Posts by Jason Hines
The Role of Mental Health in Divorce, Custody, and Other Family Law Matters
People seek divorces for many reasons. Often finances and infidelity are prime reasons. One factor that is also a possible factor in divorce is the mental health of one of the spouses. There are various challenges in using the term “mental health” when it comes to issues of divorce. A spouse or parent who seeks…
Read MoreHow Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card?
Many immigrants are concerned about how tighter enforcement of the laws may affect their applications for US citizenship through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to USCIS, there are several ways to apply for a “green card,” more formally called a Permanent Resident Card. Generally, applicants need a sponsor, and they must fill…
Read MoreWhen It Comes to Family Law Issues, Don’t Hire the “Lincoln Lawyer”
“The Lincoln Lawyer” was an adaptation of a Michael Connelly novel about a criminal defense lawyer who operates his law firm out of a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Town Car. The attorney, played by Matthew McConaughey, operates his legal practice out of the Lincoln because he does not have an office. As far as a conceit for…
Read MoreDrug Addiction and Its Impact on Child Custody Decisions in Tennessee
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families throughout Tennessee. According to an article in The Tennessean, the opioid crisis has killed more people in the Volunteer State than traffic accidents, as three people die from drug overdoses every day. In 2017, more than 1,090 babies were born with neonatal abstinence syndrome to mothers addicted to…
Read MoreWhat Can I Do If My Family Member Is Being Held in Detention?
It’s natural to be scared if a family member or a friend is being held in detention by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. If you are arrested, and the local law enforcement agency believes you are undocumented, it can contact ICE. ICE can request a hold for 48 hours – but after that,…
Read MoreWhat Is a Guardian Ad Litem?
There are many different types of guardians. In some cases, the guardian is a close family relative. A guardian ad litem, however, is a little different. A court, when necessary, appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a child when divorce or parental rights are at stake. The guardian should be a neutral third-party, which…
Read MoreNaturalization through U.S. Military Service
If you’re an immigrant who’s served in the U.S. armed forces, your service may make you eligible for expedited naturalization via your military service. We’re proud to give you information and guidance on the process for you and your family. In 2002, President George W. Bush signed an executive order speeding up naturalization through military…
Read MoreTennessee Legislators Consider Bill to Support Children with Disabilities
In mid-March, Tennessee lawmakers filed a bill amendment aimed to provide more assistance to children with long-term disability and complex medical needs who live with their families, and aren’t currently on TennCare. This could help thousands of children and families financially by creating an easier path to the services offered by Medicaid. Currently, there is…
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Children for Divorce
Parents who divorce too often focus on their own anger, anxiety, and frustration. Too often, they forget that while they can move on with their lives after a divorce, the lives of their kids can be turned completely upside down. Children of divorce can lose a sense of stability. They often feel pressured to choose…
Read MoreHow Does Family Immigration Work In the US?
US citizens have the right to file a petition for a visa on behalf of their immediate relatives. The sponsor, the person who files the petition, must be a US citizen. There are two categories of family immigration visas, according to the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. The first type of…
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