Posts by Steve
Can a Child Ever Choose Which Parent to Live With?
In all child custody cases, the Tennessee family court system aims to do what is best for the children. When children are young, they typically have little or no say as to legal and physical custody decisions. Older children do have the right to voice their opinion. Courts generally listen to older children because they…
Read MoreThe Basics of Marriage and Lawful Permanent Residence Status
US citizens can sponsor certain family members to become lawful permanent residents in America if the relative is: A spouse A child under 21 years of age A parent of a US citizen American citizens can also arrange for a foreign national who wants to marry the American citizen to obtain a fiancé visa. If…
Read MoreThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Divorce
Almost every student needs some type of financial aid to attend a four-year college. Even the cost of two-year colleges and trade schools can be out of reach for many students unless they get financial assistance. Some college educations, including tuition and room and board, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Financial aid companies examine…
Read MoreWhat Laws Are in Place to Protect Servicemembers during Divorce?
Going through a divorce is never an easy process. It becomes even more difficult when you are serving in the military. Being on a military base on the other side of the country – or worse yet, on the other side of the world – will only make matters more challenging. If you’ve been contacted…
Read MoreWhy 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…
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