All posts in Divorce Law

Abandonment Divorce

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When applying for a divorce there has to be a valid reason for the parties to formally request dissolution of their marriage. Therefore, if you just wake up one day and decide you can’t be with your partner may not be a valid logic. The grounds for divorce can be dichotomized in to fault or no-fault divorce however, the content of this article will seek to enlighten its readers regarding Abandonment Divorce and the exact legal dynamics involved in the matter.

Abandonment or desertion divorces are one of the many grounds for requesting dissolution of the marriage and it generally means that one spouse decides to abandon the other for no specific reason. The spouse then starts living somewhere else and does not intend to return back to their partner. Although, state laws may have a different definition of abandonment or desertion and may vary in their methods of dealing with the divorce but the aforementioned definition is the most widely accepted one. Abandonment or desertion is often considered to be in the same category as no-fault divorces as some couple may just decide part ways after spending some time apart from each other but there are various implications in that regard.

In a no-fault divorce the proceeding are usually done in a manner that none of the parties are blamed of any wrongdoing in a marriage. However, some clients may still apply for an abandonment divorce that is not considered to fall under the no-fault category you must get your lawyer to prove the fact that it was your spouse, who wanted to end the marriage and there has been significant amount of misconduct on his part. Some states require the parties to present proof that shows your spouse’s intent and it may also be contingent upon the legal structure of the state when it comes to dealing with such cases of divorce.

In order to prove your spouse’s desertion there are certain things that must be taken into account to further strengthen your case, you need to present the proof regarding the physical absence of your spouse, their lack of support financially and their refusal to fulfill the spouse’s conjugal rights in the absence of a valid reason. As mentioned earlier, there needs to be substantial proof that shows the spouse’s intent and in this case there needs to be more evidence that shows more than their desertion.

As mentioned earlier, there should ample amount of proof that shows that your spouse left you without a valid reason and some states even require you to show that the other spouse actually made significant efforts to save the marriage. Another key element is the time that has lapsed ever since their abandonment and if the spouse has abandoned the other person for a long period of time and there is no room for reconciliation then the marriage contract becomes void but there is a condition that the abandonment should be continuous. Under such circumstances it is advisable for the client to reach a legal expert as soon as possible and get the best advice that fits the situation.

How does Legal Separation differ from Divorce

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Legal separation is where a married couple legally separate without getting divorced. During this legal process decisions regarding children (such as custody, visitation rights and maintenance payments) and financial issues (such as debt, mortgages and assets) are decided upon. It is really an official separation, going further than simply living apart but not as far as getting a divorce. After a legal separation a couple are still legally married but live separate lives. They are formally living apart and the courts may be used if there are any disputes.

In some ways a legal separation is like a divorce, with the most obvious reason being that the couple are not living together. If a couple have children similar arrangements need to be made as they would were they divorcing, either through agreement or through the courts. Where each spouse lives and who pays for it needs to be established as does who has access to shared funds or assets.

So, why do couples choose legal separation instead of just getting divorced? Some opt for this because they dont like the idea of getting divorced, possibly for religious reasons or they dont want the stigma of being divorced. Often couples use legal separation as a trial to see if they would like to stay together or divorce. It gives them time and space to make a decision. They may find that living apart makes them realise they miss each other and want things to return to the way they were, or they may want to be separated permanently. Sometimes legal separation leads to divorce, sometimes it leads to reconciliation and sometimes they remain separated without getting divorced.

Although some couples remain separated for good without divorcing, this is fairly rare. If they are not going to remain together as a couple most will prefer to cut their ties with each other. Another important consideration is that while still married, they are unable to marry anyone else.

So, is legal separation necessary or can couples simply live separately without the legal process? Well, they can if they wish, but it is not always that simple. Whether that is preferable depends on an individual couples situation and preferences. Legal separation can be more complex in some ways due to the legal processes that must be gone through. But, on the other hand, it can also simplify things as they will both know where they stand on certain issues.

Beatrice Sareen (c)

Who Needs A Family Solicitor

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Numerous men and women will require the services of the family law court system at some place in their lives. Many could never foresee that they would discover themselves in the court room having employed the services of a family solicitor.

Here are a few examples of positive reasons why a person or family may require the services of a Family Law Solicitor. Adoption of a child or baby is an exciting life-choice however there are many legal aspects that have to be dealt with. A family solicitor could be helping a couple complete their family, or drawing up the papers that helps a single parent feed and cloth their children.

However, it is an unfortunate reality that many end up in the family law court for less pleasant reasons. The possibilities are endless however, they could be going through the process of divorce, fighting someone over child custody, they could be in the process of getting sued for child support, or being taken to court for alimony. There are sad cases of family members being accused of abuse or paternity cases where one is fighting to prove or disprove that they are the paternal father. In these types of cases there are no exclusions due to age, gender race or religion; all are expected to attend court. The impact of a courts decision in all these matters is likely to be significant in terms of the future of the family.

Those who have been married, divorced, living as domestic partners, or even those involved in a civil union may appear in family law and court if there is not a ‘happily ever after’ solution. The courts will decide who gets what in terms of property and persons. So who gets which visitation periods of the children, who keeps the family home, who owes for the debt the couple accrued while together will all be decided and more. It is often very difficult, upsetting and complicated to work out all the details of who gets what. However the process is there to settle disputes and allow people and families to rebuild their lives.

So with all of this to worry about you should seek the advice and services of a family law solicitor. Professional legal advice will make certain that you interests are suitably protected.

Relationship agreements (sometimes called nuptial agreements) can give you peace of mind. So if you plan to get married, start cohabiting or are about to enter into a civil partnership then some form of formal relationship agreement can protect you both.

How Couples Could Benefit From Mediation

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So often we hear about how high the rate of divorce is in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Divorces can be emotional, time consuming, and expensive affairs. More than ever, couples are being encouraged to use mediation services in order to solve their difficulties, in order to avoid all the difficulties of a divorce.

When emotions are running high and couples don’t know how they can possibly make things work anymore, divorce can seem like the only way out. Communication is the key to all good relationships and when communication breaks down, relationships tend to break down too. Mediation services are great because they teach you how to talk to each other about how you’re feeling in an open and honest fashion.

It can be difficult to talk about our feelings, even to those who are closest to us. Having difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, and sometimes we need a helping hand. Despite the fact we are arguing with our partner, we generally don’t like upsetting other people.

Conflicts between loved ones can be particularly difficult to handle because relationships are so steeped in history. Mediation is future focused, so an independent mediator will attempt to move the relationship forwards rather than allowing the couple to dwell on past events. Bringing up old arguments and past mistakes does not resolve anything and is no basis for a healthy relationship.

This is one fundamental way in which mediation and divorce differ. Divorce courts do not accept ‘irreconcilable differences’ as a valid reason for couples wanting to split up. They instead insist that fault is blamed on one of the parties involved. This is perhaps why mediation is becoming such a popular option for arguing couples. Divorce is not as simple as one person being wrong and the other right; it is infinitely more complicated than that.

If children are involved, then mediation could be useful for a couple as well. If talking about your differences doesn’t solve them, it could at least bring some civility to proceedings. If you still decide to divorce then it is best to do so in a civil manner, so the children are not left feeling anymore confused and upset than they need to be. Deciding on how often children are to be seen and who stays with who is another big issue when it comes to divorce, and it is better if this can be settled outside of the divorce courts in order to avoid as much distress as is possible.

Ultimately, divorce sometimes is the only option for some couples. However, it is certainly better to do everything in your power to attempt to reconcile the relationship outside of the court room to begin with.

Jessica Kirk Professional Lawyer

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Dedication to the practice of family law has helped lawyer Jessica Kirk build a solid reputation as a divorce lawyer. Her compassionate and knowledgeable approach to the issues of divorce has helped her clients successfully resolve many of the associated issues, such as child custody, alimony, and division of property. She has represented both men and women in divorce cases and along with her partners at The Crittenden Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama she uses her experience and the firms dedication to resolving family issues to provide expert service.

As a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School and a member of such organizations as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, lawyer Jessica Kirk approaches her work with dedication and integrity. Her divorce clients receive not only expert legal representation, but solid guidance through every step of the process.

About the University of Alabama Law School:

Throughout history, the laws for combating piracy became a key building block for todays international legal system. Alabama Laws Dean Kenneth C. Randall surveys the unique, historical relationship between piracy and international law during NPRs special report, “An Old Scourge, Piracy, Is New Again,” on Monday, May 4.

Since 1994, Alabama has had a law in place requiring all convicted felons to submit a DNA sample. But that could soon change. A bill currently making its way through the state legislature would allow for a DNA sample to be taken from everyone arrested and charged with a felony or sexual offense after October 2010. David Patton, assistant professor and director of Alabama Laws Criminal Defense Clinic, speaks with Alabama Public Radio about potential pitfalls should this bill become law in the Wednesday, May 6 story, “Making It Legal To Take DNA From Felony Arrestees In Ala.”

The Career Services Office reported 97.4% of Alabama Laws 2008 graduates as employed within 9 months of graduation. This is the 13th consecutive year that the Law School has had its employment rate above 95%. Also, the number of employers who visited Alabamas campus last Fall to conduct jobs interviews with our law students increased by over 20%.

Podcasts are now available from the February 27, 2009 Law, Knowledge & Imagination symposium titled, “Speech and Silence in American Law.” Cambridge University Press will be publishing the papers in this symposium as well as those in UA Laws previous forum held in October 2008 titled, “Sovereignty, Emergency and Legality.”

The Chief Justice of the United States, the Honorable John G. Roberts, has committed to present UA Laws Albritton Lecture in 2010. Justice Clarence Thomas will give this same lecture in fall 2009, which will mark the second time he has spoken to Alabamas law students. The Law School was honored to welcome Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, of the Supreme Court of Canada, to Tuscaloosa on March 9 to present the spring 2009 Albritton Lecture.

Throughout history, the laws for combating piracy became a key building block for todays international legal system. Alabama Laws Dean Kenneth C. Randall surveys the unique, historical relationship between piracy and international law during NPRs special report, “An Old Scourge, Piracy, Is New Again,” on Monday, May 4.

Since 1994, Alabama has had a law in place requiring all convicted felons to submit a DNA sample. But that could soon change. A bill currently making its way through the state legislature would allow for a DNA sample to be taken from everyone arrested and charged with a felony or sexual offense after October 2010. David Patton, assistant professor and director of Alabama Laws Criminal Defense Clinic, speaks with Alabama Public Radio about potential pitfalls should this bill become law in the Wednesday, May 6 story, “Making It Legal To Take DNA From Felony Arrestees In Ala.”