Posts by Jason Hines
Why You Need to Modify Your Child Custody Agreement Legally
Once a family law judge issues a child custody order, that agreement is legally binding and enforceable. This means both parents are obligated to follow the terms of the agreement unless a further modification is approved by the court. Of course, life and circumstances can change for one or both parties, as well as for…
Read MoreCan I Evict My Spouse During the Divorce Process?
When a marriage is in the process of coming to an end, it is understandable when one of the spouses may not want the other spouse to remain in the house longer than necessary. However, many times neither spouse wishes to leave the home or simply cannot afford to leave and pay for a place…
Read MoreWhy You Should Not Represent Yourself in Court
Representing yourself in a court of law may seem like a great idea at the outset. You may step into the process with confidence, believing you can best represent yourself and your interests before the court and save money on attorney fees at the same time. However, any attempt to navigate the legal corridors of…
Read MoreWhat is Moral Turpitude?
Through much of our nation’s history, the U.S. government has leveraged the criminal justice system to deport immigrants already in the country and prevent other immigrants from entering. Immigrants have traditionally been held to high moral standard through laws that cover certain types of crimes involving “moral turpitude.” This term first appeared in the 1891…
Read MoreThe 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…
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