When a couple separates or divorces, decisions about how the children should be taken care of and by whom need to be answered. For example, they must determine visitation and financial support. Louisiana’s courts will review agreements that have been premade, but ultimately, they will consider what is in the best interest of the child. This includes any child support arrangements. The goal is to make sure the kids’ needs are met. The court expects the non-custodial parent to regularly make their support payment in order for the custodial parent to care for their minor children. However, like everything else in life, circumstances change, and often without much notice. Being prepared with information is the best way to handle a challenging situation.
If it is difficult to pay your obligation or you feel the non-custodial parent should pay more, it may be time for a modification of the child support order. A trusted divorce lawyer in Shreveport can help make those adjustments. David L. White knows that emotions can run high even if a couple has been divorced for a while. He is compassionate and understanding while making sure your legal needs are met.
Reasons to Modify a Child Support Order
The court will not allow you to make adjustments in the amount paid because of a whim. There needs to be a significant change in circumstances. This is extremely important to remember. With that thought in mind, here are a few reasons a modification may be justified:
Decrease in Income: If the payer loses his or her employment and has to take another job that pays a lot less, then the court may allow an adjustment.
Increase in Income: Not every pay raise is the same. If the non-custodial parent receives a small raise, the court may not see the need to raise the support obligation. However, if they take a big promotion with a significant pay raise, then the court could rule to increase the obligation.
Exceptional Circumstances: Not everything can be planned for. Sometimes life-changing events, whether permanent or temporary, can be a reason for modification. These can be serious health conditions, accidents, disability, bankruptcy, or incarceration.
If you are not confident that you have an acceptable reason for modifying the current support obligation, consult a lawyer. If you are now making much less money than before, avoid getting into legal trouble by failing to pay or making only partial payments, even if your ex agrees. Until the court approves the change, you are still responsible for the full amount.
Consult with an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana
Modifications are possible, especially with the help of trusted and experienced legal counsel. Consult with David L. White to get the modifications you need to make sure your child is adequately taken care of. The seasoned professionals at our law practice are happy to work with you and will provide you with the representation and help you are looking for.
Contact your divorce attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana today to ensure your best interests and those of your children are secure. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
You have probably heard the phrase “you will be hearing from my attorney!” in movies. Have you ever wondered how so many people could afford to keep a lawyer at their beck and call? It may be because they have paid a retainer fee. Sometimes it makes sense to have an ace in your back pocket.
Having an attorney on retainer is not just meant for the rich and famous. Whenever you prepay for legal services, you have engaged the lawyer on a retainer. Businesses can benefit from having trusted legal counsel available to help them with different matters of the law. David L. White has the extensive experience to assist business clients with day-to-day legal queries and corporate litigation.
Benefits of Retaining a Bossier City Law Firm
When you are in business, your goal is to serve your customers and clients with your products and services. There are times when things may not go as planned and you need to enlist legal services. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping an attorney on retainer can help prevent potential problems down the road. Consider these benefits to determine if it makes good business sense for you.
Definition of Retainer vs. Pre-Paid: When you place a retainer fee in escrow with a lawyer, you are putting a deposit down for future legal services. As your legal fees add up, this money is used to pay the attorney. Pre-paid legal fees are a slight variation in which you have access to a pool of lawyers for specific tasks but not necessarily handle more significant or complex legal issues.
Pay for Peace of Mind: It is easier to prevent trouble before it begins. For example, if you are sued for discrimination, you are stuck with a reactive, defensive position instead of a proactive, offensive position. When you want to make changes to your employee handbook, having a lawyer review the changes beforehand could save you from a discrimination suit later.
They Know Your Business: When something pops up unexpectedly, your lawyer already knows your business and can jump in quickly to help.
Access to Other Experts: As you build a relationship with the firm, they may notice you could benefit from the expertise of specialized technical knowledge, like tax issues. They have access to resources that can help you run a tight ship more efficiently.
You Have a Legal Budget: Knowing fixed costs can help ease the burden of bookkeeping. When you pay a monthly retainer fee, you know what to expect to pay. There are no hidden surprises for routine work.
Work with a Trusted Bossier City, Louisiana, Law Firm
Working with a trusted attorney is just one step towards staying successful in business. Contact David L. White to discuss your company and its legal needs. His experience in corporate law is just what you need when buying or selling a business, issues with breach of contract, and even debt collection. The seasoned professionals at our law practice will provide you with the representation you deserve.
Contact our team today so we can make a plan to safeguard your best interests. Call your Bossier City, Louisiana law firm today at 318-747-7023.
– Tips from a Trusted Shreveport Criminal Defense Attorney
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. There are so many joys, like when your precious infant learns to crawl or calls out to you for the first time. Next thing you know, they are running around the house with a towel for a cape pretending to be a superhero saving the day. With each stage of growing up, your child becomes more and more independent. Some kids always play it safe. Others take risks from the first time they learned to walk.
No parent wants to receive the dreaded call that their son or daughter was arrested. If you do pick up the phone and there is a police officer on the other line, do you know what your next steps should be? How can you prepare your child in case they are in the wrong place at the wrong time? You need the assistance of an experienced Shreveport criminal defense attorney like David L. White who understands the fear a parent and their children can go through. He will fight for your child’s rights.
How to Prepare in the Event Your Child is Arrested
We all believe our child would never get in trouble with the law. However, as teenagers exert their independence, anything can happen to lead them to being questioned by police or even arrested. Here is how you and your teen can prepare in case this happens:
Remain calm: If you receive the call from the police station, try to stay calm. Get as many details as possible and avoid jumping to conclusions. Head to the station as soon as you possibly can.
Remember the police are neither for nor against you: The law enforcement officer’s job is to respond to complaints and enforce the law. While they do try to arrest those who have committed a crime, sometimes it does not work that way.
Show respect and cooperation: Teach your son or daughter to be respectful, polite, and courteous. If the officer asks for their name, identification, address, or phone number of their parents, they should provide it.
You can ask for an attorney: Your child does have rights. Anything and everything your son or daughter says can be used against them. Understand that an officer may act as they know more than they do. Your teen should ask to speak to a lawyer before talking to the police.
Hire an attorney: Now is not the time to put all those court-based TV shows to use. Avoid acting like your child’s attorney; you could make matters much worse. Instead, ask for referrals from friends and family and find an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you and your family through this frightening period.
Hire a Savvy Shreveport Criminal Defense Attorney
Teach your child how to handle an event with the police before they need it. If something does happen and you receive that dreaded call, reach out to David L. White. He has the experience and knowledge to fight for your son or daughter’s rights. Get the peace of mind to know you have someone on your side.
Contact your attorney in Shreveport to find out more about criminal defense in Louisiana. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
From the moment you and your spouse contemplate divorce, you both have the power to make the emotionally difficult parting a more positive one. There are too many decisions to be made to split assets and precious possessions. Who will get the house? Who will get the cars? How you will divide time looking after the children? Each one is a deep and valid question that deserves serious thought. While you may think your journey as a couple is over, in actuality, it is just morphing into another stage of shared decision-making.
Use this time to attend to the details that make the next few days, months, and years a little smoother. A trusted divorce lawyer in Bossier City can help with the following steps in this new phase of life. David L. White knows this process is emotionally challenging and is ready to guide you through the proceedings with compassion.
4 Suggestions to Make Your Divorce Easier on the Kids
Working together with your soon-to-be ex-spouse is challenging. It is easy to let disagreements and personal grievances come in the way. Consider these suggestions to make this difficult transition easier:
Your kids come first: You will spend the next several years talking with your ex about visitation rights, their extracurricular activities, and weekend responsibilities regarding the children. Make it less volatile and more peaceful by keeping the little ones at the center of your plans. You are entering a new dance, so make it a waltz instead of a mosh pit!
Money should not define everything: Material objects have their value but that pales before the value you place on good relationships. Try to go beyond the little things. It is tough for the kids if you are bickering over money and possessions. Work together to make sure they don’t feel secondary to the division of assets.
Co-parenting takes mutual work: Your kids did not want you to part ways; you and your spouse did. They need their parents to keep working together for their sake. Work with your ex to ensure that you show a united front. If you need to vent about a slight from your former spouse, avoid doing it in front of the kids.
Attitude is everything: Going through this process is not easy on anyone. The emotions and frustrations that creep up will come between you two for a while. Make a concerted effort not to use your kids as a sounding board for all your anger. Get a support network that does not include your children.
Work with a Trusted Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Working through legal proceedings effectively and positively is achievable when you and your spouse choose to work together. Talk to David L. White so you can get past the emotionally exhausting part and on to a fair settlement. The seasoned professionals at our law practice will provide you with the representation you need.
Contact your divorce attorney in Bossier City, Louisiana today to ensure your best interests and those of your children are taken care of. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
– Guidance from Your Experienced Attorney in Shreveport
We may do everything humanly possible to live as long as possible, but the truth is, death comes to each of us, and sometimes, when we least expect it. Being proactive can potentially prolong your lifespan. Eating right and exercising regularly ensures good health, but you never know what the next day brings. What if the inevitable occurs without warning? Have you done enough to take care of your family when you pass? Have you prepared your estate to suit legal requirements and distribute your legacy according to your wishes?
Louisiana has a unique set of laws. Writing out your last wishes on a paper serviette does not necessarily mean the court has to accept them. When it comes to navigating the law, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney like David L. White who understands the system and can give you proper legal advice to protect your assets and family after death.
Thinking about Estate Planning? Do it the Right Way
Take care of your family’s future as you do their present. Plan correctly and know that your wishes will be respected and your family taken care of. Stay away from these common mistakes:
Not having a valid will when you die. After your passing, the courts intervene to know how you would like your assets and property distributed to your loved ones. If you pass without establishing clear instructions, or intestate, the Louisiana court system steps in and makes decisions on your behalf. In essence, all control is handed to the state.
Not updating your will regularly. Nothing stays the same. Evolving events in your life requires you to revisit your instructions from time to time and keep your will up-to-date.
Not planning for long-term care needs. Not only should you prepare for distribution of possessions after death, but you also need to lay the groundwork for unplanned long-term care. You are already doing everything you can to live a long, fruitful life. What happens if your health takes an unexpected turn? Will your retirement and assets be protected?
No plans if you are incapacitated. When we think of old age, we often imagine retiring near a tropical golf course. Sometimes the best-laid plans go sour, like an unexpected stroke. If you become incapacitated and are unable to manage your affairs, it pays to have a trusted professional do the needful for you. Failing to plan for incapacitation allows the judge to choose the decision-makers on your behalf.
Not preparing a letter of instruction. After you pass, your family and executor need to know where all the necessary information is located. A letter of instruction can ease the transition. It should include the following:
Location of the original will
Preparations for your burial or cremation
Credentials for all your digital and financial assets (savings, checking, etc.)
Location of any property, life insurance policies and creditor information
List of names and contact information of your lawyer, financial planner, insurance agent, and other vital professionals
Plan Your Family’s Future with a Dedicated Shreveport Attorney
When you get the right advice and guidance from David L. White, you gain peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored. He has years of experience creating wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents. You can discuss your asset distribution with him and know your loved ones will get their fair share of inheritance.
Contact your attorney in Shreveport to find out more about estate planning in Louisiana. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
One of the joys for motorcycle enthusiasts is cruising through gentle curves and twists of the open road. With carefree fun comes the immense responsibility to remain safe. Bikers know that going for a ride has its dangers. If you enjoy heading out on your cruiser, there are ways to increase your safety and limit the scope of accidental injuries.
The obvious first steps are to wear the appropriate safety gear, such as an approved helmet, boots, and leather gear. In addition to these, you can increase your chances of surviving severe injury with a few additional measures. If you do face an unfortunate accident, you will need the services of a personal injury lawyer in Bossier City like David L. White to ensure you get the care and compensation you deserve.
Tips for Surviving a Motorcycle Crash
No matter how much time you have spent on your bike, safety should always be paramount. Keep these strategies in mind.
Avoiding a Collision
Cars have blind spots, and many drivers just do not pay close enough attention. Make sure you avoid the spot where you cannot be seen.
Always be on the lookout for road hazards like oil spills, dead animals, and loose gravel.
Before entering a turn, apply the brakes gently to slow down. To keep your balance, accelerate or coast through the rest of the corner.
While driving, ride with your tires in line with the outer tire of the car ahead of you. If they need to swerve to miss debris, you stand a better chance of avoiding it, too.
Surviving a Crash While it is Happening
If you find yourself in the position where an accident is inevitable, slow your speed and lay the bike down. This helps you to be as far away from any moving projectiles as possible, especially when you are trying to avoid oncoming traffic.
Release your grip on your bike or push it away from you.
Avoid stiffening your limbs before impact. Instead, take a lesson from Hollywood stuntmen who learn to relax during stunts to minimize the possibility of broken bones.
Once you have come to a stop on the ground or road, try to stay immobile until help arrives. This will help you avoid worsening your injuries.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
If you have survived a motorcycle accident, you are very lucky. However, don’t rest easy just yet because there are some important steps to take. In the days following the incident, the medical bills can quickly add up. Additionally, you may be out of work for an extended period of time. When you work with David L. White, you can rest assured that a seasoned professional is on your side while you heal. The team at our law practice will provide you with the counsel and representation you need.
Contact your lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana today to ensure you and your family can recover from an accident with the right support and compensation. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
– Guidance from Your Probate Lawyer in Bossier City
Planning the equitable distribution of your legacy for your loved ones is the responsible thing to do in your lifetime. No one wants the courts to decide who gets your goods and chattels when you pass. All states have various laws on the books dictating how your estate can be settled. Some of the strictest probate laws in the country belong to the Bayou state.
As you determine how you would like your benefaction settled, it is vital that you consider how Louisiana’s laws will affect your heirs. An established probate lawyer in Bossier City can help you navigate the complex requirements of Louisiana’s legal system.
Expert Advice on Estate Planning Basics in Louisiana
Louisiana uses the term “succession” instead of “probate.” Either term means the process of settling a decedent’s estate by looking at assets, property, taxes, and any claims or liens. Avoid leaving your heirs’ future to a third-party. Here are some essentials to help you understand how succession works.
Dying without a Will (Intestate)
When a person dies without a will, the courts decide who will inherit the deceased’s possessions. What they will look at is whether the assets were held in community or separately and the types of relationships the survivors have with the deceased.
Separate assets include any property owned prior to a marriage, inherited, or given to a spouse. If you die without a will, your spouse will not inherit any separate assets from you. Instead, they will go to your children or other blood relatives.
Community property is that which is acquired during marriage or given to a couple at their wedding. When an individual dies, the spouse maintains his or her half of the inheritance, and any children would get the deceased’s half.
Dying with a Will (Testate)
Having a will gives you much more control over your wishes when you pass. For instance, if you want to leave your assets to your second husband because you have not spoken to the daughter from your first marriage in 15 years, you can specify that.
There are a couple of caveats to remember. If there are any forced heirs, they take precedence. A ‘forced heir’ is your child who is under the age of 24 or is permanently disabled no matter their age.
Assets Not Included in Succession
Not every possession is part of your succession plan in Louisiana. The following items are not included:
Bank accounts set up as “payable on death”
Property held in living trusts
IRA or 401(k) funds
Proceeds from life insurance
Property held in joint tenancy
Property with beneficiary designations
Work with an Experienced Probate Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Leaving the world without clearly establishing your wishes can leave your family in a bind. When you work with David L. White, you can secure the future of your loved ones. The seasoned professionals at our law practice will provide you with the counsel and representation you need.
Contact your attorney in Bossier City, Louisiana today to ensure your wishes are honored after death and your heirs receive their inheritance the way you intended it. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
– Guidance from a Leading Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City
No one wants their upcoming marriage to end in divorce. However, statistics indicate that the chances of divorce are high. For both parties, protecting your assets with a prenuptial agreement is one way to ease the tension that is created during a divorce. The stigma from such contracts has faded in recent years as many view a prenup as a reasonable precaution. Besides alleviating anxieties that happen during the dissolution of a marriage, some couples find the process of creating their agreement an effective way to communicate.
Understanding how a Louisiana prenuptial agreement works requires experienced help. In Bossier City, David L. White can give you the advice you need to protect your assets and make sure things stay fair. If your marriage does turn sour and you need a divorce lawyer to help you navigate the murky proceedings confidently, his team can get you the representation you need.
Basics of a Louisiana Prenuptial Agreement
When contemplating an agreement prior to exchanging vows, it is vital to understand what can be covered, what the limits are, and who may benefit from one.
What can be covered?
Choosing the right terms establishes spousal rights over property and finances in the event of death or divorce. They may address quite a few topics, such as:
Distributing property when the marriage ends
Establishing what property is kept separate and what is shared
Responsibility for debts
Providing for children from previous relationships
Maintaining family property and heirlooms in the family
How to treat individual retirement assets and estate plans
Limits to prenups in Louisiana
While a prenup can address a long list of topics in the event of a divorce, there are a few areas that cannot be covered. One example is:
Limiting rights to temporary spousal support. You can however limit rights to permanent spousal support
Who may benefit from an agreement?
Prenuptial agreements are not just for the rich and famous. Ordinary folks can benefit from the protection of a prenup contract too. Consider the following circumstances:
When either one or both spouses have children from a previous relationship
When one of the spouses has higher assets or income potential than the other
When one of the spouses brings a significant amount of debt into the marriage
When one spouse intends to support the other spouse while they attend college or graduate school
When couples marry much later in life and have accumulated a substantial asset base including savings accounts, real estate, stocks, or retirement benefits
Hire a Dedicated Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Learn more about creating a prenuptial agreement that meets both your needs when you talk to David L. White. He has years of experience providing practical, personalized legal support for his clients.
Contact your lawyer in Bossier City to find out more about establishing a prenuptial agreement that is enforceable in Louisiana. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
– Tips from a Leading Personal Injury Attorney in Bossier City
Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is tough. Many families do not come to that choice easily; however, when it is made, you trust that the nursing home will care for your elderly family member. No one wants to discover that the health care facility they entrusted their mother or father with has been neglecting them.
The unfortunate reality is that elderly neglect and abuse does occur. There are ways you can stay on top of the care of your family member and avoid nursing home abuse. If you do suspect neglect or abuse, contact David L. White, to get the representation you and your senior deserve.
Signs of Possible Nursing Home Neglect
Your first defense against nursing home neglect is an educated offense. While not every incident may be related to abuse, here are some signs to be aware of and investigate:
Bed sores or bed-related injuries
Falls, fractures, or head injuries
Fear of speaking around members of facility staff
Desiring to be isolated from other residents at the nursing home
Rapid weight gain or loss, including malnutrition
Unexplained, even sudden, changes in behavior in your senior
Infections
Injuries or deaths that are unexplained
Tips to Prevent Abuse and Neglect from Nursing Homes
There are several ways you or your beloved senior can prevent nursing home neglect and abuse:
Visit Frequently. Make it a point to visit your loved one frequently and at different times of the day, during holidays, weekends, and weekdays. This gives you an opportunity to ensure your senior is being consistently taken care of on a daily basis.
If you are the one living in the nursing home, handle your own affairs. It is vital that you keep tabs on your business affairs as much as possible. You can do this by:
Managing your own mail
Keeping your will up-to-date and reflecting your intentions
Attending regular appointments
Staying in contact with the outside world
Utilizing direct deposit for any government benefits you receive
Talk to the staff. If you see signs of abuse, speak with the staff about your concerns. Reach out to the social worker at the facility.
Get an attorney involved. If you voice your concerns and your complaints are not being addressed, it is time to get legal help to protect your senior and you.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Bossier City, Louisiana
Protect yourself or your elderly family member with help from David L. White. He has a strong track record of providing practical, personalized legal support for his clients in Bossier City. The team at our law practice will provide you with trusted representation to handle the most complex legal matters.
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City to find out more about protecting you or your family in the event of abuse or neglect in a Louisiana nursing home. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
Enjoying the holidays includes a variety of activities like visiting with family, exchanging gifts, parties, and sometimes indulging in alcohol. Many people take pleasure in raising a glass to bring in the New Year. A dash of rum may warm up a few cups of eggnog. Sipping on a glass of wine or a drinking a beer is part of celebrating the season. However, when you get behind the wheel with even a “buzz,” you are putting many people and yourself at risk.
Make merry this holiday season but take steps to stay safe. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate place of being involved in a collision while driving under the influence, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you.
Tips for Staying Safe During the Holiday Season
No matter who is at fault in a collision, if law enforcement officials suspect alcohol, you may be held accountable. Stay safe and out of jail with these tips:
Designate a driver. Designating a driver from your group is the best place to start. The individual who is chosen and accepts this responsibility should refrain from imbibing any alcohol. Consider buying your designated driver a few rounds of their favorite non-alcoholic drink to say thank you!
Keep some extra cash for a cab. It costs less to utilize the services of a cab or a ride-share service like Uber than it does to cover the penalties after a DUI. Protect yourself and everyone around you from harm.
Let the alcohol metabolize in your system. Keep in mind the one-drink-one-hour principle. When you add food to your alcohol consumption, it takes longer for the alcohol to enter your bloodstream. Be responsible and limit your spirit intake. It is still essential to have a designated driver.
Stay sober if you are the host/hostess. If you are hosting a party, refrain from drinking any alcohol, and make yourself available to drive impaired guests home. You do not want to chance being held accountable if a guest drives home drunk and gets into an accident.
Avoid drunk driving completely. You may think you know your limitations, but it is easy to get caught up in celebrating and think you can still control a vehicle. Even a slight buzz can cause you issues behind the wheel, such as slowed reflexes or not being able to notice an obstacle in time.
The holiday season is a time for celebrating and enjoying time with family and friends. Avoid the risk, embarrassment, and monetary costs by not getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Hire a Determined Criminal Defense Attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana
The seasoned professionals at our law practice will provide you with the counsel and representation you need. Get your life back on track with help from David L. White. He has years of experience providing committed, extensive legal support for his clients.
Contact your criminal defense attorney if you have been involved in a collision while under the influence of alcohol in Louisiana. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
