The Collier Law Firm, LLC

07/11/2026

This is one reason why you should have an attorney in the state where you live prepare your estate planning documents and attend the formal ex*****on of the same...state laws vary.

Mobile notaries and document preparers also cannot give you legal advice. It is against the law and is the unauthorized practice of law.

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.