Law Office of James Whiggam

05/11/2012

This story actually raises two issues. One issue is whether Mr. Witherpoon understood the nature of the act at the time the parties exchanged vows. The second issue is whether the first marriage is still valid. Believe it or not, these issues ares not as uncommon as you would think.

Reese Witherspoon's mother wants a Tennessee judge to annul her husband's recent marriage because she says they are still married, according to court documents.

04/19/2012

A young self-represented litigant was angry about child support. To reduce the amount, he went to court to gain more custody time in a modification. The result.... The court did not grant the modification... and [to add injury to insult] the court found a mistake it made. The child support owed was less than proper. court corrected the mistake. Litigation is risky. You wouldn't operate on yourself... so don't go to court without proper legal advice.

03/20/2012

Will be at Community Lawyers Inc. this Wednesday to help at the family law clinic. Excited to see old friends and make new ones.

03/06/2012

Attended a class on section 3190 of the Fam. Code. 3190 allows a judge to make counseling orders for couples with children. Many thanks to HBCFL who hosted the class. It was both interesting and informative.

02/28/2012

This illustrates my advice about on-line comments. This coach lost his position due a comment on Facebook about a person he didn't know. I don't know the coach and I don't know whether or not he is a racist. I do know that he has a on-line headache that is going to follow him. He could have avoided this by following some simple rules: 1) Stay positive - don't make negative comments or say nasty things; 2) always pretend that you are talking to your mother, husband/wife, worst enemy, and a nun; 3) think before you speak - remember it sounds funny only in your head; 4) never speak in anger --- wait --- calm down -- then don't post; 5) finally, keep it clean.

John Kelly is suspended indefinitely as Westside Baseball president after parent complains of Facebook comment about late singer Whitney Houston.

02/23/2012

As important as it is to find a good divorce attorney, it is equally important to find someone to provide emotional support.

02/22/2012

Rihanna isn't a spokesperson for domestic violence and I don't think she wants to be a spokesperson for domestic violence. With that said, high profile victims must know that their conduct will send a message to victims and abusers. So the question is what message is Rihanna sending?

"YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!" That's how Chris Brown, 22, tagged his remix of "Turn Up the Music," one of two collaborations with ex-girlfriend Rihanna , 24, that the pair intentionally leaked via Twitter on Monday.

02/22/2012

Here is an article about the cost of divorce. While the article is about Ohio costs, the reasoning may be applied nationally.

While the weak economy is putting more stress on marriages, the cost of a divorce has gone up and made separation a tougher option and could be the reason the local rate has dropped, experts say.

02/21/2012

The following is an interesting article on children born out of wedlock. No matter whether the child's parents are married, a child has a right to be supported by both parents. Here in California, the couple may establish parentage by signing a declaration of parernity. But the VDP as it is called does not ensure the duties and rights of parents. It is important to go to court and get an order which establishes custody, visitation and support. Here is the link to the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/18/us/for-women-under-30-most-births-occur-outside-marriage.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

02/20/2012

Just a reminder, social media is not your friend. Words you write can comeback to haunt you. So... do not write anything in anger or haste. My rule of thumb, I assume everything I write will fall into the hands of my worst enemy.

02/16/2012

Attended a seminar where judges gave their views on family court. Here's a bit of insight I should pass on, the court is really pushing parties to settle. As a general rule, agreements are good for both the system and the parties. However, agreements are not a good idea in all cases. Parties should carefully evaluate their agreements and seek legal advice before saying "yes."

02/14/2012

Valentine's Day is every day if you are truly in love. True love, real love, is work. It truly is give and take. Plan to do tomorrow to show her/him you care.