Posted by Steven A. Harris | Custody Rights, Family Law
What factors does a judge consider when determining who gets awarded custody of the children? A contested divorce is stressful for everyone, so the judge will make a decision that is in the child’s best interest. Judges look at both parent’s ability to meet children’s basic needs, those being the children’s health, safety, and welfare. …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law, Real Estate & Property Law
If we are going through a divorce in Birmingham, can I close on the sale of a house without my wife being present at closing? A property that is intended to be used as a primary residence in Alabama is known as a homestead. If a property is deemed to be a homestead, then there …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Adoption, Family Law
What is the process for me and my husband to adopt my sister’s children if her kids have been taken away due to drugs? When a child’s custody is taken away from the parents due to alcohol or drug abuse, the child must be placed in custody of the state or a relative. In Alabama, …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law
What is a QDRO and do I need one to get the 401(k) distribution that was ordered in my uncontested divorce? QRDO stands for qualified domestic relations order. Generally this is an order from the court that lays out the details regarding how the retirement benefit plans should be divided in the event of a …
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Adoption, Family Law
What are the steps to file for an adoption of a relative in Alabama? In Alabama you may be able to adopt a relative if both parents of the child agree. Adoptions in Birmingham must be completed in accordance with the Alabama adoption code. Under the code any adult person or husband and wife jointly …
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law
How does DHR in Alabama get involved in a child’s family situation and can a Birmingham divorce attorney help get them out? DHR stands for the department of human resources. The Alabama department of human resources deals with a number of different issues such as: adoption, adult protective services, baby box initiative, Chafee Education and …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law
What are protection from abuse orders and can I get one in my divorce? A protection from abuse order is an order from the court that protects a spouse and children from an abuser. This occurs when a spouse or child has been abused or threatened. This is a way for the court to step …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Child Support, Family Law
How do I put my baby’s father on child support? There are many different reasons why you may need to get child support. Child support is a series of scheduled payments that is made by one of the parents. These payments are generally ordered by a court in order to make sure that the child …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law
What is a divorce retainer and why are they so high up front? A divorce retainer is a fee that attorneys charge for their work on a divorce. A retainer in a way is a form of a down payment for the services the divorce lawyer in Birmingham will provide during the divorce. A lawyer …
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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law
Will I be able to get half of my husband’s retirement account in my divorce? There are many things that must be divided in the event of a Shelby County divorce. Many people think of the marital home, the cars, the vacation homes and many other assets. One martial asset that many people do not …
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