Courtroom.
Even the best laid plans go awry. Court starts late and finishes early, for the day. Court runs long. Court is not fun and a “win” is hard to come by.
Avoid it if you can. Prepare like you can’t.
Matthew Thompson is a Mississippi Family Attorney.
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
