It's understandable if you become frustrated with a custody or alimony arrangement that is no longer working. It may be that you need to go to court and have the agreement amended, but sometimes all it takes is a session with an impartial mediator who can help you take a breath and see things from their perspective. #neworleanslawoffice
If you have more debt than you can pay back at once but have property and assets that you are not willing to part with, a Chapter 13 repayment plan could be a more friendly path to take than liquidation. It can work for you if you have a stable income and are willing to commit to a 3-5 year plan to pay back as much as you are able. #neworleanslawoffice
When assets are divided in a divorce, remember that property will usually be classified as separate property or marital property. Among other things, property acquired by inheritance or gift (other than from the spouse) should usually be considered separate property. This principle is particularly important when classifying family heirlooms - if it's a priceless gift from a loved one, it should be considered separate from shared marital property. #neworleanslawoffice
An ex parte divorce is a divorce which is granted within a jurisdiction where only one of the spouses is validly domiciled. If you and your ex are living in two different states, remember that as many as three sets of state or federal laws may apply to your divorce proceeding - one for the divorce itself, a second set for child support and alimony, and a third set for custody and visitation. #neworleanslawoffice
Single moms have a right to bring a paternity suit against their child's father and often exercise that right as a way to get him to share in the financial responsibilities of raising the child. However, if you are thinking about bringing a paternity suit in order to get child support, remember that money isn't everything - once you legally establish the father of your child, they would have a right to pursue joint or even full custody. #neworleanslawoffice
Not every state allows you to sue for breach of contract for a broken engagement, but you can usually still maintain action in the event of fraud, or to recover gifts made solely in consideration of marriage (like an engagement ring). #neworleanslawoffice
Before you file for bankruptcy, set up a three-way phone call with us and with your insurance agent to discuss how to include adequate health, disability, and life insurance in your exemptions. #neworleanslawoffice
When you apply for a green card, you will be expected to submit your criminal record from both your home country and here in the States. It's critical to tell the truth here, as getting caught lying could get you in even more trouble than just by having made a mistake or two in the past. At the same time, don't be afraid of getting rejected - not all crimes will affect your application. #neworleanslawoffice
If your immigration application has been rejected by a US government official or office, you may be able to appeal. Even if up until now you've handled your application on your own, we are ready to step in and help you through the next steps. #neworleanslawoffice
If need be, it is possible to finalize a divorce before a decision is reached in regards to custody. However, it might make more sense to negotiate and litigate everything at once - not only do you kill two birds with one stone, but you also leave maximum flexibility for negotiations. #neworleanslawoffice
Filing for bankruptcy is daunting for a number of reasons - you will lose some of your property, your lifestyle will probably take a hit, and so will your credit score. However, in some cases, choosing not to file for bankruptcy can leave you with nothing. Talk to us to see if bankruptcy is the right move for you. #neworleanslawoffice
When filing your application, you will typically be expected to submit different identity or social security documents from your home country. Don't wait till the last minute to ask your lawyer about this, since you don't know how long it will take to get it from the authorities back home. If you have documents from home - keep them organized so that you always know where they are when you need them. #neworleanslawoffice
It is daunting to think about how much of your property you will need to give up in the context of a bankruptcy proceeding, but there's no need to liquidate all of your assets without consulting. Ask your lawyer how to classify as many of your personal belongings as possible as part of your exempt assets. #neworleanslawoffice
Adopting your stepchildren may be recommended for custody or tax purposes, but make sure you have an estate plan that accounts for how you want your assets to be distributed between your stepchildren and your biological children (if any). #neworleanslawoffice
This Veteran's Day, we salute all of the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives so that we can live free. #neworleanslawoffice
With the holiday season around the corner, now is the time to get on the same page with your ex about your plans to split time with the kids. Pay special attention this year to travel restrictions and other regulations that are in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. #neworleanslawoffice
Entertainment news outlets have recently reported that actor Chadwick Boseman died without a will, leaving his family to take management of his estate to court. No matter your social status or financial situation - providing legal instructions to your loved ones for when you are gone will help them greatly. #neworleanslawoffice
Whether you communicate with your ex regarding the kids directly or through your lawyer(s), it's important to stay consistent and for everyone to know what the agreed process is. At the end of the day, what's best for your kids is certainty. #neworleanslawoffice
Engaged couples are often too preoccupied with the wedding plans to consider what will happen if things don't work out the way they plan. When that happens, it's ok for parents to gently step in and advise the happy couple that signing a prenup is just a formality and not a sign of anything wrong with the relationship.
#neworleanslawoffice
A grandparent can sue for custody if they feel that their watchful eye will be more stable than that of the parent's, but it's a tough case to make. In order to win custody of the grandkids, you need to prove that the parents themselves are "unfit".
#neworleanslawoffice
Ask your lawyer how to plan your gifts to the kids and grandkids while they are still enjoying your company. There are limits on how much you are permitted to give in a given year without being taxed, and it's worthwhile to consider something like periodic gifts to a trust that can be opened while you still have many years of health ahead of you.
#neworleanslawoffice
If you have lingering doubts after popping the question (or saying yes), there's no rush to tie the knot. Ending an engagement is much easier than ending a marriage; Don't get married before you're on the same page about the big life choices.
#neworleanslawoffice
According to a famous anecdote, billionaire Warren Buffet gave his son only a small portion of his would-be inheritance and encouraged him to pursue his dream of making it in the music industry. It's perfectly ok to ask your children and grandchildren about their dreams - they might not be what you think.
#neworleanslawoffice
