Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog

Violent child custody battles aren't unique to the United States. In Jaipur, the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan known as the "Pink City", Pradeep Jain, who was engaged in a custody battle with his wife, killed four, including his wife, before committing suicide.

Described as educated, but short-tempered, a lawyer appointed to assist him with his long-term custody battle with his wife and in-laws said, "He used to keep to himself and won't speak if not spoken to. He used to flare up in a matter of seconds." The battle began soon after his 2006 marriage to Devali-woman, Suman.

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Following the findings of study to improve access to justice, which was commenced by the state's Supreme Court, Tennesseans seeking a divorce may find it easier and cheaper than ever before. Beginning September 1, residents without minor children or pension plans will be able to file for divorce without lawyers, using so-called plain-language forms.

The forms, which are intended for uncontested divorces only, come with instructions on how to fill them out, an explanation of what to expect in court, and what not to wear. The instructions also deal with a wide range of situations - whom to contact if one spouse threatens the other and how to find a lawyer - and suggests that a couple may want to consult an attorney to review the divorce agreement.

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Before California lawmakers began their summer recess, they quickly passed three bills intended to provide more protection to victims of domestic violence. According to the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, which credits an increased awareness of domestic violence by legislators, more than 600 assaults every day in California, and one of every 20 homicides in the state in 2008 were the result of domestic violence.

One of the bills, SB723, would allow judges to issue restraining orders for up to 10 years against anyone convicted of felony or misdemeanor domestic violence. Another, AB454, would require a victim to be notified before a court modifies or end a protective order. The final, SB430, adds suffocation and choking to the list of actions included under the current felony domestic violence law. A few other similar bills progressed: a bill that seeks to protect domestic violence and other crime victims from having their address and personal information posted on the internet; and a final bill that makes it easier for victims to get out of a lease to escape attackers.

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While many continue to feel the pinch of a bad economy, the same cannot be said for some jurisdictions that have seen child-support payments increase dramatically over previous years. Mississippi's Division of Child Support Enforcement reported increases of 61% in collected payments between fiscal year 2003 and 2011, from $195 million to $314 million. The division's director, Walley Naylor, credits more confirmations of paternity and more aggressive tactics to foil deadbeat parents.

The agency received high marks for cost efficiency in 2002, but faced heavy penalties and fines for failing to meet federal standards in establishing support orders and determining paternity. It's efforts have paid off. In 2009, the division received honors as the Most Improved Program Award from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. A year later, Naylor was honored with the ACF's Office of Child Support Enforcement Commissioner's Award for Exemplary Leadership.

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