JDSA's Law Talk

The long and difficult road of divorce is also a long and complicated negotiation. But in many cases, working with a well-trained mediator can increase the odds that you’ll reach a settlement that works for your life. This radio feature from May 2, is Part One of two with Mike Vannier of JDSA Law. Mike is exploring the Commonly Asked Questions about Divorce Mediation.

Choosing an attorney you feel is prepared to represent you is as important as being prepared to meet with your potential attorney. In your initial consultation, you’ll want to have with all your documents, be forthcoming, ready to make your own notes for future reference, and prepared to discuss the legal fees up-front. In this radio feature from April 25, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law explains What To Expect During an Initial Consultation.

The legal term is "pro se", but most of us know it as self representation. It is increasingly common that people feel confident in representing themselves in court, but you could be doing yourself a disservice. If you’re convinced you can properly argue your case, you’ll find this topic particularly interesting. In this radio feature from April 13, Mike Vannier of JDSA Law explores why handling legal issues on your own can be a costly mistake.

When the courts interfere, it is likely as a last resort. Known as non-spousal or third party custody, it is a situation where one or both of a child’s parents are deemed unfit. And it creates a lot of questions - for the parents, and those seeking custody. In this radio feature from April 6, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law explores What You Should Know about Non-spousal Custody.

It has many names: alimony, spousal support, spousal maintenance, but each can involve complicated agreements. Most commonly referred to as Spousal Maintenance, there are many types of support that can be paid to the recipient, and may factors that impact payments. In this radio feature from March 30, Mike Vannier of JDSA Law explores What You Should Know about Spousal Maintenance.

Adoption involves a complicated legal process for the birth parent and adopting parent. And there are significant differences between open and closed adoptions, both of which should be reviewed in detail with your adoption attorney. In this radio feature from March 23, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law discusses What You Should Know about Adoption.

Season 1, Episode 5 – It’s something divorcing parents may need to do: develop a parenting plan. Agreeing on living arrangements, parenting schedules, vacations, education, healthcare—even where the child’s belongings reside—is all part of a detailed parenting plan. In this radio feature from March 16, Mike Vannier of JDSA Law explores Developing a Parenting Plan.

Season 1, Episode 4 – Do you know where your kids are? In child custody cases, there are strict rules about taking your kids to another town, across state lines, and out of the country. It’s referred to as Relocation Law, and it can sometimes be a very confusing and more complex than if you are just moving down the street. In this radio feature from March 9, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law explains Child Custody Relocation.

Season 1, Episode 3 – If there’s one thing we all need, it’s solid, clear-minded advice. That’s even more important during the process of a divorce. There is a lot to consider when choosing an attorney to represent your best interests. Your attorney must understand you - and your personal circumstances. In this radio feature from March 2, Mike Vannier of JDSA Law explains Five Things to Consider When Hiring a Divorce Attorney.

Season 1, Episode 2 – Still with the topic of divorce, we explore why the courts sometimes get involved early in the process. Temporary court orders can ensure neither spouse makes any changes to the status quo; for the benefit of the children; or in the case of support or property. There’s always a reason, and in this radio feature from February 24, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law discusses Why a Temporary Court Order is Issued During a Divorce.