Author: Leigh Daniel, Attorney at Law

In my time as a family law attorney, I have found several misconceptions that are held by the general public regarding divorce. One such misconception involves the topic of Separation. “We have to get a separation before a divorce, right?” “I’m not married anymore because we separated.” “We are going to counseling,…

Years ago, I had a client tell me the reason he was getting divorced was because his wife didn’t realize she had to quit dating when they got married. Obviously, you shouldn’t date while you are married. Right? But when is it ok to start dating? I would advise you,…

I’ve been talking about the various legal custody designations. If you haven’t read the other articles, go back and read those first. I am not going to break down all six categories of decision-making in custody agreements in Alabama. Instead, we will focus on the extracurricular activities. This one is…

I don’t know why this is so hard for people to grasp, but your social media CAN be used against you in a trial. Despite privacy settings, it’s very possible that your posting is going to be accessible. If it’s accessible then it can be used in litigation. I’ve seen…

Father’s Day was last Sunday and I’ve been talking to some of my Father clients about their role in their children’s lives. Especially when the divorce first happens, whether you are Mom or Dad, you may feel guilty. You are supposed to be one of the most important people in…

I cannot tell you the number of times I have been asked this question in some iteration; “He moved out of the house, that means I can get him for abandonment, right?” or “I can’t move out because that would be abandonment.” Somehow, some way, this idea has entered the…

At Leigh Daniel Family Law in Huntsville, Alabama, if it’s a simple short-term marriage with no kids and no assets, the cost starts at $1,500.00 plus court costs. Court costs vary depending on the court. This is what I consider a cheap divorce. When I was divorced in 1991, it…

If you’ve heard this term lately it’s because getting divorced after many years of marriage is no longer the exception. More and more often people who have long-term marriages are coming in and saying, “I’m done”. Marriages for more than 20 years and even more than 30 years aren’t uncommon….

Popular conversation starters with me tend to lean towards, “Why do people get divorced?” I’ve been asked this question dozens of times over the course of my career. The reasons are varied. And in Alabama, you don’t have to espouse a reason. We are a no-fault state, meaning in simple…

I meet with clients who want to “win” custody. If you have read any of my other blogs on custody, you will already know that custody isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be. I mediated a couple of cases recently and custody was at issue in both cases. But…