When facing divorce, you may become overwhelmed with everything you must do and consider. The last thing on your mind may be your life once the divorce is finalized.  However, immediately planning for your life after divorce is necessary. One of the most important ways of doing this is by considering your financial situation. Some tips to help you prepare your finances for life after divorce are found here.  Assess your current financial situation Conduct a comprehensive review of your finances before initiating divorce proceedings. Gather information on assets, liabilities, income ..read more

High-speed police chases may be exciting to watch on TV. However, they can be potentially very dangerous to everyone involved – and to those who happen to be on the road at the time. Alabama has the unfortunate distinction of having experienced more police pursuit-related fatalities than any other state in the two decades between 1996 and 2015. Partially due to this distinction, just last year, Alabama changed the law so that there’s more likelihood of being charged with a felony for fleeing the policy rather than a misdemeanor. That charge would be added to whatever charge(s) a person is faci ..read more

A lot of people look forward to receiving their tax returns each year because that sudden influx of cash makes it easier to pay for necessities and maybe a few extras.  What happens to your tax return, however, if you know you plan to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection fairly soon? Do you have to give that money up? Not necessarily.  Get your refund first, then file bankruptcy One way to manage the issue and keep your tax return money is to make sure that you file your taxes and wait until all the money you get back is spent before you file for Chapter 7.  Even then, howev ..read more

A domestic violence conviction can have major consequences. If you are convicted of a domestic violence crime, you face substantial fines, restrictions on firearm possession and a potentially lengthy prison sentence. There are also many non-legal penalties. Being branded a domestic abuser can damage your career, causing you to lose a job if you work in certain industries, such as with children. Additionally, a domestic violence conviction or even an allegation that you committed domestic violence could jeopardize your custodial rights if you have children. Sadly, sometimes one parent accuses a ..read more

Successfully navigating the ins and outs of bankruptcy law in the United States requires some understanding of the different chapters under which individuals and businesses can file. Two of the most commonly utilized chapters for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Understanding the differences between these two debt management/debt relief opportunities can empower debtors to make informed decisions about managing their financial futures. Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Low-income earners only Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed for low-wage-earning debtors who are in need of a fresh start. Chapter 7 ..read more

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Alabama offers individuals a pathway to discharge most kinds of unsecured debts, potentially providing a fresh start from overwhelming financial burdens. Understanding the specifics of Chapter 7 bankruptcy is crucial for Alabama residents considering this legal option. This knowledge can help to ensure informed decision-making. Eligibility for Chapter 7 Eligibility for Chapter 7 in Alabama is primarily determined through a means test, which compares the filer’s average income over the six months before filing against the median income for a household of the s ..read more

When you or a loved one are charged with a DUI or other criminal offense, acquiring the assistance of a public defender might be an option so long as you meet certain income requirements. Although this advocacy will come at little to no cost to you, you should carefully consider whether being represented by a public defender is your best option. After all, the outcome of your or your loved one’s criminal case could have severe implications for years or even decades to come. Analyzing whether a public defender is right for you Although having a public defender represent you can be financially b ..read more

As long as someone is on their smartphone in the car, they are distracted. They may be holding the phone in their hand, which is a manual distraction. They may be looking down at the screen or thinking about their conversation, which can be a visual or a cognitive distraction.  Many drivers are well aware that using the phone in the car makes it more likely that they’ll get into an accident. What they decide to do is to only check their phone if they’re at a stop sign or a red light. Then they put the phone back down and start driving, assuming that this means they’re doing so safely. The ..read more

Divorce is a challenging journey, and when children are involved, it becomes even more complex. For divorcing parents, making decisions about child custody is one of the most critical aspects of the process. Joint custody, where both parents share responsibilities and time with their children, is often, understandably, off the table for many divorcing couples for various reasons. However, if your divorce is relatively amicable and you and your soon-to-be ex recognize each other as good and capable parents, you might want to consider joint custody proactively. Exploring the benefits of joint cu ..read more

Head injuries are quite common in car crashes but not always obvious. The symptoms are often masked and barely noticeable. Unfortunately, even something as innocuous as persistent migraine or general fatigue could be a sign of something extremely serious.  If you sustain a brain injury following a car crash that is not your fault, you may pursue the liable party for the resulting economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. But how do you tell you have sustained an injury to the brain after a car accident? Here are two common signs you need to look out for after a ca ..read more