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Mental Health Awareness Month: When Can a Parent’s Mental Health Challenges Affect Child Custody Decisions? You Are Not Alone. We Will Be Your Partner Through This Challenging Time. Schedule a Call With One of Our Client Services Coordinators Schedule Now
Sad Woman | Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Month: When Can a Parent’s Mental Health Challenges Affect Child Custody Decisions?

May 12, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and support those facing mental health challenges. In the United States alone, approximately 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health issue each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar …

Close up of wedding rink | Considering Divorce

What Can I Expect if I Have to Go to Court for My Divorce?

May 7, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

▶ Not all divorces end up in a courtroom. In fact, many couples are able to reach a settlement through cooperative effort or negotiation, avoiding litigation altogether. But if you still have unresolved issues and your case does go to court, not knowing what to expect can feel intimidating. Knowing how to prepare for your …

Smiling Mother hugs Child on Mothers Day

Celebrating Mother’s Day After Divorce: Tips for Co-Parents

May 5, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

Mother’s Day after a divorce can stir up a whole mix of emotions for everyone – anger, betrayal, sadness, or even relief. But as a co-parent, your focus should always be on one simple truth: that your child still wants (and deserves) to celebrate their mom, even if you are no longer married. Special occasions …

Woman holding ring | Divorce Myths

Divorce Mistakes That Could Cost You Big – What to Avoid Before Filing

April 30, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

▶ Divorce isn’t only a major legal decision — it’s also a major financial one. Unfortunately, any missteps can cost you thousands of dollars. The choices you make now could shape the outcome of your entire case. Before you take that next step, you’ll want to educate yourself on the pitfalls that could jeopardize your …

Woman going over Legal Documents | Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Your Legal Documents: What You Should Update This Year

April 28, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Family Law

Springs means warmer weather and fresh starts, and for many people, spring cleaning is a seasonal rite. But spring cleaning should be more than just decluttering your closets and organizing the garage. If you haven’t addressed your legal paperwork recently, some legal spring cleaning may also be in order. This year, while you’re deep cleaning …

Son on Father's back, both laughing | Child Custody

How to Prove You’re the Best Parent for Custody – Key Legal Strategies

April 23, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

▶ Winning a custody battle isn’t about being the perfect parent. It’s about demonstrating that you provide the most stable environment for your child. If you are navigating a custody dispute, understanding what judges truly look for can make all the difference in your custody case. Big Mistakes That Can Cost You Custody Custody battles …

Child standing with back against fence | Child Abuse | Family Law

Recognizing Signs of Abuse and How Family Law Can Protect Children

April 21, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Family Law

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, but unfortunately, many children today experience neglect, physical harm, emotional abuse, or sexual exploitation. April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of child abuse. By recognizing the warning signs of abuse and being vigilant …

Man in Suit stressed out at table | Legal Horror Stories

Legal Horror Stories & Myths: What Every Family Law Client Needs to Know

April 16, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Family Law

▶ Property division, custody, alimony – divorce can present a horror story around each corner if you’re not careful. Even in the “friendliest” divorces, one small misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or lack of legal understanding and all “friendly” bets are off.  Here, we’ll explore some shocking yet very real horror stories, debunk some common myths, and reveal …

Mother & Daughter with Easter

Navigating Custody Arrangements During Religious Holidays: A Guide for Divorced Parents

April 14, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

For many families, religious holidays have deep emotional significance and are central to family traditions. But when parents divorce or separate, navigating custody arrangements around these holidays can be challenging. Unfortunately, holiday custody scheduling often creates unnecessary conflict for many divorced parents. But by approaching custody around the holidays with a clear plan, cooperation, and …

Parents crouching with child | Co-parenting | Shared Custody

Navigating Shared Custody During Spring Break and Holidays

April 11, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

Spring break is exciting for most families. Travelling, seeing extended family, spending quality time together. But for divorced parents who share custody, this time of year comes with logistical and emotional challenges. Balancing schedules, expectations, and family traditions can feel overwhelming, often leading to co-parenting disputes. For co-parents who must navigate spring break and other …

Family talks about Family Law

Understanding Your Rights in Family Law: What Every Parent and Spouse Should Know

April 9, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Family Law

▶ Family law cases are some of the most emotionally and legally complex challenges a person will ever face. Whether you are navigating a divorce, working through a child custody dispute, or looking out for your future financial stability through a support agreement, understanding your legal rights will be critical. Many enter these situations unprepared, …

A woman takes off her wedding ring and contemplates

Separation Survival Guide: How to Protect Your Rights and Finances

April 2, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Separation Lawyer

▶ Separating from a spouse can be one of the most painful and pivotal moments in a person’s life. You may be reevaluating your marriage, working diligently on keeping it afloat, or even separating as a condition of a divorce. Unfortunately, without careful planning, you could risk losing assets, accumulating unexpected debts, and even jeopardizing …

Young woman cultivating plants in her home post divorce

Planting the Seeds for a New Life After Divorce

March 31, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

As one of life’s most difficult transitions, divorce comes with emotional overwhelm, financial stress, and big concerns about the future. But just like spring follows winter, life after a divorce can also promise new growth and beginnings. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe divorce isn’t the end of a story – it’s merely the beginning …

Divorce decree

What is the Mandatory Waiting Period to Get Divorced in Florida?

March 28, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Florida, it’s important to understand the state’s legal requirements before you begin. Every state has its own divorce laws, and Florida is no exception. One key factor to keep in mind is the mandatory waiting period between filing and finalizing your divorce. And that is just one …

Mother & Father with child | Co-parenting

Co-Parenting After Divorce: Tips for Building a Healthy Dynamic

March 26, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

▶ Your divorce brings big changes for the whole family – especially your children. Co-parenting can be particularly challenging if you and your former spouse struggle with miscommunication, unresolved emotions, and very different parenting styles. However, with patience, respectful communication, and a child-centered approach, co-parenting can be a positive and cooperative experience that can benefit …

Handshake with Attorney

5 Signs Your Family Could Benefit From Legal Guidance

March 19, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

▶ Life has its fair share of hurdles, and families often face challenges that can feel overwhelming without the right help. Whether it’s safeguarding your legacy, securing your family’s financial future, or ensuring your and your children’s well-being during a divorce, there are situations when having skilled legal guidance can make all the difference. But …