Rules of Disclosure in Divorce, Child Support & Custody Cases
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Joint Custody vs Equal Parenting Time
This comes up a lot in my practice. People come in to see me and they tell me I want joint custody and I don't think that they realize there are two aspects to custody. There is the legal aspect of custody and is there is the physical aspect of custody.
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Social Security Disability - 11 Tips For A Successful Claim
More than 3 million Americans receive Social Security disability benefits every year, but, for most of them, it was a long struggle to get those benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, 12 million people apply for Social Security disability benefits every year. However, it is estimated that 70% of those claims are denied during the very first application process.
The Social Security disability process can be a long and tedious one. On average, an initial claim takes 4-6 months to process. And, if you're rejected and have to go through the entire appeals process, your case could drag on for as long as a year and half.
So, how can you increase your chances of having a successful Social Security disability claim on the first try? Start by following these 11 tips:
1. Learn everything that you can about the Social Security disability application process before you turn in your application. Find out exactly what you can expect.
2. File your Social Security disability claim right away. Since even successful claims can take months to process, you will want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. That way, you stand a better chance of getting your much-needed Social Security disability benefits sooner.
3. File your Social Security disability paperwork very carefully. A huge number of disability claims are denied right off the bat because the forms were not filled out properly. Answer every question on the forms; leaving something blank can get your claim denied. If you need assistance, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you.
4. Your disability claim will be totally judged on your medical records, so be sure to get ongoing medical treatment. If you do not keep seeing your doctor, your examiner may argue that there are not enough medical records to support your claim. Or, you may have trouble getting your doctor to verify the severity of your condition if he has not seen you in a while.
5. Send copies of all of your medical records in with your Social Security disability application. You want to make sure that the examiner in charge of your case has all of the information. If you do not include your medical records, the examiner will have to call your doctor and get the records himself. That's something that could delay your case for months. Or, worse, if the doctor's office overlooks something, your examiner may not get all of the important information he needs to make a fair decision.
6. Bring up everything that is wrong with you, including mental conditions. Your examiner needs all of the information. For example, if you have memory problems on top of your physical impairment, it may make it even tougher for you to perform basic work.
7. Ask your doctor to write a letter on your behalf. Most doctors will not say that a patient is 100% disabled, but they can talk about why you cannot work. For example, they may say that you are unable to sit, stand, bend, or walk.
8. Keep tabs on your examiner. Call Disability Determination Services - not the Social Security Administration - for updates on your case. DDS is the organization that will handle your initial claim and do your medical evaluation. They are best equipped to handle your questions.
9. Do not assume that DDS knows everything. If a new medical condition arises during the course of your claim, tell your examiner. Or, if you have to go in for a disability interview, do not leave anything out.
10. Respond to any letters promptly. Not doing so can get your claim denied. DDS may send you a letter saying that you have to come in for a medical exam with an independent, third-party doctor. Not going to the appointment puts your claim at risk.
11. Hiring a Social Security disability attorney greatly improves your chances of getting your disability claim approved on the first try. A good lawyer will file all of the paperwork, make sure that you do not miss any deadlines, and pass on any updates to your examiner.
The Social Security disability process can be a long and tedious one. On average, an initial claim takes 4-6 months to process. And, if you're rejected and have to go through the entire appeals process, your case could drag on for as long as a year and half.
So, how can you increase your chances of having a successful Social Security disability claim on the first try? Start by following these 11 tips:
1. Learn everything that you can about the Social Security disability application process before you turn in your application. Find out exactly what you can expect.
2. File your Social Security disability claim right away. Since even successful claims can take months to process, you will want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. That way, you stand a better chance of getting your much-needed Social Security disability benefits sooner.
3. File your Social Security disability paperwork very carefully. A huge number of disability claims are denied right off the bat because the forms were not filled out properly. Answer every question on the forms; leaving something blank can get your claim denied. If you need assistance, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you.
4. Your disability claim will be totally judged on your medical records, so be sure to get ongoing medical treatment. If you do not keep seeing your doctor, your examiner may argue that there are not enough medical records to support your claim. Or, you may have trouble getting your doctor to verify the severity of your condition if he has not seen you in a while.
5. Send copies of all of your medical records in with your Social Security disability application. You want to make sure that the examiner in charge of your case has all of the information. If you do not include your medical records, the examiner will have to call your doctor and get the records himself. That's something that could delay your case for months. Or, worse, if the doctor's office overlooks something, your examiner may not get all of the important information he needs to make a fair decision.
6. Bring up everything that is wrong with you, including mental conditions. Your examiner needs all of the information. For example, if you have memory problems on top of your physical impairment, it may make it even tougher for you to perform basic work.
7. Ask your doctor to write a letter on your behalf. Most doctors will not say that a patient is 100% disabled, but they can talk about why you cannot work. For example, they may say that you are unable to sit, stand, bend, or walk.
8. Keep tabs on your examiner. Call Disability Determination Services - not the Social Security Administration - for updates on your case. DDS is the organization that will handle your initial claim and do your medical evaluation. They are best equipped to handle your questions.
9. Do not assume that DDS knows everything. If a new medical condition arises during the course of your claim, tell your examiner. Or, if you have to go in for a disability interview, do not leave anything out.
10. Respond to any letters promptly. Not doing so can get your claim denied. DDS may send you a letter saying that you have to come in for a medical exam with an independent, third-party doctor. Not going to the appointment puts your claim at risk.
11. Hiring a Social Security disability attorney greatly improves your chances of getting your disability claim approved on the first try. A good lawyer will file all of the paperwork, make sure that you do not miss any deadlines, and pass on any updates to your examiner.
Monday, August 19, 2019
6 Tips To Finding The Best Divorce Attorney
It is a fact that all marriages don't last forever. When you think that the divorce is the only option left to live a stress free life, then it is important for you choose the right Divorce attorney who has a wide array of knowledge to best satisfy both you and the other party.
We would like to mention some of the key points that can help you find the right divorce attorney.
1. The Experience Of The Divorce Attorney - You must understand that the Law offices, which have been in this particular business for several years will only use the lawyers who have a great experience in this particular field of law.
It would be an icing on the cake, if you found the lawyer that has handled cases like yours. So, it is very important to find the lawyer that has a minimum of five years in handling divorce cases.
2. Proficiency Of The Divorce Attorney - A well-qualified lawyer will always be trained in various fields related to the divorce. The fields in which he/she is more likely to have skill are, obtaining child and spousal support, division of property, legal counseling, enforcement orders, etc.
3. Referrals Given By The Divorce Attorney - This is also an important point because if the lawyer is reluctant to give you any referrals, then he/she is hiding something from you.A reliable lawyer will have no problem giving you the referrals.
He/she is not able to show the details of the cases that he/she has handled, but he/she can certainly ask those clients to testify on his/her behalf. You should also make sure that the referrals given by the lawyer are not that old.
4. The Reviews Given By The Previous Clients - We are living in the world, where everything get done online. Many divorce attorneys have their own website, so if you are about to complete things with someone, then you should take a look at his/her website. If there are more positive reviews on the website, then you can consider finalizing the deal with that lawyer.
There are many people who like to post their experiences at the time of their divorce. You should not restrict yourself to just one opinion. Instead, you have to check out a good amount of websites to be sure about the lawyer you are about to hire.
5. Check Out The Accessibility - This is another important point to consider when researching your divorce attorney. You should try to find out how accessible your divorce attorney is. How quickly does he/she responds to phone calls and emails? How quickly can you schedule meetings with him/her?
You will not want to wait for several days, if its urgent matter to discuss. If it's an urgent matter, you should not have to wait several days. A good lawyer will always have an alternative to help his/her client, if he/she is not there to attend them. An assistant or maybe a fellow lawyer will take care of the proceedings until he/she reaches back.
6. Trustworthy - You can't skip this point. It is important for you are comfortable with the lawyer. If you have any issues about his/her working or behavior, then you have to either tell him/her about that or switch to another lawyer. A good, honest and sensitive lawyer will take care of all the needs of his/her clients.
These points will help you find the best divorce attorney for your case. A good lawyer will not just make a strong case, but it will present your case in a great way in front of the court.
We would like to mention some of the key points that can help you find the right divorce attorney.
1. The Experience Of The Divorce Attorney - You must understand that the Law offices, which have been in this particular business for several years will only use the lawyers who have a great experience in this particular field of law.
It would be an icing on the cake, if you found the lawyer that has handled cases like yours. So, it is very important to find the lawyer that has a minimum of five years in handling divorce cases.
2. Proficiency Of The Divorce Attorney - A well-qualified lawyer will always be trained in various fields related to the divorce. The fields in which he/she is more likely to have skill are, obtaining child and spousal support, division of property, legal counseling, enforcement orders, etc.
3. Referrals Given By The Divorce Attorney - This is also an important point because if the lawyer is reluctant to give you any referrals, then he/she is hiding something from you.A reliable lawyer will have no problem giving you the referrals.
He/she is not able to show the details of the cases that he/she has handled, but he/she can certainly ask those clients to testify on his/her behalf. You should also make sure that the referrals given by the lawyer are not that old.
4. The Reviews Given By The Previous Clients - We are living in the world, where everything get done online. Many divorce attorneys have their own website, so if you are about to complete things with someone, then you should take a look at his/her website. If there are more positive reviews on the website, then you can consider finalizing the deal with that lawyer.
There are many people who like to post their experiences at the time of their divorce. You should not restrict yourself to just one opinion. Instead, you have to check out a good amount of websites to be sure about the lawyer you are about to hire.
5. Check Out The Accessibility - This is another important point to consider when researching your divorce attorney. You should try to find out how accessible your divorce attorney is. How quickly does he/she responds to phone calls and emails? How quickly can you schedule meetings with him/her?
You will not want to wait for several days, if its urgent matter to discuss. If it's an urgent matter, you should not have to wait several days. A good lawyer will always have an alternative to help his/her client, if he/she is not there to attend them. An assistant or maybe a fellow lawyer will take care of the proceedings until he/she reaches back.
6. Trustworthy - You can't skip this point. It is important for you are comfortable with the lawyer. If you have any issues about his/her working or behavior, then you have to either tell him/her about that or switch to another lawyer. A good, honest and sensitive lawyer will take care of all the needs of his/her clients.
These points will help you find the best divorce attorney for your case. A good lawyer will not just make a strong case, but it will present your case in a great way in front of the court.
Friday, August 16, 2019
What If My Child Wants Live With Me? | Best Interest Factors
Let’s talk the child’s wishes and how much weight that has in a custody case. What if your child wants to live with you?
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Can I Share Child Custody Without A Court Order?
Can you share child custody without a court order? The answer is yes you can and I've had many clients who successfully shared custody with the other parent without a court order. It is possible for two people who have low conflict who are able to talk through their disputes and have great communication. I've seen it happen. There are dangers in sharing custody without a court order and when people come to me I try to tell them that a court order protects them.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Thursday, August 1, 2019
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