Mental Health & Legal Survival

If you’re a parent involved in a custody dispute, few phrases cause more anxiety than “ guardian ad litem home inspection and interview. ” It feels personal, invasive, and uncertain. Suddenly, someone you’ve never met is coming into your home—evaluating your space, your parenting style, even your tone of voice—and then writing a report that could influence the outcome of your entire case. That reaction is completely understandable. But understanding why  the guardian ad litem

Understanding the Guardian ad Litem’s Role in Family Court Cases When parents find themselves in the middle of a custody or divorce case, emotions can run high and facts can become blurred. In many Alabama family court cases, those involving children, a neutral professional called a guardian ad litem  (often abbreviated GAL ) is appointed to help the judge uncover what truly serves the child’s best interests. Most parents have heard the term, but few really understand what a

When a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed in your custody or divorce case, it often means the court wants an independent, child-focused professional to evaluate the situation. What you say—and how you say it—can have a lasting impact on the outcome. The GAL is not your enemy, but they aren’t your advocate either. Their duty is to the best interests of your child, not to either parent. Clients frequently ask me, “What should I not say to the guardian ad litem?” After twenty-

When families face legal conflict, emotions can cloud good judgment and prolong the pain. In Alabama family law, mediation  is often the bridge between chaos and resolution — a process designed to help both parties reach common ground without the financial and emotional cost of a courtroom battle. But what exactly is mediation in family law cases? How does it work? And most importantly — when does it make sense to choose mediation over litigation? Let’s walk through the essen

It’s one of the most gut-wrenching letters you can receive.  A plain envelope arrives from the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Inside, a letter states that “the allegations against you are indicated .” Your stomach drops. You may not even know what that means, but you instinctively understand—it’s serious. Since 2003, as a family and divorce attorney in Hoover, Alabama , I’ve represented countless clients facing this exact moment. Many are teachers, nurses, parents, or e

When a deputy or process server hands you a Petition for Protection from Abuse  (PFA), everything can change in an instant. The shock, fear, and confusion are real — and completely normal. Whether you’ve been accused or you filed for protection yourself, what you do next will have a lasting impact on your rights, your home, and your family. After more than twenty-two years practicing family law in Alabama,  I’ve seen how a calm, strategic response can turn a crisis into contr

Getting served with divorce or family court documents can stop you in your tracks. Whether it’s a sheriff at your door or a process server handing you a sealed envelope, that moment hits hard. Confusion, fear, and anger often mix with the question: What do I do now? As unsettling as it feels, the steps you take in the first few days after being served can make or break your case. The good news is that you don’t have to face it alone. With experienced legal guidance, you can p

5 Myths About Uncontested Divorce – A Christian Perspective Divorce is never an easy subject, especially for those of faith. Many Christian couples hesitate to even discuss it, often carrying guilt, confusion, or shame about what divorce means in God’s eyes. As a family law attorney serving Alabama families since 2003, I’ve seen how misinformation can make a painful season even more difficult. An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on the terms — can provide a path

When people hear the word divorce,  they often imagine long court battles, endless paperwork, and expensive legal fees. It’s no surprise...

5 Myths About Uncontested Divorce When most people hear the term “uncontested divorce,”  they picture something simple—quick paperwork, no conflict, and minimal cost. It’s true that uncontested divorces can be smoother than traditional divorces, but the process still requires experience, attention to detail, and an understanding of Alabama’s family law requirements. Unfortunately, many people fall for dangerous myths that lead to costly mistakes, delays, or agreements they la

Divorce and custody disputes are stressful enough on their own. But when your ex has strong narcissistic tendencies, the situation can...

Divorce can be one of the most stressful transitions in a person’s life, but not every divorce has to involve drawn-out battles in...

When families face a custody battle or allegations of neglect, agencies like DHR (Department of Human Resources), CPS (Child Protective...

When you’re fighting for custody or visitation in a divorce, few things feel more discouraging than realizing the guardian ad litem (GAL)...

When parents enter custody litigation, few moments create as much stress as the guardian ad litem’s (GAL) home interview and inspection....

When a family law case involves children, courts always keep one priority front and center: protecting the best interests of the child....

Breaking free from a narcissist is not like ending a typical relationship. It is often messy, emotionally exhausting, and leaves deep...

Please watch this video! Parental alienation is one of the most painful and destructive dynamics that can unfold during and after a...

Please watch this! When families in Hoover, Alabama face divorce, custody disputes, or financial uncertainty, they are not looking for...

Please watch this! Mediation – The Basic Process, How to Prepare, and What to Expect in Alabama For many families in Alabama, the word...