Kim Anderson, Author at Texas Divorce Law

Author: Kim Anderson

22
May
2019

Why You Should Find Child Custody Lawyers In Your Area Who Offer Their First Appointment For Free

When searching for any kind of expert to work with, people should always perform a little bit of research. This may be in the form of finding information online or it may be in the form of meeting with people in person so that potential clients are able to get a better idea of what to expect. Furthermore, they will be able to ask any important questions that they may have so that they can ensure that the service and the company at hand is right for them.

The only problem with this is that many businesses out there will charge people to meet with them which can make it very hard to compare different services and prices. Thankfully, there are some experts out there who understand this and so will be more than willing to offer their first appointment for free. This is especially important for those who are needing help with something very serious like when they find themselves dealing with some kind of legal situation. And so, this post will look at why you should find child custody lawyers in your area who offer their first appointment for free.

You should find child custody lawyers in your area who offer their first appointment for free so that you can make sure that the professional is the right fit for you

In order for people to increase their chances of obtaining the best outcome possible, they should always strive to work with lawyers that they feel comfortable with. This means that they will safe with been completely transparent even if the situation at hand is a little embarrassing. The only way that people will feel comfortable to do this is when they have met with someone and they can then tell that they are trustworthy.

Another great way for people to feel comfortable is to discuss client-attorney confidentially with the different people that they meet with and can see how seriously they take it. For some, they will need to work with child custody lawyers in their area with a gentler approach and others will want a more aggressive approach. As it can be seen, these types of appointment are very important which is why people will need to attend many and so they should find free ones to make sure they don’t send themselves bankrupt in the process.

You should find child custody lawyers in your area who offer their first appointment for free so that you have a chance to go through your list of questions

Another important reason why people should strive to find child custody lawyers in their area who are happy to offer their first appointment for free is because people are very likely going to meet with several different professionals in order to find the right one for them. A great way for people to make sure that they have found the right person for them is to make a list of questions that they are able to ask each and every professional that they meet.

If people were to be charged for all of these different appointments, it would send a person broke and they would likely veto this important part of the process and may end up working with someone who isn’t best suited for them. When people are able to ask child custody lawyers in their area questions in regards to price, past clients, time-frames, as well as much more, they are more likely to work with people who suit them.

22
May
2019

4 Questions You Should Ask Your Family Law Solicitors In Bella Vista

categories: Blogging, General

Going through a divorce can be very traumatic, particularly if there are young children involved. Naturally, you want to ensure that you get what you deserve in terms of financial settlements and that the interests of any children involved are the priority above everything else. It’s important that you and your ex-partner try to retain some semblance of normalcy for the sake of the children. One of the best ways to prepare for this process is to have a series of questions to ask your family law solicitors in Bella Vista. Be prepared for this in your first consultation, as this will help you make a sound decision as to whether you should hire them. So, what type of questions should you be asking your family law solicitors in Bella Vista?

How much do you charge?

There’s no point getting hyped up about a big shot legal firm if their services are well out of your price range. However, it’s not just about the end figure or price, it’s equally important to understand their pricing structure. How often will invoices be emailed across and when will payment be required? Will services be provided on an hourly basis? These are the types of things you need to consider when meeting with family law solicitors in Bella Vista. Likewise, be on the lookout for pro bono options. This is basically where a firm will provide their services free of charge (likely to gain exposure or further clients).

How do I maximize my child custody arrangements?

Naturally, when going through a divorce, you want to see your children as much as possible. The child custody arrangements and visitation hours are influenced by several factors. Firstly, the quality of parenting provided by both guardians will be assessed. If you have a history with drug abuse or domestic violence, your right to see your children will be drastically reduced. Make sure you consult with family law solicitors in Bella Vista who can help you mount a case, even if it is only for supervised visitation sessions.

Concurrently, it’s also important to understand that the court will generally prefer an even split of custody hours. This is because it is important for children to see both their parents on a consistent basis, especially if both parents are fit and able to care for them. As a result, it’s important to realise that using your family law solicitors in Bella Vista to gain full custody is often rare, particularly if it’s just to spite your ex-partner.

How will our financial assets and debts be split?

As uncomfortable it is to admit, financial settlements are generally the most contentious processes in a divorce. At the end of the day, it’s all about money. Generally, the first step of the financial settlement is to do an evaluation of all assets and liabilities owned by both parties (including de facto relationships). This includes houses and cars.

After all assets and debts have been assessed, your family law solicitors in Bella Vista will commence assessing the contributions you made to these assets (while your partner’s legal team will do the same for him/her). Direct contributions generally refer to things like wages and salaries, whereas indirect contributions could include inheritances and gifts. Furthermore, the court will also consider non-financial contributions, like domestic chores and caring for the children.

Finally, your family law solicitors in Bella Vista will then consider your future needs. This will be predicated on your age, financial capacity to earn and overall health.

What more can do you do for me?

It’s important to put your legal counsel on notice. They should be doing everything in their power to get you best divorce settlement possible. If you’re unhappy with their services, you can always terminate the professional relationship and look at other family law solicitors in Bella Vista.

13
Jan
2019

A Checklist on Hiring Sydney Criminal Lawyers

categories: Blogging, Default, General, Law

Hiring a solicitor can be a really tough decision to make. If you have been charged with a serious crime, like sexual assault, manslaughter or murder, you will want to ensure that you have access to the best Sydney criminal lawyers. Regardless of how serious the crime may be, you want the best legal defence you can afford in your corner. Indeed, there are many advantages of convening with a solicitor, even if it is just for legal advice. However, it is important to note that solicitors can provide a wide range of services and that there are certain things you need to be on the lookout for when employing legal representation. Let’s consider a few key things to remember.

Technical knowledge

Just because a solicitor has plenty of experience, doesn’t necessarily mean they are well-versed in the legal framework. In fact, our laws are subject to change quite frequently, so you probably want one of the Sydney criminal lawyers who is up to date with all the available information. Take for example the legal definition of marriage, which recently changed to include same-sex couples as being the same as heterosexual marriage. Laws relating to crime are similarly always changing, particularly in regards to federal government proposals as to whether those convicted of terrorism should be stripped of their Australian citizenship.

Experience

How much experience a solicitor has is also a good indicator of their quality, however, it is also important to be wary of so-called experience statistics. What is important is that the Sydney criminal lawyers involved in your case can back up their experience by demonstrating their technical nous either to you or in the courtroom. In reality, if you are impressed by their presence and credentials, consider their services. At the end of the day, experience is one thing, but putting that into practice is another.

Appreciate honesty

You’ll hear a lot of outlandish statements and promises from the many Sydney criminal lawyers. That’s because they are all competing with one another for work. There is a lot of competition in the legal profession and with the number of law graduates hitting the market skyrocketing, it seems there may be no end in sight.

Put simply, you should be looking for Sydney criminal lawyers who will be honest with you. The last thing you need is to be fed vague promises, building unrealistic optimism. You have been charged with a crime and the entire process needs to be treated with respect. You want a solicitor who can provide constructive, unbiased advice. You need a solicitor who will be impartial and realistic. Their job is to present your case and fight for the best legal outcome given the crime you have been charged with.

Value their courtroom presence

A courtroom can be a daunting place. If you have been charged with a rather serious or heinous crime, you’ll likely be seeing judgmental eyes all over the courtroom. You need a group of Sydney criminal lawyers who can help you through this stressful and emotional period. They will be able to present your side of the case without putting you under any unnecessary duress. Unless you have studied the legal framework in the past, you will likely have no idea what is going on in the courtroom. Thankfully, with the guidance of your Sydney criminal lawyers, you will never be out of the loop or confused about what is going on. They will be aware of all the relevant legal documentation and rhetoric, so you can rest assured that they will keep you informed and that your case will be as strong as it can possibly be.

18
Oct
2018

How Will Dispute Lawyers Can Ease The Pain

categories: Default

It can be a very depressing and hard time when a loved one passes away. People want to remember their loved ones in a good way, but sometimes the way assets are handled after a loved one has passed can put added strains and sometimes rifts in a once close family. There are ways to make sure your personal assets are taken care of properly when you pass away, and you may have a case for a will dispute lawyer if you are inadequately taken care of with a loved ones assets. Just as much as you are in need of family lawyers Sydney when you are dealing with legal family matters, you also definitely need a will dispute lawyer when dealing with your will, testament and personal assets.

A will is a legal document which clearly outlines how you wish your assets to be shared and to whom after your untimely passing. Making sure you have something clear, concise and legally binding is how you can make sure that you protect your assets in the best way when you are no longer here to protect them yourself. Without a legalized document in place means that no one is to know where you want your assets and where you do not want them, instead a formula is used to distribute your assets out evenly to certain family members which may not be your wish at all. This is why you need one in the first place.

Sometimes when a loved one passes and their assets are distributed you may feel like you have not been adequately taken care of. A will dispute lawyer can help you fight this and make sure you get what you actually deserve. You have up to 12 months after the death to make this type of claim.

You may use a will dispute lawyer if you think that there has been fraud, forgery or maybe you think that your loved one had been influenced to make the decisions or that your loved one was believed to not be mentally sound at the time it was written. By law it can only be contested by a spouse, child or person who is mentioned in the current or previous document. Just because a sibling is mad about something does not give them grounds to make a case, there are certain reasons that apply only.

Some of the reasons that you can use will dispute lawyers are as mentioned:

– Fraud, a fraudulent example would be if someone made your loved one believe he or she was signing a different document to ensure they got what they wanted instead of what your loved one wanted.

–Forgery, someone may have forged the document making it invalid,

-Influence, e.g a caretaker has taken control and you feel that they have also influenced your loved ones decisions meaning you also have the grounds to contest it.

At a will dispute lawyers you receive a free case assessment. It can be very costly to take your case to court, it is best to determine whether you have the rights to do so. With a no win no fee policy a licensed attorney can take your case to court and if your case is unsuccessful there wont be any fee. This could mean some major loss for the attorneys so it is best to make sure before your case is submitted to the courts.

Whether you are a spouse or a de facto partner, a child or a dependent or maybe you had a very close relationship with the deceased, if you believe you have been inadequately taken care of, or you believe fraud or forgery have taken place, you can give a will dispute lawyer a call and find out how they can help ease the pain.

15
Oct
2018

How a Conveyancer in Campbelltown Can Help You

categories: General, Law

Owning a business in today’s economic climate can be incredibly difficult and stressful. If you own a business, chances are you have commercial real estate that you rely on to ensure that your business thrives. Real estate solicitors assist business owners, individuals and consumers with their property transactions. They oversee the selling and purchasing of real estate, allowing for the exchanging of legal ownership of property. Indeed, a conveyancer Campbelltown can assist you with a wide variety of services and knowledge, guaranteeing that you receive the best outcome.

The contract

Understanding a legal contract can be difficult. There are so many components, obligations and information. For most, the entire process can be overwhelming and stressful. You’re not sure what exactly you’re getting into or whether you’re receiving the best option. Right now, this is all the more relevant given the dynamics of Sydney’s booming real estate market, with prices rising exponentially. Indeed, a conveyancer in Campbelltown can help reduce this stress immensely, while clarifying any queries you may have regarding your contract. This gives you peace of mind and reassurance.

Financial help

Purchasing real estate is no cheap exercise. There are several ongoing costs when purchasing a property. Naturally, there is an initial deposit, stamp duty payments and ongoing mortgage repayments to your lender, only if external financing has been required. With these financial obligations, a conveyancer in Campbelltown can be of great assistance. Firstly, they can develop budgeting plans to help ensure that you maintain your repayments and your financial security at the same time. Chances are you are employed full-time, manage a business and have a family. This means that remembering all your real estate payments can be tough, particularly during busy times of the year.

Undisclosed information

You’ve just purchased a property and are over the moon with the result. Perhaps you were able to barter down the price or perhaps the property is just perfect for your circumstances. However, you soon realise that traffic congestion is terrible in the area and that this is because of public road works down the road, which are not forecasted to end for most of the year. With a conveyancer in Campbelltown, the likelihood of picking up on undisclosed information in contracts is much higher. Instead of being blind sighted by hidden information, your conveyancer from Campbelltown will make it their aim of finding any disadvantages associated with a property, even if such knowledge is not outlined in a contract or by a real estate agent.

Outstanding arears

Like undisclosed information, contracts may leave out minor costs in the purchase settlement. This is unfair to any purchaser, particularly if slammed with unforeseen charges, no matter how big or small. The expertise of a conveyancer in Campbelltown will help ensure that no charges are levied against you after the purchase or sale of property. Any disparities regarding water and council rates between certain areas will be clarified by your conveyancer in Campbelltown.

Mortgages

Like a contract, a mortgage agreement can be incredibly difficult to comprehend. Defaults on mortgages are continuing to rise, namely due to exorbitant house prices and low wage growth. A real estate conveyancer in Campbelltown will help you understand your monetary obligations when taking out a mortgage. On top of this, they will help you prepare your mortgage agreement with your bank or mortgage provider. This reduces the chances of you being disadvantaged when paying back your mortgage, tailoring the best repayment methods to your specific needs and wants. A mortgage is a long-term financial investment, and as such, you want the best conveyancer in Campbelltown to guarantee that your financial situation is not harmed by poorly constructed agreements.

20
Jul
2018

How a Melbourne criminal lawyer can help you with your case

categories: Default

For some people out there, they may be needing to implement the services of a professional Melbourne criminal lawyer. There can be many reasons for this but mostly it is because they are facing some kind of criminal charge that they need to go to court for. As the courtroom can be a scary place and many people do not fully understand what is going on throughout a trial, they find it much easier to implement the help from the experts. Furthermore, when facing a trial, many people are harshly judged on their appearance and so will risk facing unnecessarily harsh charges. Because of this, it is also best to seek the help of a Melbourne criminal lawyer to ensure that this does not occur. There are many different things that can go wrong when people look to self-represent themselves and it doesn’t always look good for the person at hand either. What many people also don’t know is that they will need to pay expensive court fees when they decide to represent themselves. Similarly, for someone who does not understand the special language that is used in the courtroom, they can be like a fish out of water without any professional help.

A Melbourne criminal lawyer can help act as a support system

One of the best ways that a Melbourne criminal lawyer is able to help is by acting as a support system. Not only will they be the most knowledgeable person to see in regards to a case but they will also be able to act as a confidant during what can be an extremely stressful time. Many people find that their mental health suffers when they are facing a case and this is because the courtroom can seem extremely scary and daunting. There are so many things at stake and people don’t want to mess things up. Many people are worried about receiving a sentence that will see them in jail, that will give them a record, that will see them receiving a large fine that they cannot pay, or losing their licence which makes them incapable of working. A Melbourne criminal lawyer is able to inform their client on all of the different things that can occur but without scaring them. They can also work with their clients to strive towards avoiding any unnecessarily harsh punishments.

A Melbourne criminal lawyer can help move things along

When it comes to the legal system, there are all sorts of things that can cause a trial or application to slow down. This may because the incorrect paper work was submitted, or because there wasn’t any paperwork submitted at all. Without the help of a professional, a client may not know how to apply for bail release and they may be unsure of what to do when their trial gets pushed back. To best avoid things carrying on for any longer than they need to, a Melbourne criminal lawyer is able to ensure that things are done right the first time so that their clients can have peace of mind as soon as possible. They are able to organise the correct documents when necessary and are able to quickly apply for appeals if they need to. Furthermore, they will usually have the equipment in their offices that will see that paperwork is sent off quickly and correctly e.g. fax machines and scanners. Whatever the reason for wanting to seek out a professional Melbourne criminal lawyer, it is well known that there are many benefits to doing so. Why not give one a call today?

16
Jul
2018

How much do Sydney divorce lawyers cost?

categories: Default

For a lot of people out there, they will be more than glad to end their marriage. More often than not, people will have tried to make things work for a long period of time and many will have stayed in a relationship for longer than they should have. This is especially the case when a couple has children that they are trying to stay together for. While people can feel like they are getting a new lease on life when they are ending a marriage, there are some other factors that can sometimes get in the way of this new found sense of joy. This is most commonly financial issues. This is because there are many costs involved when ending a relationship and this is often where things can become quite complicated. It is common to see couples disagree on what is going to happen with their money and this can mean that both of the involved parties will need to seek representation from the best divorce lawyer in Sydney. Once again, there are many benefits to seeking help from Sydney divorce lawyers, however, there is always some costs that are involved. Because of this, it is extremely important for people to figure out that these costs are going to be, especially for those who are left with nothing after they leave their partner. As this is so important, this article will explore this further.

The application itself will have an involved cost

What many people may not know is that in addition to any legal fees that may accrue, it additionally costs money to put in the divorce application. This also doesn’t include any fees that may occur when someone has to attend court. While people are easily able to put in an application themselves, some will become easily confused and will want to ensure that they are doing it right the first time. This is especially the case when someone is eager to get out of a relationship as soon as possible. As this is the case, it is often best to speak with Sydney divorce lawyers before hiring them to establish what the involved costs are. They may include the application fee in their fees but some may not. Making this crystal clear in the beginning will make things much easier in the long run and will ensure a more positive relationship between the attorney and the client at hand.

Sydney divorce lawyers are able to advise on their fees

Some firms out there will clearly display their costs on their website, however, this usually isn’t the case as individual cases tend to have different needs. As there usually isn’t a clear cut answer as to what the involved fees are going to be, it is always a good idea to speak to Sydney divorce lawyers before hiring them and get the best idea of a number. Some companies will have a one-off fee involved that will need to be paid before hiring, whereas others will still work with a pay by the hour method. But getting a rough idea is important so people are able to sort themselves out financially and be prepared for whatever may come. Planning for the worst-case scenario can be a wise move and adequately prepare people for the things that may happen when ending a relationship. When one person involved declares that they were misinformed or didn’t fully understand what they were signing then this may mean that the conditions will be dismissed. To best avoid this from occurring it is always wise to seek professional help.

23
May
2018

Worst Traits and Characteristics Your Lawyer Should Not Possess

categories: Default

Should you be uninitiated to the personality type of an attorney, then it can be difficult as a client to decipher the bad from the good or the professional from the sleazy operators.

By their very job description it is helpful for an attorney to be risk-averse, slightly pessimistic all the while personifying a singular focus on the targets and objectives of the case at hand.

As a client though, you should be in a position to notice some important red flags should they arise from the party that is intended to represent you and your interests. If these traits and characteristics do emerge, then action should be taken to ensure that the best possible candidate is standing up for you in a court of law.

Here is what you should be on the lookout for.

Hidden Bills and Fees

To begin with, an ideal attorney should always be up front with their client about the financial agreement that has been put in place. This is paramount on the part of the client because hidden bills and fees that later emerge illustrates a lawyer who is not working in the best interests of the party they are said to be representing. It is morally wrong to do so, but also raises serious questions about other conduct.

Lacking Authenticity

While bills and fees are tangible assets that can examined, the subject of authenticity is one of the great intangibles that is determined purely on a subjective basis. How an individual presents themselves and interacts with another is entirely down to their unique interpretation and the authenticity of an attorney can be difficult to judge without a series of consultations.

Ask some key questions to gauge their authenticity:

Are they approachable and illustrate a key understanding of the facts of the case?
Do they provide insight and strategy?
Have they outlined their working conditions with clarity up front?

Should they fail these benchmarks, then their expertise and personality is probably not an ideal fit for you.

Tardiness

Lawyers have a reputation for enjoying a drink or two once they are off the clock and while this is perfectly acceptable in moderation, representatives that become sloppy, tardy and cut corners place their clients in grave risk. Attorneys will likely have multiple cases occurring simultaneously and although certain consultations might run overtime, lawyers who continually fail to meet schedules and timelines should be put on notice.

15
May
2018

When Can An Attorney Reject a Client?

categories: Default

We hear constantly about the reasons and rationales as to why a client would reject a lawyer. The world of attorneys is simply an open market should you have the resources to hire one in a court of law. Yet what about the reverse scenario – when is it acceptable and appropriate for an attorney to reject a client?

The short answer to this equation is quite simple – whenever they so please. No lawyer is obliged to take on a client without their consent and there are instances where it is actually against the law for an attorney to represent an individual in certain circumstances. This includes a previous personal relationship between both parties or if a lawyer happened to represent an individual that was adverse to that potential client.

The right of free will happens to extend beyond citizens and towards attorneys as well. So what red flags should lawyers be on the lookout for to justify rejecting a client? Surely a case win or lose is still a paycheck to cash in?

Here are some instances where a rejection is justified.

Continuing Criminal Activities

Those that are found to have been guilty of engaging in criminal activities will often source an attorney to keep the law at arm’s length from their enterprise. Attorneys that are aware of this fact are in their rights to walk away before they are further compromised and asked to perpetuate any illegal schemes that are taking place.

Lack of Committal

Attorneys do require a degree of commitment when it comes to dedication themselves to a case. If a client has a past history and reputation for moving from one firm to the next in order to test the waters, then a lawyer can pull the plug due to a lack of trust.

Aggressive Clients

Individuals who place unwanted pressures on their attorney to make sudden and illegitimate demands on their representative are out of order. Whether it is a request or demand to drop other cases in order to focus on their priorities or threaten to walk away without justification, then the lawyer can take a proactive step to end the agreement.

The Lawyer Skeptics

Attorneys are already viewed through a cynical lens, but that task is all the more difficult if their client continually diminishes and talks down your efforts to get the job done. Should they have no trust in the process and hold disdain for you and your practice, then walk away.

10
May
2018

What Salary Can An Attorney Expect Over a Career?

categories: Default

Knowing what profession you are going to be working in as you study in school can be a daunting proposition. For teenagers studying their way through high school and considering their college prospects, the career option that you take should ideally be the end result of your passions, interests and skills in a particular niche.

That equation will not always point to a clear and identifiable path. For many youngsters, the career you end up opting for has not even been established yet in the mainstream commerce community – so the trick is to be educated, qualified and ready to adapt.

This consideration will gradually lead to a discussion about expected salaries and what fields are more financially stable for your short, medium and long-term future. From doctors to teachers, entertainers or tradesmen and women, there is a myriad of choice out there.

Law is a specialty field that is considered one of the safest professions for long-term viability. Attorneys are never at threat of seeing their expertize dissolved or overtaken by technology, so there is genuine currency in this practice.

However, how lucrative is a life in law? Let us examine the latest statistics to help make up your mind.

First Year Expectations

The National Association for Law Placement is a body that oversees the profession to examine the trends that are occurring across firms all over the country. Once new members are qualified to have passed their bar exam and are certified as part of the legal fraternity, the average annual salary is listed at USD $160,000.

Yet it must be noted that these figures derive from larger firms that house entire departments with specialist faculties of attorneys, a facet that is not the privilege of locally-based firms around the nation.

Factors Influencing Salaries

Experts in the field have noticed that the past 10 years has seen this $160,000 figure remain stagnant. Whilst this could be in due part to a struggling global economy, there is also the involvement of mergers, acquisitions and niche specialty firms that have contributed to a dilution in terms of how much firms bill their clientele.

Other elements will include the state, city or rural area in which a practice is established. For example, lawyers based in regions such as Carmel, Indiana operate off a mean annual salary of $89,499 as of 2018, a figure that pales in comparison to the average first year package that has been broadcast.

Working as an attorney can be incredibly lucrative as a career proposition, yet the salary will be in context to the type of law that is being practiced, the brand of the firm and the location in which it is situated.