The Thompson Law Office, LLC FindLaw IM Template2023-12-19T20:35:51Zhttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1501211/2020/09/cropped-favicon-thompson-law-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=476392023-12-19T20:35:51Z2023-12-19T20:35:51ZAcknowledge their feelings
Your child may experience a range of emotions during the divorce, including sadness, anger and confusion. It is essential to create a safe space for them to express their feelings openly. Encourage open communication by actively listening to and validating their emotions. Assure them that it is okay to feel a mix of emotions and that their feelings are valid.
Maintain a consistent routine
Divorce often brings about changes in living arrangements and schedules. To provide stability during this uncertain time, try to maintain a consistent routine for your child. This can help them feel secure and provide a sense of normalcy amidst the changes. Establish a schedule for meals, bedtime and other daily activities to create a predictable environment.
Co-parent effectively
Collaboration between parents is key to supporting a child through divorce. Strive to maintain a united front with your ex-spouse when it comes to making important rules and decisions. Effective co-parenting involves clear communication and a focus on your child's best interests.
Seek professional support, if needed
If your child is struggling to cope with the divorce, consider seeking professional help. A qualified therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and support to help your child navigate their emotions and adjust to the changes in their family dynamic.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your child cope with the challenges of divorce and contribute to their emotional well-being.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475632023-09-22T16:17:40Z2023-09-22T16:17:40Z1. Subjectivity
One significant problem with FSTs is their subjectivity. These tests often rely on the observations and judgment of the arresting officer. Because human perceptions can be fallible, what one officer considers a failure might be different from another. This subjectivity leaves room for errors and inconsistency in determining sobriety.
2. Variability in performance
Another issue is that FSTs assume all individuals have similar physical abilities and health conditions. However, not everyone has the same level of balance or coordination. Some medical conditions, injuries or even nervousness can affect a person's performance. Thus, even a sober person may perform poorly on these tests due to factors beyond their control.
3. Lack of standardization
There is no standardized set of FSTs that all law enforcement agencies follow. This lack of uniformity means that the tests used can vary widely between jurisdictions. Different tests may have different criteria for failure, further contributing to inconsistencies in the legal system.
4. Limited validity
The accuracy of FSTs in detecting impairment is not as high as one might assume. These tests are often far from foolproof and may yield false positives. This can result in innocent individuals facing legal consequences they do not deserve.
While approximately 1 million arrests happen each year for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, faulty or improperly conducted FSTs provide some people a solid defense.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475492023-06-13T14:30:19Z2023-06-13T14:30:19Zexploding airbags can spread shrapnel and injure car occupants, or electric car brake lights may fail to light up, failing to give the driver behind time to take evasive action.
You may choose to file a separate lawsuit against the carmaker for a defective car part if it caused or exacerbated your crash. To win a product liability case, you must prove that the part's design or production was faulty and caused or contributed to your accident.
Automotive parts recalls and product liability
Automotive part recalls can play a role in a potential product liability case. Federal regulations require auto manufacturers replace or repair a recalled part. Manufacturers are also responsible for making efforts to ensure impacted vehicle owners receive notification and that recall information is widely available. If a recalled automotive part was involved in your car crash, you should know:
You can still sue the manufacturer of a defective product, even though a recall exists.
Conversely, it is important to be aware a recall also does not, by itself, prove your claim.
If a recall was instituted but not widely enough publicized, you may be able to show the manufacturer failed to adequately warn you about the dangerous part.
Holding the negligent driver AND auto manufacturer accountable may be possible
An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney will build a legal strategy to ensure your recovery is everything it can be. They can substantiate and document the money you will need to mend physically and emotionally, as well as money needed to cover medical expenses – which may be ongoing and long term - and replace lost income from work.
There are many factors involved in product liability auto accident claims. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney will consider them all to help make your claim as strong as possible.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475482023-03-18T15:40:16Z2023-03-18T15:40:16ZGuiding a couple through discussions
FINRA discusses the purpose of mediation. Mediation allows for both parties in a couple to work through their divorce terms together, without the influence or say of a court. It provides them with more personal control, and many find this extremely worth having to deal with negotiations.
A mediator is there to make the negotiations go more smoothly. They will help guide both parties through conversation with the ultimate goal of reaching a compromise that both parties find agreeable.
Providing unique opinions
They provide unique advice and opinions from a third-party, neutral perspective. At the same time, they do not have the same sort of power that a judge or arbitrator does. They cannot provide a solution for you; this is up to the couple to find on their own terms, which many value.
De-escalating arguments
A mediator may also provide dispute escalation management if needed. Though many couples who opt for mediation have a decent enough relationship that they can converse normally, tensions are often high in divorce and arguments do happen. If they begin to get out of hand or spiral, a mediator can step in and bring everyone back down a few notches.
Mediation does not work for every couple, but it does provide a good service to many who need it.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475472022-12-20T17:18:18Z2022-12-20T17:18:18ZJoint custody study results
Forbes discusses the prevalence and popularity of joint custody as an option for divorcing parents. This option serves as a focal point of studies spanning decades and the entire globe. Over this period of time, the studies slowly but surely revealed that children in joint custody situations have numerous benefits that children in sole custody situations do not.
This includes the earlier formation of healthy coping mechanisms, a better understanding of interpersonal relationships and healthier relationships lasting from childhood to adulthood.
These children also had a lower rate of reported mental health issues as tied directly to their parent's divorce. This includes anxiety, depression and certain stressor and trauma-based issues like post-traumatic stress disorder.
Looking for other options
As mentioned, it does not suit every family. For example, if one parent lives far away due to uncontrollable circumstances like military duty or incarceration, this may not work. The same goes for a parent facing accusations of abuse or neglect. It is best to keep the child away from that parent until the court case gets settled.
But in situations where parents can feasibly make this work, joint custody serves as a potential boon for children of divorce. It is an option parents should take into consideration.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475452022-09-15T23:57:22Z2022-09-15T23:57:22Zmild and moderate to severe. Understanding the signs and symptoms of each brain injury category can help you or your loved one take the right steps to prevent an accident from turning tragic.
Mild brain injury symptoms
A mild brain injury can cause a host of physical, sensory, behavioral, mental and emotional symptoms, such as the following:
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Headache, dizziness, nausea or throwing up
Poor concentration or mood changes
Sleeping problems or extreme tiredness
Blurry vision or light sensitivity
Ringing in the ears or noise sensitivity
Moderate to severe brain injury symptoms
In addition to the mild symptoms listed above, the following moderate to severe symptoms may develop after an accident.
Loss of consciousness for a longer period
Worsening headache, nausea or vomiting
Extreme weakness, loss of coordination or numbness in extremities
Inability to wake up
Unclear speech, seizures or coma
Uncharacteristic behavior, restlessness or intense confusion
While not all of these symptoms necessarily point to a brain injury, if you or a loved one have one or more of them following an accident, do not hesitate to seek the help of a medical professional. It truly is better to be safe than sorry.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475442022-06-29T01:53:35Z2022-06-29T01:53:35ZHealthline, going through a traumatic life event, like a divorce, can result in situational depression. If you feel depressed during the divorce process, there are steps you can take to cope with the emotional impact of this major life change.
Rely on others
Accept help from family members and friends when offered and do not hesitate to share your struggles and feelings with them. You may also want to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your emotional struggles during the divorce process.
Take care of your physical health
The state of your physical health can also have an impact on the way you feel emotionally. During your divorce, put more effort into getting enough sleep, eating a well-rounded diet, engaging in physical activity and sticking to your normal routine.
Explore new activities and hobbies
You may have more opportunity to do things independently during and after your divorce. Take time to reconnect with activities and hobbies you used to enjoy or try something new.
It may feel like your life will never feel normal again as you go through divorce proceedings. Try to think positively during this difficult time and be flexible as you get used to this new phase of your life.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475332022-03-18T17:12:14Z2022-03-18T17:12:14Zintoxication as driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled medication or illegal drugs. The maximum legal blood alcohol limit is .08 or more.
The state determines fines and penalties
The law identifies the penalties for DWI depending on blood alcohol levels and previous offenses. Subsequent violations within 10 years have more severe consequences.
First offense (misdemeanor) – 10 days to six months in jail, a minimum of $600.00 in fines, 80 hours of community service, enrollment in substance abuse programs and driver’s education classes
Second offense (misdemeanor) – a minimum of $750.00 in penalties, 30 days minimum jail or home incarceration, six months probation, driving classes and substance abuse programs
Third offense (felony) – one to five years in jail, a maximum of five years probation, required inpatient substance abuse program, a fine of $2000.00 and an ignition lock on the offender’s vehicle
Fourth offense (felony) – a minimum of 10 years in jail, 320 hours of community service, a maximum of five years of probation, inpatient substance abuse program and confiscation of the offender’s vehicle.
Additional penalties occur if the driver has children in the vehicle or is under 21.
A DWI conviction has long term ramifications
The consequences of a DWI conviction go beyond fines and sentences. Offenders may have difficulty obtaining employment due to background checks, car insurance rates might increase, and they may face revocation of their driver’s license.
Being aware of the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction may discourage people from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475322021-12-29T17:07:53Z2021-12-29T17:07:53ZWhat is the risk?
The front seat in your vehicle stays upright thanks to an internal mechanical system. The force from a serious collision, though, may cause this system to break. If that happens, your front seat may collapse backward. If you have a child in a rear-facing car seat or a forward-facing booster seat in the back, the combined weight of your front seat and your body may crush him or her.
Why do seatback collapses continue to happen?
The federal government has not updated its safety requirements for front seat supports in half a century. This means many car manufacturers can save money by installing weaker front supports. While some high-end vehicles often come with stronger supports, many cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today pose some risk to young passengers.
How can you protect your kids?
If you are in the market for a new car, it may be beneficial to ask about the construction of its front seats. Otherwise, to help keep your kids safe, it is advisable to place them behind unoccupied seats whenever possible. Nevertheless, if someone you love suffers a catastrophic injury or dies because of a front seat collapse, you may be eligible for substantial financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of The Thompson Law Office, LLChttps://www.thompsonlawoffice.us/?p=475082021-09-16T17:20:33Z2021-09-16T17:20:33ZLouisiana child support, which covers basic living expenses until the child becomes an adult.
The child support process
Either parent can request child support in Louisiana by applying through the state Department of Children and Family Services. You can apply online or with a paper application and must pay a $25 application fee.
To establish child support, some cases require genetic testing to confirm paternity. Paternity is especially important when the parents are not married. Parents can sign a document at the time of birth, establishing paternity. When either parent has questions about the biological father's identity, they can request a DNA test during the application process.
Factors in child support calculations
The state will issue a child support order that is legally binding. Child support in Louisiana is calculated based on:
The number of children you have with the other parent
Your income
The other parent’s income
The kind of custody involved (shared or not)
Child support may vary depending on the needs of the child, as well as the ability of the parent to pay for those needs. For example, some children have special educational or medical needs.
Child support will be enforced until the child is 18 years old. Support can continue until age 19 if the 18-year-old is still a full-time student in high school or college and depends on either parent.]]>