A “Sterling” Reputation is No Longer a Good Thing

05/02/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

You would have had to have been under a rock, or dealing with a Tornado, to have missed the news about Donald Sterling.

The Clippers, an NBA team in Los Angeles who are not the Lakers, have been in the news because of the owners racially offensive remarks. Owner, Donald Sterling, was recorded saying racially charged, offensive and ignorant comments about his girlfriend associating “with black people.”

The NBA has banned Sterling for Life and has fined him $2.5 million. Sponsors are dropping the Clippers, players are speaking out against the owner, and the news media continues to dig for details on this story and Sterling’s life.

Sterling certainly does not enjoy a Sterling reputation or else that complement is now a fatality to this event.

Vying for a Sterling reputation? I think not.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi. 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, General Legal, Opinion

Don’t Trash Your Ex Publicly.

05/01/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Sure they probably deserve it, but what is the old saying?

Never wrestle with a pig because YOU get dirty and the pig likes it. –

George Bernard Shaw

It is hard, sometimes seemingly impossible to pass up a good opportunity to besmirch the ex, however telling the Homeroom teacher you are unsure about how you are going to pay for Jr.’s field trip because his dad is a deadbeat isn’t right, especially when it’s not true. The problem is, even when it is true, it is still NOT right.

Saying negative and hurtful things about the other parent always backfires. In the day and age of twitter, FaceBook, texting and digital recorders- assume all conversations are heard, overheard, recorded and shared. This means it gets back to the other parent, back to the kids and is as bad as the tattled-upon conduct.

Also, don’t assume your anonymous blog posting is really anonymous. You have a unique ISP#, your online activity, site visits, time of the visit and duration of the visit are retrievable information.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi and cautions you that if you would not say it your Mom, then you should not be saying it to someone else about your Ex.

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

7 Top Grandparent Monikers

04/18/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Grandparents are called many things these days. They are as involved as ever and have ever increasing roles and rights. But, here’s what they are called…

Grandmama/Granddaddy
Mamaw/Papaw
Meemaw/PeePaw
Nona/PopPop
Grandmother/Grandfather
Mimi
Grand

Happy Easter! Call your loved ones!

Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, General Legal, Grandparent Visitation, Irreconcilable differences, Marriage, Modifications, Opinion, Property Division, Visitation

Judge’s Race Just Got Interesting- 11th District Chancery Election is Now Contested

04/17/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Previously we blogged about “We the People” getting to pick our Judges. This year is an election year for most Judgeships in Mississippi and only a few were contested.

Now, the Sub District One Seat for Madison, Leake, Holmes and Yazoo counties is contested. (See the full candidate list here, current as of April 16, 2014.) This Court hears matters involving wills and estates, support and custody of minor children, divorces and alimony, and lunacy or commitment hearings. The Judges also handle other matters, such as petitions to incorporate or enlarge a city, the establishment and management of drainage districts, children’s welfare funds, and other projects.

Attorneys Robert Clark, III, of Lexington, and Barbara Ann Bluntson, of Ridgeland, have both qualified to run for the seat currently held by the retiring Judge Janace Harvey-Goree. The prevailing candidate will serve as Chancellor over all matters filed in Chancery Court in Holmes and Yazoo Counties and approximately 1/4 of the matters filed in Madison County, if past practice holds true.

Attorney Clark has served as a Youth Court Judge and Municipal Court Judge in Lexington/Holmes County and private practitioner.

Attorney Bluntson has served as the City Prosecutor for Jackson, handling criminal matters, violation of city ordinances and matters pertaining to Domestic Violence.

The qualifying deadline is May 9, so stay tuned to see if any other hats are thrown in the ring. The election will be November 4, 2014.

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi, practices frequently in the district at issue above, and is very interested in watching this election and learning more about each candidate. Stay tuned!

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

Here’s Your Sign…that She is Gone!

04/08/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

She’s Gone!

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

General Legal, Opinion

The Difference Between a Lawyer and a Catfish…

04/04/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

John Q. Lawyer v. J. Whiskers Catfish, 123 So.2d 456 (Miss. 2014)

Also, catfish taste delicious…

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, General Legal, Grandparent Visitation, Visitation

Go to Your Kid’s Programs.

04/01/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

When can I go to my Child’s school?

Being divorced impacts all aspects of life. A lot of times you can keep certain aspects quiet or private, but when children are involved issues spill over into school.

Under normal circumstances, regardless of the custody arrangement, you can go to your child’s school programs. It doesn’t have to be “your” time.

About the only times this is not true is if the Court has imposed specific restrictions preventing this or if the event is not open to all parents or you’re otherwise not welcome at the school.

So, if you can go, Go!

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and does his best to put Family First.

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

Marriage

5 Dumb Moves in “New” Relationships

03/28/2014 BowTieLawyer Leave a comment

Family Law is a conveyor belt of relationships. Some long, some short, the new and rekindling the old, but through the years you learn the signs, or things not to do in a New Relationship.

Rail on the Ex. Bad mouthing your ex, while possibly therapeutic, does little to enhance your new relationship. While you may bond over a common enemy, your feelings will relax towards your ex, but your new squeeze will always think they’re the devil.
Too Serious, Too Fast. If they are truly your soulmate, the one person who completes you, they will still be the ONE, even if you take it slow.
Getting Involved with a Still Married Person. This makes you a target, can quickly over-complicate a situation and could get you involved in Court.
Going Back to a Bad Situation. The saying of “it’s easier to deal with the devil you know versus the devil you don’t” applies to college professors, not spouses.
Name Tattoos. a la Billy Bob, “Just Say No!”

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and reminds you that if you are trying to act smart don’t do something dumb.

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