What a lawyer says matters. Not that it’s more important than what your Doctor or Pastor says, but if a lawyer is wrong you and he/she may get in trouble. Lots of trouble.
Often I am asked “Can you answer just one simple question?” The problem is the knowledge and information necessary makes neither simple nor just one question. For example, “Will I have to pay Alimony?”
To Answer that with even a remote chance of “getting it right,” one needs to know;
What do you do?
What does your spouse do?
Respective incomes?
Earning Capacities?
Education?
How long since you’ve last worked?
How long since she’s last worked?
Are there minor children in the home?
What age?
How long have you been married?
Marital fault?
How much is the marital estate worth?
Is it liquid?
How much is the separate estate worth?
What else is the spouse receiving?
Just one simple question…
Matthew Thompson is a Domestic Relations Attorney in Mississippi and reminds you that Mississippi is indeed an “Alimony state.”
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
It’s just a “…quick question. Just one question. Does the father of my baby have any rights and will I get in trouble if…”
We all get them. A voice-mail left in the inbox, an email or a comment/question on the website. The problem is answering just one question could very well be considered rendering legal advice. Upon that being done, a lawyer’s responsibility can grow exponentially. Huh?
You call and say;
“this is Miranda. I just want to know if Ricky can see my baby and if I’ll get in trouble if I don’t let him. We went to court some years ago and the judge said he had to pay but that I had custody…”
There is no way to answer the above adequately without more information.
What did the Order state?
Who has legal custody?
Who has physical custody?
Does he have visitation?
Why are you refusing?
Is he dangerous?
What was he ordered to pay?
Is he in arrears?
Without more information any answer is dangerous and could very likely be wrong. And once you’ve relied upon it and then sued over it you say, “Well, Lawyer so-and-so told me to do “x.”
That is why lawyers do not call you back when you are not a client. (When you are a client and don’t get a call back is another story entirely, and a blog for another day.)
Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney and sometimes cannot respond to the comments and questions left on this site because of lack of information. Additionally, if you do not include a means to contact you directly the only way to respond is through a public posting which would require disclosing your information which is generally not appropriate.
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
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