Meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward clarity and legal protection. Whether you're facing a divorce, custody dispute, or other family law matter, knowing what to expect during that first meeting can help you feel more confident and prepared. In this article, we’ll walk through… What to bring to an initial consultation with a family law attorney. The information that will be kept confidential. How to know if an attorney is the right fit for your case. What Documents And Information Should I Bring To My First Family Law Consultation? In many cases, you can just bring yourself. Your first consultation is more of a mutual interview than a legal strategy session. It’s an opportunity for both you and the attorney to decide whether you’ll work well together. Every attorney has a different style. Some are hands-on and communicative, others are more reserved and direct. So, this first conversation helps avoid mismatches that could cause frustration later in the case. That said, if you’re ready and willing, it…Read More
Child custody decisions are some of the most emotionally charged issues in family law. Many parents and children want to know when a child can express a preference about where they live and whether that preference carries legal weight in Arkansas courts. In this article, we break down… How much influence a child really has in determining where they live. What the law says about a child’s best interest. How professionals like an Ad Litem attorney factor into the child custody process. At What Age Can A Child Choose Which Parent To Live With In Arkansas Family Court? The short answer: a child cannot legally choose. Arkansas law does not give children the authority to decide which parent they will live with. That decision is ultimately made by the judge, based on what’s in the child’s best interest, not the child’s preference. However, in more complex custody disputes like those involving a battle over full custody rather than joint custody, the court may appoint an Attorney Ad Litem. This is a lawyer assigned to represent the child’s interests. The child…Read More
In the age of oversharing, your online presence can carry serious offline consequences, especially during a divorce or custody battle. This article explores… Whether your posts, photos, and private messages can be used in family court. The possible impacts of your online presence on child custody matters. How to protect yourself online during your case. Can My Social Media Posts Hurt My Divorce Or Child Custody Case In Family Court? Plain and simple, yes, they can. While I don’t necessarily advise every client to delete their social media accounts completely, I strongly encourage a careful review of all past and future posts. Depending on how amicable your situation is, you may want to unfriend or block the opposing party or their family and friends. And above all, avoid passive-aggressive or cryptic posts. They almost always backfire. The truth is, we’ve become very casual about what we share online. Yet, something that seems harmless at the time can easily be twisted and used against you. This is especially true in family law cases where emotions run high and financial or character…Read More
Mediation can be a valuable alternative to courtroom litigation if you’re going through a divorce. In this article, we discuss the ins and outs of divorce mediation in Arkansas, including… What to expect during divorce mediation, and how the process works. When mediation might not be the best option for a divorcing couple. How to prepare for successful divorce mediation. What Is Divorce Mediation, And How Does The Process Work? Divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third party (usually an attorney trained in mediation) helps both spouses reach an agreement outside of court. It’s not motivated by taking sides as much as it is by guiding both parties to a mutually acceptable resolution. While mediation does involve hiring a third attorney, which can increase costs, many people find it worthwhile because it gives them more control over the outcome. Judges aren't emotionally invested, and they won't necessarily care about the nuances of your situation. Mediators, on the other hand, do take the time to listen and help find common ground. You may have heard the saying, If both…Read More