The Collier Law Firm, LLC

04/16/2026

Today is the day:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CG5yKhHdu/

04/16/2026

Question of the day divorce:

Is Alabama a community property state? No. Alabama is not a community property state. I suggest that you consult an attorney to discuss your options in a divorce with regard to how your property will be distributed. This information fact-specific to your case.

04/14/2026

Does the school district approve variances to allow employees' children to attend the school the employee works at?

The Board of Education currently does approve variances for zoning for their employees who are employed at a particular school. This makes it so that the employees children are able to attend that school.

The Baldwin County Board of Education will also approve a zone variance if it is within the child's best interest and it is to help alleviate an extreme hardship.

This is subject to the BOB'S requirements and discretion. There are also limits on the same - for example, if a particular school's feeder pattern is full.

An extreme hardship for example, would include if one parent and the child are escaping an abusive situation, and as a result are required to move in with a friend or family member that lives in a different school zone than what the child would normally attend.

Many school districts, such as Hoover City Schools, are cracking down on those they claim do not live in their district or who are not otherwise approved for a variance. Hoover BOE made headlines earlier this week when a parent claimed that they were followed by the district an attempt to prove they did not live within the limits of Hoover Schools. She then filed suit.

Here is the link courtesy of abc3340.

A Hoover mother has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Hoover Board of Education, alleging her third-grade daughter was removed from school without pro

04/14/2026

Question of the day:

Tricare and Stepchildren

Does a stepchild have to live in the stepparent's home at least 50% of the time in order to receive ChampVA?

Yes. If that stepparent is seeking ChampVA benefits for their stepchild the stepchild must reside with that step parent for at least 50% of the time. This does not apply to biological children or children that are adopted. The child remains eligible for CHAMPVA so long as they are not receiving Tricare.

Some states will allow the court order to state that the stepparent is going to provide insurance for their stepchild. They can then turn it in and it will cover the residency requirement.

I have never had that particular fact pattern in AL or FL so I do not know whether it would be sufficient.

04/09/2026

Make certain there are benchmarks and updates met when you hire anyone whether it be a lawyer, PI, etc.

https://www.wtvy.com/2026/04/07/deal-may-be-near-dothan-private-investigator-theft-cases/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARE8CJjbGNrBETv3WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqym_vTuhhYtPrn2TXP10SMLl6LguC4ecpoScrbXdOo1laoA0yhnXoRONdMM_aem_3t93y_G9dxKqeism4Kvpjw

Several of Robison’s clients claimed he collected money but failed to provide services, with additional alleged victims coming forward after the initial charges.

04/07/2026

Question of the day:

Estate Planning

I have an estate plan that was completed several years ago. How often should I review it? How often should I meet with my attorney to discuss changes to my plan?

I tell clients that they should review their estate plan yearly. If a major life event happens before then the estate plan should be looked at as soon as possible. Major life events include death of a Family member, birth of a family member, divorce, or any family strife that may impact that plan.
My clients are urged to view their plan each year. Then, I urge them to review the plan with me every three or so years. Unless their circumstances warrant differently.

04/04/2026

Question of the Day:

Stepparent adoption

My spouse and I have a covenant marriage. Do we need to be legally married for me to adopt my step daughter?

Yes. A legal marriage is required and other requirements need to be met for a valid stepparent adoption.

04/03/2026

Question of the Day: General

I had another attorney prepare legal documents for me in a family law matter. Since I no longer have that attorney, will you file the same documents they prepared for me, if I hire you?

No. You would be hiring me to prepare documents on your behalf using my experience and expertise. Not only will I not file someone else's documents that they prepared, I will not offer any input as to the accuracy and quality of those documents.

It is also a potential red flag that you no longer have that prior attorney, but still want to use the work they prepared.

The same holds true for people who prepare their own do-it-yourself documents online and want me to review them to make sure that they cover all their bases. I tell them the same thing, I will not do that due to the liability involved. I know that the documents I prepare are accurate and if there is an issue, I am responsible for what I draft.

I refuse to be responsible for someone else's work. That is just a recipe for disaster and a malpractice issue waiting to happen.

If you want to hire me to represent you, I am more than happy to represent you to the best of my ability.

04/02/2026

Question of the day:

Mediation

We went to mediation and reached an agreement that was never signed by the parties. It is going on 6 months now. In the meantime, I received other employment opportunities which led doing an increase in my income. Do I need to disclose it to the other side? I do believe that it will change the child support award.

Yes. You have an ongoing duty to continue to disclose changes in information asked and Discovery as well as financial information. Especially if it will change any child support or alimony obligation. The issue that you run into is that they do to disclose continues while the case is still open and pending. Because there was never an agreement that was signed by the parties that was ratified through a order from the court, you must disclose the same.

04/01/2026

Question of the day deeds:

To both grantors need to sign the deed?

It is advised that anytime there is a conveyance of real property that all grantors join in the conveyance and then the grantees are properly named, where applicable, to avoid issues with a chain of title dispute. This is especially important to make sure that there are no issues that arise in the future with the chain of title. You want to make sure that clear title is conveyed. Contrary to what some people believe, if there are two grantors and each are transferring their interest to one party despite having Grantor A OR Grantor B, instead of AND,vyou will likely need both Grantors to join in the conveyance.

03/31/2026

A family member of mine got caught stealing from Walmart what do I need to do?

Walmart prosecutes for everything! I would get an attorney as soon as possible to help mitigate the damage.