Lafayette Louisiana Legal Blog
Why might a criminal case be dismissed before trial?
Whatever criminal charges you’re facing, it’s only natural to wonder if your attorney can get the charges dismissed before you ever go to trial. After all, that’s probably the only outcome better than hearing “not guilty” in a verdict. Is it possible? Absolutely. Is...
Do you need a biological dad’s approval to adopt your stepchild?
Dating a woman who is already a mother can mean accepting her children as part of your life in order to share it with her. As time goes by, you may develop deep and meaningful bonds with your stepchildren that you want to honor, possibly through an adoption. If you...
2 types of adoptions you should know about
People who are interested in adopting a baby have many options for where they turn for the adoption. One of the decisions they’ll have to make in the process is what type of adoption they want. The two primary types are open and closed. Decades ago, closed adoptions...
Covenant marriages and divorce in Louisiana
Louisiana is one of several states to offer so-called “covenant marriages.” A covenant marriage essentially requires a couple to go through more steps (including counseling) before they get married and make specific agreements. Covenant marriages can also make it...
Car accident injuries per year are higher than you think
Have you wondered how many people will get injured in car accidents in 2020? Maybe you saw a story about a recent crash on the news and it got the wheels turning in your mind. You wondered just how common this was and what the odds were that you would someday get...
Gray divorce related to longer lives
In recent years, studies have found that gray divorce (the divorce of those who are 50 and older) is growing more popular. Since the 1990s, this rate has essentially doubled. Other divorce rates have fallen in that same time. Why is gray divorce so common and even...
The odor of marijuana can lead to searches and charges
Given that attitudes (and laws) about marijuana have undergone some dramatic changes in recent years, you may not think that the mere odor of marijuana clinging to your clothes or possessions would be a problem. You’d be wrong. Marijuana is still mostly illegal in...
Reasons to consider seeking an expungement in Louisiana
For those charged with a criminal offense in Louisiana, their primary concern will likely be limiting the legal consequences they face for a guilty plea or a conviction. People may even plead guilty to an offense instead of defending against it if they hope to avoid...
Dividing your 401k in a divorce
No matter how prepared you may feel going into your divorce proceedings in Lafayette, trust us here at the Southern Oaks Law Firm when we say that there are bound to be surprises awaiting. Such has been the experience of several clients that we have worked with in the...
How do I get a new birth certificate for my adopted child?
Adopting a child is a rewarding experience for both of you. Creating a family that includes children who otherwise would not have a loving home is very commendable, but since it is a legal process, it involves a lot of requirements. When you finally reach the end and...
