What are the residency requirements for divorce?

How long do you have to live in Alabama to obtain a divorce in this state? A person must meet the residency requirements set by the state of Alabama in order to obtain a divorce here. At least one of the spouses must have lived in Alabama for six months prior to the filing of the divorce documents. However, if both spouses reside in Alabama, you are not required to meet the six-month requirement. http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/faqs/residency-requirements.cfm

Says, Twain

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." Mark Twain http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/says-twain.cfm

When can I remarry after divorce?

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/faqs/when-can-i-remarry.cfm 60 days after decree is signed

Say's Kennedy

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." Robert F. Kennedy http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/says-kennedy.cfm

Cost Cuts: Federal Courthouse in Florence Being Considered for Closing The federal courthouse in Florence is among the sixty courthouses in the nation to be considered for closure as part of economic cuts by the federal government. Many of the court sites are in rural areas, and critics of the closing these courthouses could make getting to court proceedings extremely difficult for the residents. The courthouse in Florence is used for bankruptcy cases and also for criminal and civil trials in the U.S. District Court. In addition to the potential closing of the Florence courthouse, courthouses in the Alabama cities of Gadsden, Selma, and Opelika are also among those being considered in the budget cuts. According to Karen Redmond, a spokesperson for the federal court system, no absolute decision has been made as to which courthouses would be officially closed. She stressed, “It is extremely early in this process. A lot of people will be involved in deciding where the closures will take place and there will be multiple reviews to ensure that any closures that take place are warranted.”The decisions as to which courthouses will be closed will be evaluated on the case loads of the courthouses, the expenses of operating them, and their locations. Federal court officials for the Northern District of Alabama are opposed to closing the Florence courthouse (which is currently undergoing renovations) at the Florence Post Office. Redmond said opposition from court officials in Alabama would play a major role in removing the Florence courthouse from the closure list. She said, “We take a look at all of our courthouses almost every year to see if any should be closed as a way to save money; this is nothing new. We’re still a long way from making any decisions. There’s no reason for people in Florence or any of the other communities where the courthouses being considered for closure are located to be alarmed at this time.” Nick Gajewski, a Florence attorney, said closing the courthouse would create a hardship on residents in the Shoals area who seek to file and process bankruptcy cases. If the Florence courthouse closes, the nearest alternate site for them for hearings would be the courthouse in Decatur. Gajewski interjected, “We now conduct bankruptcy hearings here by teleconference with a judge in Decatur. If the Florence courthouse closes, everyone involved would have to drive to Decatur for their hearings. People in our area will have a lot more driving.” http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/florence-courthouse-closure.cfm

We support Breast Cancer Awareness

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/we-support-breast-cancer-awareness.cfm The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group in Athens, Huntsville, and Decatur, Alabama, Supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation “for the Cure” October: Breast Awareness Month General Information about Breast Cancer What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division. What are the signs of breast cancer? The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away: • A lump, hard knot or thickening • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening • Change in breast size or shape • Dimpling or puckering of the skin • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly • New pain in one spot What causes breast cancer? This is a question women want a straight answer to. At the present time, scientists believe that breast cancer is caused by a combination of both known and unknown factors including genetics (such as family history of breast cancer), lifestyle choices (such as diet and alcohol use) and reproductive factors (such as age of menarche and menopause). What are fibrocystic changes? Lumpiness plus tenderness or pain at certain times of the month is called fibrocystic breast changes. These changes are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Women are most likely to notice them in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, or if women are past menopause, when taking hormones. Fibrocystic changes do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. In contrast, a breast lump that should be checked is one that does not change with your cycle. Any persistent lump or thickening should be checked by your health care provider. A note from the Susan Komen Foundation “for the cure”: Because ten (10) million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next twenty-five (25) years, we continue to fight every minute of every day to save every life. Thanks to people like you who share our vision of a world without breast cancer, we’ve made huge discoveries in finding new and better ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. We now know so much more about the different types of breast cancer and specific ways to attack each kind. And we work day-in and day-out in communities throughout the world to ensure everyone can access quality care and these new advances. But the fact is, breast cancer is still life-threatening, and until we can keep people from dying from it, we need your help - your generosity is crucial as we continue this fight. Imagine life without breast cancer. Get Involved! Donate Now!

What County to File Your Case

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/faqs/what-is-a-common-law-marriage.cfm

How To Find the Right Divorce Lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama

Steps in Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama A separation, and ultimately, a divorce is never a reality that any couple desires to face. However, when a couple decides that divorce is the right step to ending their marriage and settling their issues, attaining the assistance of a successful and reliable divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama, is extremely important. With the guidance of that counsel, the couple will then be able to end a chapter of their lives and to begin the next one. The separation and divorce phases will inevitably result in some emotional distress and pressure, especially if the couple has children. Those children will often be “caught in the middle” of the divorce and add another variable to the attorney’s processing of the divorce. An experienced attorney will instruct you to hold your ground and gather the strength to complete the ordeal—to be a survivor. Many divorce attorneys in Huntsville, Alabama, who are qualified to represent you, are listed in the Yellow Pages and/or their websites can be accessed on the internet. However, you should not simply randomly select one of those lawyers. You need to find the lawyer who is the right match for your needs and you, personally. Therefore, you should seek assistance from your friends and family who have been through divorces or who can recommend a potential attorney. Most people find some comfort and security in seeking aid from someone whom they know have taken care of their families and friends previously. However, a “referred” attorney is not always the best choice to meet your needs. You must investigate and assess the prospective attorney using your own evaluation. Referrals can, therefore, be a “starting point” in selecting your divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama. Imperatively, you should meet your counsel before actually retaining him or her. If the attorney has a website, visit it before the initial consultation appointment. During that appointment, you will be able to make your own observations and decide whether the lawyer is the best counsel for you. Additionally, asking the lawyer the right questions will allow you to evaluate his or her professionalism and legal capabilities. You should ask the prospective attorney about his background, expertise, and experience in family law in Huntsville, Alabama. Certainly, you will want to hire an attorney who has extensive experience in carrying out the actions for completing the divorce process. When you are searching for the right divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama, consider your first impressions of the person, in general. You should hire someone who is professional, polite, and respectful to his or her clients. The lawyer you hire will be working closely with you during the entire divorce process (which can often be for several months). Therefore, your selecting and retaining counsel with whom you are comportable is imperative. If you need a lawyer, search through our website at www.northalabamadivorce.com for valuable information and call us for an appointment at 256-232-2114. Steps in Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama A separation, and ultimately, a divorce is never a reality that any couple desires to face. However, when a couple decides that divorce is the right step to ending their marriage and settling their issues, attaining the assistance of a successful and reliable divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama, is extremely important. With the guidance of that counsel, the couple will then be able to end a chapter of their lives and to begin the next one. The separation and divorce phases will inevitably result in some emotional distress and pressure, especially if the couple has children. Those children will often be “caught in the middle” of the divorce and add another variable to the attorney’s processing of the divorce. An experienced attorney will instruct you to hold your ground and gather the strength to complete the ordeal—to be a survivor. Many divorce attorneys in Huntsville, Alabama, who are qualified to represent you, are listed in the Yellow Pages and/or their websites can be accessed on the internet. However, you should not simply randomly select one of those lawyers. You need to find the lawyer who is the right match for your needs and you, personally. Therefore, you should seek assistance from your friends and family who have been through divorces or who can recommend a potential attorney. Most people find some comfort and security in seeking aid from someone whom they know have taken care of their families and friends previously. However, a “referred” attorney is not always the best choice to meet your needs. You must investigate and assess the prospective attorney using your own evaluation. Referrals can, therefore, be a “starting point” in selecting your divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama. Imperatively, you should meet your counsel before actually retaining him or her. If the attorney has a website, visit it before the initial consultation appointment. During that appointment, you will be able to make your own observations and decide whether the lawyer is the best counsel for you. Additionally, asking the lawyer the right questions will allow you to evaluate his or her professionalism and legal capabilities. You should ask the prospective attorney about his background, expertise, and experience in family law in Huntsville, Alabama. Certainly, you will want to hire an attorney who has extensive experience in carrying out the actions for completing the divorce process. When you are searching for the right divorce lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama, consider your first impressions of the person, in general. You should hire someone who is professional, polite, and respectful to his or her clients. The lawyer you hire will be working closely with you during the entire divorce process (which can often be for several months). Therefore, your selecting and retaining counsel with whom you are comportable is imperative. If you need a lawyer, search through our website at www.northalabamadivorce.com for valuable information and call us for an appointment at 256-232-2114. http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/faqs/how-to-find-right-lawyer.cfm

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/testimonials/ardmore-alabama.cfm Ms. Charlotte Christian was invaluable in helping my family through a difficult time. After our son became involved in an ugly divorce case, we did not have any idea what we needed to do. We were dealing with our son’s emotional stress over the divorce and our daughter-in-law’s actions as she was keeping my son’s children away from us. On top of all of that, we needed to make sure that the children’s mother did not move and take them to another country. Ms. Christian was able to initiate a plan of action immediately, and within two weeks, the case was in court. Throughout the divorce process, she answered our questions, no matter how trivial (even on the weekend). I give Ms. Christian credit for keeping my family together. Today my son sees his children on a regular schedule, and I am able to spend time with my grandchildren. (Grandmother from Ardmore, Alabama)

Says, Lincoln

"Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves." Abraham Lincoln http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/says-lincoln.cfm

Wisdom from Atticus

“If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." -Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/atticus-finch-says.cfm

When Visitation Is Not Good For Children

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/when-visitation-is-not-good-for-children.cfm Dilemma: ”It’s not good for my children to be with my ex-husband and his new wife.” Often discrepancies concerning the parenting skills and practices of divorced parents in Huntsville, Alabama, surface, especially when one or both of them remarry. If those disagreements cannot be resolved, the couples often find themselves back in court. The parties have several options in resolving the issues before they again file a case in the court system of Huntsville, Alabama. You should begin addressing this issue by discussing your concerns with your husband. Attempt to address your apprehensions in a civil manner. Certainly, the children will benefit from their parents’ working together to share their concerns, information, and decision-making. Often the negotiation process between divorced parents concerning the well-being of the children is difficult, especially if one or both of the parents have new partners. However, your making the effort will definitely help your children. If you have discussed the issues and you still have concerns, you can pursue family counseling. You might also seek a mediator’s assistance or contact your family court commissioner or clerk of court in Huntsville, Alabama, for court-referred mediation. When mediation does not resolve your concerns, your next option is to file a motion to change the placement of the children. However, a motion based solely on the fact that you do not “like” your ex-spouse’s parenting style will not support a change. Unless evidence of actual harm to the children is provable, the court generally will rule that the children benefit more by having a considerable relationship with each parent. Pursing a Custody/Visitation Dispute in Court If you desire to address your child custody/visitation issues within the court system, a Huntsville, Alabama, custody lawyer from the Charlotte Christian Family Law Group can give your case the concentration and commitment it deserves to help you modify the custody/visitation schedule for your children. Contact Us: If you are involved with a child custody/visitation disagreement, contact a Huntsville, Alabama, custody attorney at The Charlotte Family Christian Law Group today at 256-233-2114 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case or visit our website at www.northalabamadivorce.com

Divorcing an Abusive Spouse

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/abusive-spouse.cfm Divorcing an Abusive Spouse in Athens, Decatur, Huntsville, and Other Northeast Alabama Areas Seeking a divorce from an abusive spouse is a major move in the right direction towards getting your life back and maintaining a bright future for your children and you. Therefore, you need to make sure you proceed with the process correctly in order to protect yourself. When your spouse is abusive in any way—either physically, verbally, or emotionally—you should not consider employing a collaborative divorce method or mediation. These methods can characteristically provide your spouse more opportunities to retain implacable (often unpleasant and intimidating) contact with you. Instead, your best direction is to proceed with the following actions: 1. Obtain an order of protection from the court to guarantee your spouse cannot approach you. 2. Seek a litigated divorce, one in which a judge makes decisions on how the marital assets are to be divided as well as what will happen with the children and whether spousal support is appropriate. You should take measures to inform the judge of the abuse, especially if child custody issues are at risk and, especially if the abuse has been directed at a child. 3. Retain a competent family law attorney. You cannot fight the battle against an abusive spouse alone. A knowledgeable counsel is an invaluable resource person in your completing the divorce process successfully and regaining your life. In case of abuse, you should retain a competent lawyer to make sure your legal rights and you personally are protected. Contact a lawyer at The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group as soon as possible and explain the entire history of abuse. At that point, assistance can be made readily available to you through the court system and abuse organizations. Please visit The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group Website www.northalabamadivorce.com and download our FREE book, The Six Biggest Mistakes Most People Make When Filing for Divorce, or call us today at 256-233-2114 for an appointment to ensure a brighter and safer future for your family and you.

How an uncontested divorce is finalized

How an Uncontested Divorce in Athens, Huntsville, Decatur, and other Northeast Alabama Areas Is Finalized An uncontested divorce is normally the easiest type of divorce. Furthermore, an uncontested divorce is relatively inexpensive in comparison to a contested one. In an uncontested divorce, both parties work together and agree to divorce each other on mutually acceptable terms. The spouses file court papers jointly to complete the divorce procedures. No formal trial is connected to an uncontested divorce. In fact, in most cases, neither party will be required to appear in court. The mutually agreed terms are recorded in the form of an agreement of the parties. This agreement is known as the marital settlement agreement and will contain the particulars of property division, distribution of debts and liabilities, child custody, child support and alimony, if applicable. The spouses must file the marital settlement agreement in the court; then that agreement must be approved by the court. Generally, the court will approve a marital settlement agreement unless a judge deems that evidence shows that the terms are unfair to one spouse or that one of the spouses agreed to the terms under coercion. Once the marital settlement agreement is approved by the court, the spouses will be granted a divorce. Below are three main requirements for an uncontested divorce: 1. Both spouses desire to get the divorce. 2. Both parties agree on division property and debts. 3. Both spouses agree on child custody. An individual in Athens, Huntsville, Decatur, and other Northeast Alabama areas who is considering an uncontested divorce should seek the services of an knowledgeable divorce attorney at The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group. The attorney will assist in the preparation of the marital settlement agreement and ensure that the agreement does not contain any terms that might result in the court’s denying the agreement. Please visit The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group’s website: www.northalabamadivorce.com and download our FREE book, The Six Biggest Mistakes Most People Make When Filing for Divorce, or call us today at 256-233-2114 for an appointment to discuss an uncontested divorce or other family law issues.

Can I change lawyers after hiring a lawyer?

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/faqs/can-i-change-lawyers.cfm Yes, you have the right to replace your attorney at any time, for any reason. Even though you hired the attorney, you are still ultimately responsible for your own legal matters. Therefore, if you encounter a problem with the attorney you have hired, you need to address the issues that have arisen. Keep the following points in mind if you are considering “firing” your old attorney and “hiring” a new one: --Act immediately when you become aware of a problem. Doing so will enable your new lawyer adequate time to review your case and begin his or her strategies --Think the change completely through before making the decision to hire a new lawyer. If you have an important court date approaching soon, a change in legal assistance might not be in your best interest. --Communicate with your old attorney in writing as to your intention of seeking new counsel. Keep a copy of that letter in your files. You cannot simply cease communicating with him or her. --Know what the problems are with your old attorney so that when you seek new legal counsel, you will recognize what is important to your case and you. --Find a new attorney immediately and provide him or her with your old attorney’s phone number and address. QUESTIONS FOR YOUR NEW ATTORNEY --Do you need my file from my previous attorney? --Do I need to let the court know that I have retained a new lawyer? --Can you assist me with getting back some of my retainer monies from my old attorney? If you need legal assistance, call us today for a consultation. 256-232-2114 Visit our website, www.northalabamadivorce.com

How long does it take to get an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce involves both spouses’ agreeing to all of the terms of the divorce. Therefore, this route is normally the fastest means to obtain a divorce in Alabama. The length of time for the process to be completed depends on the time taken by an attorney to compose the documents, the time expended to get the signatures of the parties on the documents to be filed and the waiting period for a judge’s signature. After a judge has signed an uncontested divorce in Alabama, the divorce becomes final after thirty (30) days. The best way to accelerate the progression of an uncontested divorce is to hire a qualified attorney to help you through the process.

http://www.northalabamadivorce.com/blog/finding-the-right-lawyer.cfm Ten Steps to Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama 1. Give your spouse and you time to discuss the divorce course that the two of you will take. Doing so will reduce anxiety and give the both of you opportunities to begin the task of sorting out the specifics of the divorce agreement. 2. Decide if the divorce will be “contested” or “uncontested.” A contested divorce is one in which the parties cannot agree on the specifics of the divorce; thus, the court will settle the disputes. An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties are in agreement of all the details of the divorce; therefore, the divorce can be processed through the court system without court appearances. 3. Begin educating yourself on the divorce laws of Alabama; much information can be found using the web through external links. 4. Think about what kind of attorney you desire and need. Will you need an aggressive attorney who will fight for you and your desires during a contested divorce? Will you need an attorney who will essentially only prepare the paperwork for an uncontested divorce? 5. Ask friends and family for names of attorneys in Huntsville, Alabama, whom they have previously retained and whom they consider to be competent and trustworthy. 6. Review the information on referred attorneys’ websites. 7. Call the attorneys’ offices for appointments; ask about consultation fees. 8. Interview at least three (3) family law attorneys before making a decision. 9. Evaluate the strengths of the attorneys with whom you have met. Decide which one best fits your needs and you, personally. 10. Hire an attorney—knowing that you have confidently done the research to hire the best counsel for you in Huntsville, Alabama.

Banned Book Week

Read a Banned Book 2012 Week Focus Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury The Charlotte Christian Family Law Group supports Banned Book Week 2012. Visit our site at northalabamadivorce.com or call us today at 256-233-2114 for assistance with any family law matter. Fahrenheit 451 Why the book was banned: The banning of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's 1953 book about the evils of book banning and censorship, is one of those circular jokes that individuals see every once in a while. The initial complaint about the book was that the words “hell” and “damn” appeared in the novel, making it a corrupting force on society. Opponents then noted that one of the books burned was a Christian Bible and, thus, took the position that the author advocated burning Bibles—rather than the opposite (that he was attempting to show how bad censorship had become). Why the book should be read: Ray Bradbury is to be commended for having written the quintessential piece of literature that addresses the very dangers of censorship. The greater corruption comes from allowing the government to decide what should and should not be read. Quotes from Fahrenheit 451 • "There must be something in books, things we can't imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don't stay for nothing." Fahrenheit 451, Part 1 • "I just want someone to hear what I have to say. And maybe if I talk long enough, it'll make sense." Fahrenheit 451, Part 2 • "What traitors books can be! You think they're backing you up, and they turn on you. Others can use them, too, and there you are, lost in the middle of the moor, in a great welter of nouns and verbs and adjectives." Fahrenheit 451, Part 2 • "Its real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and consequences." Fahrenheit 451, Part 3 • "The sun burnt every day. It burnt Time. The world rushed in a circle and turned on its axis and time was busy burning the years and the people anyway, without any help from him. So if he burnt things with the firemen and the sun burnt Time, that meant that everything burnt!" Fahrenheit 451, Part 3