Author: Leigh Daniel, Attorney at Law

Divorcing Due to a Dysfunctional Marriage

It may come as no surprise that many people who come to see me are in deeply dysfunctional marriages. I’m not talking about people who have grown apart over the years or those who just “can’t get along”. Instead, they are in marriages with a partner who has a substance…

Protection Orders vs. Pendente Lite Orders

I had a protection order hearing today. My client prevailed and the order was dissolved as we sat there. We listened to testimony about the parties arguing, yelling, accusations, and finally about discipline of the children. There were also tape recordings of the same. Loud and angry voices but a…

Divorcing Out of Dysfunction

It may come as no surprise that many people who come to see me are in a deeply dysfunctional marriage. I’m not talking about people who have grown apart over the years or those who just “can’t get along”. Instead, they are in marriages with a partner who has a…

Couples counseling before filing for Divorce?

I was recently listening to an online class about couples therapy and the therapist, with over 30-year experience, was echoing what I already knew.  Most of the time, people wait too late. They have already made the decision to divorce and one or both parties think they owe it to…

Understanding the Benefits of Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide

Even if you know that divorce is the right decision, taking the initial steps can be difficult. But divorce can lead to positive changes in your life. It’s good to keep that in mind. Once you begin the process of separation and divorce, you’ll start to see that many of the…

What Should a Woman Ask For In a Prenup?

No one wants to think that their marriage won’t last. But many marriages do fail, so it makes sense to protect yourself as you enter marriage. You may wish to consider a prenuptial agreement, regardless of your income or the property you own. A prenup protects each spouse’s property rights…

When Is Property Considered Abandoned After Divorce?

Alabama law requires a divorcing couple to divide their marital property in an equitable manner as part of their divorce settlement. But in cases of abandonment – one spouse leaving and ceasing contact with the other – the remaining spouse may have ownership rights to property that is legally abandoned….

Grounds for Grandparents to File for Custody Of Grandchild

In nearly all child custody disputes in Alabama, the court will base its decisions primarily on what is in the best interest of the child. In some cases, this leads to the determination that the child’s grandparents are better suited than the parents to raise a child. Deciding to raise…

How to Spot a Narcissist in a Relationship – Warnings & Signs

Narcissistic personality disorder describes a mental health condition where someone has an unreasonably high sense of their own worth and importance. People who are narcissists seek constant approval, attention, and admiration. When they don’t receive it, they quickly become toxic. A relationship where one person is a narcissist is doomed….

Military Retirement Division

Many times, people who have served in the military are frustrated dividing their military retirement with their spouse.   However, it’s a divisible asset when the parties divorce.  The amount that is awarded will be determined by the time during the marriage that coincides with the military service. For instance, if…