Believe it or not, there are not many Mississippi Legislators that are lawyers!
Saturday Night Live compared the Mississippi Legislature to a hissing possum. It was funny…
“Whew!” you say? Not so fast. Our legislators make the laws. This may be the one instance more lawyers could help!!
There is proposed legislation with terminology, words, that do not mean what you (and our legislators) think they mean. Words matter. Legal words matter.
There’s a marked difference between May and Shall in the eyes of the law.
So, legislators, Please contact me at any time about any questions regarding proposed legislation. If i have an opinion I will share it. If I am unqualified to comment I will admit it, and if you ask that our discussion remain confidential I will honor that.
Let’s get this right the first time. Its too important to not to.
Matthew Thompson is a 20-year practicing lawyer, law school professor, author of the family law text book in Mississippi and not afraid to speak out and speak up. Contact him via email or phone. Matthew@ThompsonLaw.ms or (601)850-8000
The legislature is in session. Saturday Night Live once referred to the Mississippi Legislature as the “hissing possums.”
But, today’s blog is about proposed legislation. Senate Bill 2342-(sb2342in).
This Bill’s intent is to add a 13th “fault ground” to Mississippi Law. This ground would provide for a divorce being granted upon 5 years of separation in fact. This means if you and your spouse are married, but not living together for five years or longer and at least one of you wants a divorce, you can get a divorce. It further provides that if there are minor children that the Chancellor may deny the divorce if a divorce is found to not be in the children’s best interests.
This is a much needed change in Mississippi law and a step in the right direction. Some may say 5 years is too long, but it is better than nothing and better than the law as it currently is.
Matthew Thompson is a Family Law and Child Custody Attorney in Mississippi, Adjunct Professor at MC Law in Domestic Relations and believes this provides a much needed remedy in the current law.
Follow the blog: BowTieLawyerVisit 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