Upcoming Changes in Alimony and Taxation

Under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), alimony will no longer be tax-deductible effective January 2019.  Currently, alimony or spousal support payments are deductible to the payer and taxable to the payee. This applies to all current divorce or support orders and any that are signed through December 31, 2018.  Effective January 1, […]

What is the Role of a Guardian Ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem’s job is to represent the best interests of the child in any given case, and the Guardian Ad Litem does not represent either of the parents. As such, the Guardian Ad Litem cannot give parents legal advice. Parents must turn to their own lawyers when they need legal advice. If the […]

What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

When it comes to divorce, child custody and visitation disputes are no picnic. These events can be a very emotional and intense process. Frequently in divorce, child custody, or visitation disputes a Guardian Ad Litem, also known as a GAL, will be appointed.In Alabama, a GAL is an attorney appointed by the court to represent […]

Breaking News: Ex Parte Bayliss Overturned by Alabama Supreme Court

Today, the Alabama Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the case of Ex Parte Christopher, which overturns the landmark case of Ex Parte Bayliss. Bayliss is the case which gave Alabama Courts the authority to order parents to pay post-minority support and contribute to college expenses for their children after they reach the age […]

Supreme Court Weighs in on Rights of "Deadbeat" Parents

Michael Turner v. Rebccea Rogers Et Al. The United States Supreme Court is hearing the case of Michael Turner from South Carolina. Turner was jailed for 12 months for failure to pay $6,000.00 in child support arrearage which he owed. Turner was described as indigent; howver, South Carolina is one of many states, as is […]