Tag Archives: COVID-19

General Legal

MS Bar Convention Cancelled

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For the first time in 15 years I will not be attending the annual Mississippi Lawyer’s meeting in San Destin, FL.

https://www.msbar.org/news/bar-convention-in-florida-canceled/

This convention is one of the highlights of lawyering. It’s a week of seeing your judges not in their robes and with their hair down, so to speak.

It’s an opportunity to see lawyers from all over the state in a friendly atmosphere that sometimes the Courtroom does not provide.

The Bar Convention allows attorneys to earn their annual CLE requirements, meet new lawyers, judges and their families, and to unwind.

A virtual Bar will takes its place. I will attend; COVID-19 be damned.

Matthew Thompson is a civil litigation attorney in Mississippi and can answer your questions at (691)850-8000.

Child Custody, General Legal, humor

Quote of the Day: Covid-19 & Homeschooling.

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“I’d rather have him watch classic Godzilla movies and play in the yard and pretend to be a Jedi rather than figure out basic math.”

A Boston, MA parent is tired of homeschooling his kindergartener.

“Amid the barrage of learning apps, video meet-ups and e-mailed assignments that pass as pandemic home school, some frustrated and exhausted parents are choosing to disconnect entirely for the rest of the academic year.“Id.

Respect and admiration for teachers are growing as the pandemic-forced school closures continue.

As a parent, your job is to do what is best for your child, even during a pandemic.

Matthew Thompson is a child custody lawyer and enjoys his share of Godzilla and Jedi movies, but reminds parents that rearing your child continues to be a top priority.

Opinion

Mississippi Doctor Makes State, Nation Proud; How “One” Person can make a Difference…

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Mississippi making national news is usually a very, very bad thing.

Photo credit: Magnolia State Live

However, UMMC pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Charles Robertson has Mississippi in the spotlight for all of the right reasons.

Dr. Robertson spearheaded an effort to create the “absolute simplest ventilator we can build with parts available in any city, you don’t need specials tools to put together and can be done quickly as the need arises.” Clarion Ledger.

The “Robertson Ventilator” is made from a section of garden hose, lamp timer, electronic valve and various couplings. Each can be made for around $50.00 in parts and in 20-30 mintues.

While these are true emergency, last resort machines, with the COVID-19 pandemic and a potential shortage of ventilators, these could literally be life saving devices.

Dr. Robertson was featured on WLBT-3 with a live unveiling and demonstration of the Robertson Ventilator in action. Since the debut this device has been publicized by every major news service in the state, numerous out-of-state publications, and nationwide entities, including the USA Today and the CATO institute .

Dr. Robertson was also quick to point out that he did not build the current stock of approximately 170 units by himself. He had assistance from his colleagues, co-workers and others, pitching in as they were able to procure, prepare and produce the Robertson Ventilators.

Mississippi is actually world renowned for its medicinal pioneering. Dr. Robertson is the next in line following the Hippocratic Oath and serving the residents of the State of Mississippi.

General Legal

Mississippi Essential Services; COVID-19 & Executive Order 1463

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While we are operating under a Shelter-in-Place Order, some of us are deemed essential and are still carrying on. Below is a cut and paste job of Mississippi’s listing of “Essential” businesses and personnel.

This includes all law enforcement, fire and rescue, court personnel, military, 911 and Child Welfare workers.
Manufacturers of food, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, and energy among others…

Child Custody, Divorce, Visitation

SHELTER-IN-Place; Mississippi Custody & Visitation

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Essential Travel includes, “Travel required by…court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.

We are operating in uncharted waters as far as what to do and when to do it regarding getting out of the house. However, generally speaking the Court expects you to abide by its Order unless it is unsafe to so do. The Court then expects parents to act reasonably, communicate and make reasonable accommodations.

COVID-19 is NOT an excuse to be a terrible parent.

There are a lot of ways to interact safely; in-person, ( so long as it is safe to do so), Facetime, Zoom, telephone, email, text, video and other electronic means.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer and encourages parents to be reasonable and not try to take advantage of these circumstances. Do what you believe is in the best interests of your child.

Opinion

CAlling in Favors: COVID-19 and How YOU Can Help

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The need is great! Mississippians are nationally renowned for their charitable giving. Per capita we are the most generous state. In this time of crisis the need is greater than ever.

I am asking for your help. If you are able, the below items are in high demand for families in Mississippi and especially in the Jackson Metro area. We are working with Calvary Baptist Church and His Heart to try and help fill this void.

So what can you do? Pack 1 food box to-go with non-perishables. Contact me to retrieve and deliver. (601)906-6545

If you can do more don’t hold back. If you are not comfortable or in a position to give, please just pass along this request.

We can all get through this by working together and helping as we are able.

Matthew Thompson is civil litigation attorney in Mississippi and is focusing on the civil part and reminds you to keep your social distance!

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.