MS Family Law

What is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)?

Published on: October 31, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Family law cases can be emotional and complex, especially when children are involved. In such cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the interests of the child. A Guardian ad Litem, or GAL for short, is a person who is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of a child in a legal proceeding. In this blog, we will explore what a Guardian ad Litem is, their role in family law cases, and how they can impact the outcome of such cases.

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in a legal proceeding. The GAL is typically an attorney, social worker, or other professional who is trained in child development and the legal system. The primary duty of a GAL is to investigate and report back to the court regarding the child’s welfare and make recommendations regarding custody, visitation, and other matters that impact the child’s best interests.

What Do I Do If My Ex Stops Paying Child Support?

Published on: October 27, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Co-parenting with an ex can be extremely stressful, and many parents rely on child support payments to cover the child’s basic daily needs. So what happens when your ex stops paying child support or refuses to make payments? Is there any way to make them pay? Thankfully, there is. These are the steps you should follow if your ex has stopped making child support payments and refuses to pay.

Get a Child Support Order

If you do not already have a child support order from the court, you’ll need to get one. A child support order is an order from the court, signed by the judge, that requires the non-custodial parent to pay a certain amount of child support each month.

“I Want My Kid Back!” – How to Change Your Child Custody Arrangement

Published on: October 25, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

When a child custody arrangement is established, it is meant to provide stability and consistency for the child. However, as time passes, circumstances can change, and what once worked for the family may no longer be working. In those types of cases, it might be a good idea to ask the court to modify the custody arrangement.

In Mississippi, there are specific rules and procedures for child custody modifications. In this blog post, we will discuss the rules for custody modifications, how the process works, and the importance of hiring an experienced family law attorney to handle your custody modification case.

Rules for Custody Modifications in Mississippi

“I Want My Kid Back!” – How to Change Your Child Custody Arrangement

Published on: June 9, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

When a child custody arrangement is established, it is meant to provide stability and consistency for the child. However, as time passes, circumstances can change, and what once worked for the family may no longer be working. In those types of cases, it might be a good idea to ask the court to modify the custody arrangement.

In Mississippi, there are specific rules and procedures for child custody modifications. In this blog post, we will discuss the rules for custody modifications, how the process works, and the importance of hiring an experienced family law attorney to handle your custody modification case.

Rules for Custody Modifications in Mississippi

Co-parenting In The Summer Doesn’t Have To Be A Heated Discussion

Published on: May 31, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Tips for Co-parenting During the Summer

Co-parenting can be a challenging task, especially during the summer when children are out of school and schedules may be less structured. However, with a little bit of planning and communication, co-parenting during the summer can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you successfully co-parent during the summer months.

Plan ahead: Summer is a busy time for everyone, so it’s important to plan ahead as much as possible. Sit down with your co-parent and create a summer schedule that includes vacation time, camp schedules, and any other activities or events that you want to do with your child. Having a clear plan in place will help to minimize confusion and conflict.

Baby Boxes In Mississippi

Published on: May 19, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

One Mississippi Town Introduces Baby Boxes, Where Parents Can Anonymously Give Up Their Infant

In September of 2022, Long Beach, Mississippi became the first city in the state to install a “baby box” (sometimes also called an “infant safe haven box”). States like Indiana, Arkansas, Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona have already been using baby boxes for several years. These boxes are typically installed at fire stations and provide a way for parents to anonymously drop off their newborn if they are unable to care for the child and want to surrender their baby to Child Protection Services (CPS) custody.

How Do Baby Boxes Work?

Divorce Based on Incarceration

Published on: April 4, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and when one spouse is incarcerated, it can add an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. In Mississippi, divorce based on incarceration is a possibility, but it requires specific procedures and considerations.

How It Works

In Mississippi, a spouse may file for a divorce based on one or more fault grounds. These fault grounds include things like habitual cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, habitual drunkenness, or willful desertion for at least one year. In addition to these grounds, a spouse may also file for divorce if their partner has been sentenced to prison for a crime, and they were not pardoned before they were incarcerated.

Practical Tips for Sharing Child Custody

Published on: March 23, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Sharing child custody can be a challenging process for parents who have separated or divorced. It is important to prioritize the well-being and best interests of the child while navigating this process. In this blog, we will discuss practical tips for sharing child custody that can help make the process smoother and less stressful for both parents and children.

Keep Essential Items at Both Homes – One way to make the transition between homes easier for your child is to keep essential items at both homes. This can include things like a toothbrush, pajamas, and school supplies. It can also be helpful to have a set of clothes and toys that stay at each home, so your child doesn’t have to pack a bag every time they switch homes.
Inform Your Child’s School – It’s important to inform your child’s school about the separation or divorce, so they know who is allowed to pick up your child from school. You should also provide the school with copies of any legal documents regarding custody and visitation rights. It might be helpful to tell your child’s teacher that you are in the process of getting a divorce or have recently gotten a divorce so that they can better deal with any behavioral problems that might come up.

Can I Divorce My Pregnant Wife?

Published on: March 16, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

Under Mississippi law, a divorce cannot be granted while the wife is pregnant. This is because the state recognizes the importance of preserving the family unit during this time, and believes that the couple should make every effort to work out their differences and preserve their marriage. If a couple decides to proceed with a divorce while the wife is pregnant, they must wait until after the baby is born before they can file for divorce. This means that the couple will be legally married throughout the pregnancy, and will need to make arrangements for the care of their child after the divorce is finalized.

It’s important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. If the pregnancy is the result of infidelity, the husband may be able to file for divorce on the grounds of adultery. However, this can be a difficult case to prove and should be discussed with an experienced divorce attorney. In addition, if the wife’s health is in danger, the court may grant an expedited divorce. This is rare, but it may be possible if the pregnancy is putting the mother’s life at risk.

It’s also worth noting that Mississippi law allows for temporary separations, which can be granted during a pregnancy. This means that the couple can live apart during the pregnancy, but they will still be legally married.

How to Help Your Teenager Cope with Divorce

Published on: February 28, 2023 | by Vic Carmody Jr., P.A.

For teenagers, finding out that their parents are getting a divorce can bring many changes. Many teenagers already feel like everything in their life is out of control, and hearing that your parents are getting a divorce only makes this feeling worse. Each teenager is unique and will navigate a divorce differently. Thankfully, young people are extremely resilient, and with the right support, teenagers can cope with their parents’ divorce and come out the other side stronger.

How Your Teen Might React

Teenagers whose parents are going through a divorce will experience a wide range of emotions and may cope with the stress that divorce causes in many different ways. Sometimes teenagers cope with a divorce by engaging in risky behavior. Your teen might start acting out in an effort to get attention, or this type of rebellious behavior might just be their coping mechanism for dealing with the divorce. Drug use and early sexual activity are much more common among teenagers whose parents are divorced or are going through a divorce. Pay attention to who your teenager is hanging out with and what type of activities they might be participating in. Encourage them to participate in things that are a productive use of their time, and try to spend as much quality time with them as you can.