As a business owner, keeping informed about the finer points of employment law is important. If you're getting ready to hire your first employees, you need to be sure that you understand exactly what you can and cannot do. Don't risk getting yourself into legal trouble by asking the wrong question at the interview or making an off-hand comment that's considered legally unacceptable. I created this site to give you the basics of employment law expectations. I hope that the information here helps you to understand what you should and shouldn't do as you're interviewing and hiring your first staff members.
Irene Robertson
Every family law attorney has stories about clients who could be volatile. Understandably, these sorts of cases can feel raw, emotional, and personal. It benefits everyone involved, though, if these matters stay civil. Here are 5 tips a family law practice attorney will tell you to follow to keep the situation a little tamer.
Focus on the Practical
One of the virtues of the American legal system is that it takes challenging situations and puts them on rails. Those legal rails guide cases to logical conclusions, particularly if the parties focus on simple and practical concerns.
If you're involved with a child custody fight, for example, look at the problem from a legal and practical perspective. Are you doing the basic things needed to prove that you're able to look out for the best interests of the child? Can you document your financial circumstances? What does the home look like?
Stick with What You Can Control
Judges frown on folks who try to do too much in family court. Your family law attorney will encourage you to stick with whatever is within your control. Don't comment on anything about other parties unless you can fully document the complaint. Keep your temper in check, even if the other side seems intent on testing you.
Document Everything That Happens
In many cases, it's best to avoid overtly intervening in deteriorating situations. Make contemporaneous notes about what happened, paying close attention to times, places, and people who were present. If you see evidence of abuse, for example, take pictures and contact child services. Avoid confrontations if at all possible. If the circumstances call for immediate intervention, contact the police and get copies of written reports from them.
Don't Reward Bad Behavior
Some folks are simply looking for fights, and they often find those fights in their families or with their partners. If you're dealing with an ex who is intent upon having loud and drawn-out verbal matches, it's best to avoid interacting with them on those terms. Stay calm, and stick to whatever practical issues you can address together.
If the other party refuses to be civil, remove yourself from the situation. Remember, for a person who wants to fight, getting into it is rewarding. Don't let them have their reward, or you'll be dealing with more bad behavior down the road.
Use Your Lawyer as a Shield
When all else fails, direct an angry party to talk with your family law practice attorney. They can send any paperwork or inquiries to the law office if they don't want to behave.
For more tips, reach out to a local family law attorney.