Step Parent Adoption

If you are remarried and do not have a relationship with the other biological parent, you may be wondering if step-parent adoption is an option and how it works, among other things. Step-parent adoption represents a great chance for both you and your child (or children) to enjoy the increased security that comes with this legal arrangement. Studies have shown that there are tremendous psychological and emotional benefits to this type of family structure.
Simply put- a step parent adoption completely extinguishes the rights of the other biological parent and the step-parent becomes the legal parent of your child. In the event something were to ever happen to you, it would be the step-parent that would take guardianship of the child. While a step-parent adoption is not as complicated as other types of adoption, it is still a legal process that an experienced adoption attorney should help you with. This is especially true if there are issues with the biological parent, you are a same sex couple or you are in a situation where you each want to adopt children.
State laws vary by state and the sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the sooner you can celebrate this very exciting event.

Serving Process

Serving Process

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability

Joint Custody and Equal Parenting Time

Joint Custody and Equal Parenting Time

Why Relationships End: Breakup Survey Results REVEALED

Why Relationships End: Breakup Survey Results REVEALED

Divorce Advice : What Is A Petition For Divorce?

A petition for divorce is the initial pleading that a spouse files to start the whole divorce process. Learn about divorce petitions and if jurisdictional requirements are met with tips from a certified family mediator in this free video on divorce and relationships.

6 Tips That Will Help You Understand Child Support

Whether you are going through a divorce or just separating from your partner, you'll need to make child support arrangements for any children that you share. The few tips listed below will help you successfully navigate the system.

Determine Who Will Have Primary Custody

Primary custody does not mean sole custody. It simply refers to the parent the child will spend the majority of their time with. For example, if a child spends school days with mom and weekends with dad, then the mother would be listed as the primary custodian, even though both parents are sharing joint custody. This is one factor the judge will look at when determining monetary support obligations.

Prepare an Income Statement

Another factor in deciding the amount of funds to be set aside for the care of a child is how much each parent currently makes at his or her job. The judge will want to see evidence, so take the time to create an income statement that accurately reflects your wages.

Seek Legal Representation

Although you can file for child support without hiring a lawyer, it is not recommended. Seeking legal counsel is the best way to ensure that your child gets adequate support if you are the primary custodian. On the other side, an attorney is knowledgeable about how much money is fair so that you don't end up paying above what is reasonable.

Make Adjustments if Necessary

An order of support is not set in stone. If either party experiences a change in income, or one parent begins to take over the majority of the care of the child, an adjustment can be made. Your lawyer can help you get an adjustment if one is warranted.

An Order Doesn't Necessarily Stop at Age 18

It is a common assumption that child support stops once a minor turns 18, however, this is not always the case. The order can actually remain in effect until a child finishes school, which includes up to five years in college. There are other exceptions to this as well, such as a child who suffers from a disability that renders him or her unable to work.

Take Steps to Enforce the Order

Should the non-custodial parent fail to pay the amount ordered by the judge, there are steps you can take to have the child support agreement enforced. First, you can call the case manager that has been assigned to you and request a delinquency notice. Second, if the delinquency notice is not heeded, you can request a warrant for non-payment of support. Keep in contact with your case manager, and remember that he or she is there to work on behalf of your son or daughter.

Laws are changing all the time, so it is important that you check with your legal representative before requesting aid from the court system. Also, your lawyer will better be able to explain to you the complex formulas used by courts to determine the monetary amounts sufficient for the raising of your child.

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Workers' Compensation Attorney: Understanding The Process And When To Hire A Lawyer

If you get hurt at work, you are traditionally covered by workers' compensation insurance. There are, however, some things that you have to do to ensure that the medical bills are paid by your insurance plan instead of out of your pocket. In some cases, you may need to enlist the help of a workers' compensation attorney, who specializes in these types of proceedings.

Understanding the Process

To know when to get help, you must first understand what types of injuries are eligible for coverage. The injury must occur while on the job during regular or overtime duties. If it occurs during lunch or regular breaks, it is not always covered because you are not supposed to be working during those times. The impairment must be something that is related to your job performance.

In order for insurance to cover cumulative injuries, such as carpal tunnel or back injuries due to sitting or standing, they must be filed in a timely manner. These injuries are hard to prove just based on an x-ray or a medical exam. Unless there is accurate medical documentation, some companies treat these complaints as suspect. Employees then have a harder time getting the company to take care of any medical bills.

In order to increase your chances of approval, you do not want to wait to file a claim. Filing early, however, does not guarantee that you will be approved for compensation. If you are denied, you can appeal the decision and this is where a qualified workers' compensation attorney is your best ally.

Meeting with your lawyer

When you meet with your lawyer you need to explain the circumstances of your injury. Explain all the steps that you took to have the injury documented. You should also tell them how soon you filed and provided copies of all documentation.

At this time, he or she will give you information on your options. You may end up in court or there could be a negotiation set up between you and the business's insurance company. Your lawyer will be with you for any of the proceedings.

Some employers do not carry the recommended insurance to help cover costs in the event of workplace injury. If this is the case, your workers' compensation attorney can help you negotiate a settlement in which your employer will reimburse you for medical expenses related to the injury.

There are times this may go to court and end with you suing for a settlement. The entire process is different as there may be no formal documentation filed with your employer.

Workers' compensation attorneys can also help if you have been fired due to an injury. Workplace injuries cannot be the reason for being let go and you can sue for wrongful termination. While you most likely get your job back, you can be compensated for lost wages until such time as you can obtain a new job.

Because laws vary from state to state it may be in your best interest to contact a workers' compensation attorney before you submit any paperwork to ensure that it is correctly completed. This helps ensure that the application for insurance reimbursement is approved and avoids a long legal proceeding.

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Spousal Maintenance

Spousal Maintenance

How Much Information Should I Share About My Divorce With My Children?

How much information should I share about my divorce with my children?