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Client Story When you retire, or when you become unable to work because of a disability, Social Security can provide you with a source of income. Social security covers everything from retirement and disability to spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and supplemental security income (SSI). Context Social Security is a public benefit that may be claimed by any eligible individual. It can come in different forms and for different causes. Retirement benefits, which you pay for by way of social security deductions from your paycheck during your working life Disability benefits, if you are unable to work because you have: A … Learn More

Client Story If you have experienced domestic violence from an intimate partner (a spouse, a partner, your child’s other parent, or so on), then you may wish to seek a Protection from Abuse order. This is a kind of civil restraining order, or no contact order, which will prevent an abusive individual from contacting or approaching you with the support of the court. Context You can file a PFA against: A spouse Someone you dated Someone you have a child in common with * You can also file a PFA against a current or former household member, or against a … Learn More

Client Story Emancipation is the process by which you may be recognized as a legal adult before you reach the age of majority. In the state of Alabama, emancipation allows someone who is 18 years old to sign contracts and hold legal roles that are usually reserved for someone who is at least 19. In this state, someone who is below the age of 18 may not apply to be emancipated in this way. Context To be legally emancipated in Alabama you must be 18 years old. A parent must file on your behalf. A minor is only allowed to … Learn More

Client Story Someone who believes that you owe them a debt, that you have broken a contract with them, or otherwise have caused them damages may choose to take you to court. If this amount is less than $6,000, then in the State of Alabama, they may file a case against you in Small Claims Court. Context Small Claims Court is where those who don’t have lawyers, or who have relatively small claims, often choose to pursue their cases. The rules of evidence and other procedures of the court are relaxed in Small Claims Court, and it is an appropriate … Learn More

Client Story If you do not live in the same household as your child’s other parent, you may be able to receive child support. Child support is a payment that a parent must make if they do not live in the same household as their child. In the state of Alabama, a child has an essential right to receive support from their parents. The monthly amount due is based on the parents’ combined gross income per month. The amount is based on the reasonable needs of the child and relate to the noncustodial parent’s ability to pay for those needs … Learn More

Client Story If two married individuals choose to end their marriage in good faith, and both parties agree about how property will be split, how child support will be paid, how much child support will be paid, and so forth, then they may pursue what’s called an Uncontested Divorce.  Context In order for a married couple to officially separate, they must file for a divorce. This is a formal lawsuit which happens in the Circuit Court. You will need to file a case with the court, as well as pay a filing fee. If you and your spouse can come to … Learn More

Client Story Unemployment compensation is a safety net to catch you when you lose your job through no fault of your own—such as through layoffs, natural disasters, or a major incident like COVID-19. If you’re capable of working and are looking for a new job, but are struggling to pay bills for yourself and your family until you find your next one, then unemployment payments may help you close the gap.  Context If you lose your job through no fault of your own and you would like to receive unemployment benefits, you can file a claim for unemployment compensation with … Learn More

Client Story When you move out of a place you rent, you’re entitled to get back the security deposit you paid when you moved in. The landlord may only keep the deposit if you caused damage to the unit. If they keep your security deposit because of damage you didn’t cause, because of damage that isn’t your fault, or for reasons they refuse to give, then you may be able to fight in court to get it back. Context When you as a tenant move out of a property, you must give the landlord a forwarding address you’re your mail … Learn More

Client Story If someone owes you a debt, has broken a contract with you, or has otherwise caused you damages of some kind in a way that you can prove, then it might be possible to file a case against them in Small Claims Court. In the state of Alabama, amounts of up to $6,000 may be filed for in small claims. Context If you don’t have or can’t afford a lawyer, Small Claims Court is the best place to pursue someone for damages. The process is relatively quick and usually affordable. Small Claims judges are used to dealing with … Learn More

Client Story It’s a landlord’s responsibility to make repairs to the property that they rent to others. While the issues you may have with a property you rent are usually minor, they can sometimes be serious enough to make your home unlivable. In this case, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities, as well as what legal action you can take if your landlord refuses to repair a major issue with your home.  Context Everyone who rents a home has the right to habitable living conditions. This means that your landlord is responsible for taking care of the electrical, … Learn More