Smith & Kilgo Law Legal Blog

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Divorced parents look to appeal custody ruling

Can You Appeal the Outcome of a Family Court Ruling?

July 17, 2023 · Jerry Kilgo

Navigating the complexities of family law in Alabama, this post details the appeal process, grounds for appeal, filing timelines, alternative legal actions, and the necessity of a skilled attorney to ensure successful appeal outcomes in situations involving divorce, child custody, and Department of Human Resources decisions.

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Unhappy divorced couple texting each other at dining table

How Texting Can Affect Your Divorce Case

July 13, 2023 · Jerry Kilgo

We often take for granted that all the messages we send and receive are private. Unfortunately, as many people can attest, they sometimes end up not being as confidential as we hope. That can certainly become a problem during a divorce. What you say in texts and other messages may be held against you and ultimately work out in your spouse’s favor.

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a young and happily married couple meet with an attorney for estate planning

Why Young Families Need an Estate Plan

June 13, 2023 · Jerry Kilgo

Estate planning, often misconstrued as a concern for the older or affluent, is crucial for young families, safeguarding their finances and ensuring their children's welfare in unforeseen circumstances. This process helps avert potential family disputes, protect heirs from hefty tax burdens, and decide on guardianship for minor children, thereby offering peace of mind and a secure future for loved ones.

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police officer being sworn in

Impact of Domestic Disturbance Charges on Military or Police

June 11, 2023 · Jerry Kilgo

Experiencing a domestic disturbance charge can be a daunting journey, especially for those serving in law enforcement or the military. These charges can lead to a maze of not only legal implications but also emotional and reputational challenges, each capable of putting a promising career at risk. Regardless of the outcome, the shadow of such an event can linger, impacting personal relationships, mental well-being, and chances of career advancement in these fields of honor and responsibility.

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18 Year old graduate smiling with divorced mother

Can I Collect Past Due Child Support After My Child Turns 18?

January 6, 2023 · Jerry Kilgo

Child support is designed to make sure children have the funds necessary to ensure their survival and to prevent them from a significant financial unbalance between the two homes. While child support is intended to help provide the funds a child needs, those receiving it may wonder what happens if the child ages out and back payments are still owed. It is essential to speak with a lawyer, as every situation can be different, but there are a few things to expect as the child ages out of needing child support.

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Spouse establishing power of attorney with lawyer

What Does It Mean to Establish a Power of Attorney?

December 5, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

If you want to allow someone else to perform certain tasks and make major decisions—such as selling a house, filing taxes, and cashing checks in your name—you will need a power of attorney. These documents, which are sometimes referred to as POAs, give certain powers to trusted individuals known as agents or attorneys-in-fact. In this guide, we’ll define power of attorney and explain the importance of these documents.

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Divorced couple talking about credit and finances

Protecting Your Credit As You Navigate a Divorce

November 28, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Going through a divorce is never easy, and dealing with all the issues involved is incredibly stressful. One issue that’s crucial during a divorce is protecting your credit. Here are a few strategies to use when splitting your finances.

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Newly wed couple who got a prenuptial agreement

Do You Need a Prenuptial Agreement? What You Need to Know.

November 9, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Many people have heard of prenuptial agreements and believe these documents only benefit the wealthy. They use these documents to protect their assets if the couple divorces, or so people imagine. However, these documents help countless couples today. What should a person know about this document?

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Divorced business owner walking through shop

How A Business Owner Can Get Divorced

October 4, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Divorces are already complex enough, but when there's a business involved, it can get far more difficult. Business owners considering divorce must think carefully about what it means for their company. This doesn't mean that divorce isn't the correct answer, but that many considerations need to be made to figure out how the business will weather the divorce – if it can. It's crucial for business owners who are planning to divorce to seek legal advice and work through the information below with their lawyer.

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Woman signing divorce papers

Steps To Take If Your Spouse Refuses To Sign Divorce Papers

September 14, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

A situation where spouses don't agree on divorce can lead to one spouse refusing to sign the divorce papers. The good news is that the signature isn’t necessarily needed, and it’s possible to get a divorce even if the other spouse is uncooperative throughout the process. The key is to have the right help and know what steps to take next.

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Couple divorcing looks over student loan debt

Are Student Loans Considered Marital Debt In a Divorce?

August 22, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Over 42 million Americans have student loan debt, and the numbers are steadily rising. While many are getting married later in life, some couples tie the knot early on. Some couples get married after one person has already accepted student loans, while others tackle the risk together. Therefore, when Alabama couples divorce, student loan debt can pose complicated financial problems.

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Kids playing on the beach in the summer

How to Co-Parent Over the Summer

August 3, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Summertime is an exciting time for children—school is out, and the potential for fun is endless. For divorced parents, however, these ‘vacations’ can be much less enjoyable. When parents separate, it forces them to change their routines and re-evaluate their priorities, which can make co-parenting a challenge. Here, our firm will offer some tips on planning ahead and making every summer transition a smooth one.

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What Steps Should I Take When My Ex Violates Our Child Custody Agreement?

What Steps Should I Take When My Ex Violates Our Child Custody Agreement?

June 22, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Child custody is an explosive topic, as it can be challenging to parent with an ex-spouse, even in the best circumstances. When one parent violates the custody agreement, especially if this becomes a pattern, steps should be taken to preserve the available time with the child and prevent future issues. Parents who are unable to see their child according to the custody agreement often have a few different options for how to handle it. In most cases, the following steps are advised to handle an ex violating a child custody agreement.

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Who Keeps the House in a Divorce?

Who Keeps the House in a Divorce?

May 20, 2022 · Jerry Kilgo

Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult periods in a person’s life. There are so many decisions to make, including the split of property. People often wonder who gets the house when ending a marriage.

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