Child Custody, divorce, General Legal, Opinion

Know the Lay Out of the Court

06/09/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Familiarity breeds…Comfort, at least in Court.

One thing a potential litigant should do, as best they can, is Know the Layout of the Court; where to sit, where the Judge sits, where the attorneys will be, where to look when testifying, etc.

A great thing to do prior to any Child Testimony, be it in the Courtroom or Chambers, is let that child know all of the above and how the Judge will treat them respectfully and require the attorneys to do the same.

I had a case where one parent decided to call the child to testify to help “prove the case.” It was not something the child wanted or the other parent wanted, nor something the “proof” required. It was a tactic, I believe, to scare the other parent. However, knowing the Court and how this particular Judge handled child testimony made all the difference. When it came time for the child to testify, it went as smoothly as possible and the Judge determined that the child was safe, well-adjusted, smart and that no modification was warranted.

The child testifying, in fact, backfired on the parent calling the child. Afterwards, my client shared with me that the prep work we did and the schematic that was sketched out showing the Courtroom and Judge’s Chambers had a calming effect and made a difference.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Lawyer in Mississippi and believes that preparation is critical for success.

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.

General Legal, Opinion

Meet the Candidate; Chancery Edition- JAMES C. WALKER FOR CHANCERY COURT JUDGE

06/08/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

The 11th Chancery District, serving Madison, Leake, Holmes and Yazoo Counties, is gaining a third Judge position. Come meet one of the candidates at Georgia Blue, Madison, MS location, on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 5:30 p.m.

James C. Walker

The front-runner for this seat is James Walker. Walker has the backing of the majority of Family Law and Chancery practitioners in the vast majority of the district. Walker is the current Family Master for the District; hearing Emergency Petitions,Temporary Hearings and the types of matters the current Chancellors hear. Walker is the former staff attorney for Judge Cynthia Brewer, former staff attorney for DHS and has his own private Chancery practice law firm.

*Thompson Law Firm, pllc, is a Host for the James C. Walker for Chancery Court Judge campaign.

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.

divorce, General Legal

Pet Peeves; Divorcing is for the Dogs.

06/05/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Divorcing your Spouse may lead to divorcing your pet!

It’s common knowledge that dog is man’s best friend. Sometimes in a divorce situation your pet may be your only friend.

But, how does the Court deal with pets?

Pets are treated as personal property. Sure they eat, sleep and incur expenses, but for Court purposes they might as well be an end table or a foot stool. This in no way minimizes the significant emotional value and relationship, however, a pet owner can have with Frenchy!

In multiple instances “major” issues such as ownership of the home and division of the accounts have been agreed upon while pet custody and responsibilities have been the “lines in the sand’ upon which we will NOT cross.

So if the Court treats Fido as property who gets him? The Court will look at when he was acquired, how, who did the care-taking, and who has the ability to care for the pet, all the while encouraging the parties to agree.

Solomon did not cut the baby in half and the Court will not, in usual circumstances split time with Whiskers. In this instance, if the Court is forced to decide, someone “wins” and someone “loses.”

Your best bet is to enter into a shared custody arrangement and work together to serve the best interests of Jesse. Don’t forget to address how to split those vet bills either.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi and has drafted Shared Custody Agreements regarding the family pet, including pet support!

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, Child Support, divorce, General Legal

Racing in Rankin; Chancery Judge Election is a Four-Man Race

06/03/2015 BowTieLawyer 1 Comment

Rankin County politics are always exciting. The Chancery Judge race is likely to be as well.

Click here for the most recent Update, Roberts in Rankin, Walker in Madison…

Click here for You CAN Pick your Judge.

4 candidates are in the final mix, but it’s not the same line-up as previously blogged.

Haydn Roberts has jumped in and Craig Slay has bowed out.

Rankin County,the 20th Chancery District, is currently served by Judge John Grant and Judge John McLaurin, just appointed by the Governor. A new position, for a third Judge, has been created by the legislature with the election to be held November 3, 2015.

Haydn Roberts

Haydn Roberts is the latest candidate, but is a very familiar face. Roberts previously served as the Staff Attorney in Rankin County for Judges Grant and Fairly for the past eight years. He has been involved “in over 10,000 cases by assisting the Chancery Judges with case management and review, editing and writing opinions, helping local lawyers with procedure and guiding lawyers and litigants through the Chancery Court litigation process.”

Haydn is also serving as the Family Master, a position prior served by John McLaurin . The Family Master is a part-time Judge hearing Emergency Petitions,Temporary Hearings and the types of matters the current Chancellors hear.

Roberts graduated from Ole Miss and Mississippi College School of Law.

Prentiss M. Grant

Prentiss Grant “has lived and built his law practice in Rankin County for the past twenty-six years. Prentiss’ law practice is concentrated in family law, and eighty percent of his cases are tried in Rankin Chancery Court.”

Grant graduated from Northeast Louisiana University and Mississippi College School of Law.

Rusty Williard

Rusty Williard has “spent 30 years trying Chancery cases and 15 years [in] Rankin County.” Williard is a self-proclaimed “ruthless defender of the rights of children in chancery court and with juvenile defense matters, he is currently a certified Guardian Ad Litem as well as a Youth Court advocate.

Williard graduated from Millsaps College and l Mississippi College School of Law.

James (Jim) M. Nix

Limited information was available about Attorney Nix. An on-line presence was not readily apparent.

Company: Jones and Nix, PLLC
Admit Date: 06/02/1981
Physical Address: 814 N President St
Jackson, MS 39201
Mail Address: P O Box 55601
Jackson, MS 39296-5601
Phone: (601) 948-6800
Fax: (601) 948-7100
Email: jones-nix@att.net
Status: Active

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and practices in Rankin County Chancery Court. Residents of Rankin County should research and support the candidate of their choice for this important position.

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Child Custody, divorce, General Legal

Judge Races are Set; Madison, Leake, Yazoo & Holmes

06/02/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

This will be one of several posts on the Chancery Judge races in Mississippi.

The race is on. The field is set. The filing deadline was close of business June 1. It’s a two-horse race in Madison, Leake, Holmes and Yazoo Counties.

This district, the 11th Chancery District, is currently served by Judges Cynthia Brewer and Robert Clark, III. The legislature, due to population increases, added a third Judge position to this district.

James C. Walker

Pearlene Jones

Attorney, Pearlene Jones is the other candidate that has qualified to run. She is a resident of Lexington, in Holmes County. She currently serves as the County Prosecutor for Holmes County. This is a part-time, elected position. Typically, a County Prosecutor’s office is responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor cases which occur within the County and filed in Justice Court by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the County Sheriff’s Department, as well as citizen versus citizen affidavits.

Limited online information is available about Attorney Jones. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

This non-partisan election will be held on November 3, 2015.

*Thompson Law Firm, pllc, is a Host for the James C. Walker for Chancery Judge campaign.

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, Opinion, Visitation

Take Your Kids to the Theatre

05/31/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

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

divorce, General Legal, Marriage

“New” Judge in Rankin; McLaurin appointed to fill vacancy.

05/28/2015 BowTieLawyer 2 Comments

Rankin County Chancery has a new Judge, but a familiar face.

John McLaurin has been tapped by Gov. Bryant to fill the vacancy by Judge Dan Fairly’s recent passing. Judge McLaurin has served as Family Master for Rankin County since 2007, hearing the exact type of cases he will now hear as a full-time Chancellor.

There will be no learning curve here. Attorneys, litigants and those involved in Chancery matters can expect business as usual.

This was a sound and timely appointment.

* As a point of interest, McLaurin is the great-great nephew of former Governor of Mississippi and U.S. Senator Anselm McLaurin, related to the late Robin Williams and practiced law in Rankin County with his brother, Anse McLaurin.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and reminds those interested that this just fills one spot in Rankin Chancery. There is still a new position to fill in the general election. Stay tuned.

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, General Legal

R & R; Why Taking Some Time OFF is Critical for Your Health

05/26/2015 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Emotions can run high in Family Law.

A Family Law case; such as a divorce or child custody matter may well be the most difficult thing you have to deal with as an adult. It can be heart wrenching, gut wrenching, expensive and uncertain.

The worst of all is the uncertainty! The questions as to whether you are doing the right thing. Will the Judge see the truth? Are your children safe? It keeps your brain on “go” 24-7. However, this around-the-clock, heightened sense also wears you out.

You cannot stay on high alert all the time. If you do, you will crash and burn. What is the solution? Hire the person right for you, follow their advice to the letter and do the right thing, every time. Then breath, relax and take the afternoon off. You’ve earned it.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and recommends that clients know when a matter is DEFCON 5 and when to take it to DEFCON 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.

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