Posts

Your Ex Leaves Your Child With a Babysitter During Their Parenting Time. Can You Object?

  You expect your child to spend quality time with their other parent during scheduled visitation. But what happens when you discover your ex regularly leaves your child with a babysitter, relative, or new partner instead? Can you demand that your child stay with you instead? Does your ex have the right to choose someone else to provide childcare? And when does babysitting become a legitimate custody concern? These situations can be frustrating, especially when you are available and willing to care for your child. Under Arkansas family law, the answer generally depends on your custody order, the circumstances surrounding the childcare arrangement, and what serves your child's best interests. If you're dealing with disagreements about parenting time, speaking with a custody lawyer in Jonesboro, AR , can help you understand your rights and available legal options. Can Your Ex Legally Use a Babysitter During Their Parenting Time? Generally, yes. A parent can ordinarily arrange re...

You Hit a Car With No Headlights On. Who's Responsible?

  Driving at night requires extra caution, but what happens when another vehicle is nearly impossible to see because its headlights are off? Imagine driving through Paragould after dark when a car suddenly appears in your path. You collide with it, only to discover the other driver wasn't using their headlights. Even if you struck their vehicle, does that automatically make you responsible? Not necessarily. In Arkansas, responsibility for a car accident depends on the circumstances, including whether either driver failed to exercise reasonable care. If you've been involved in a car wreck in Paragould, AR , understanding how headlight violations and shared fault may affect your claim can help you make informed decisions. Are Drivers Required to Use Headlights in Arkansas? Yes. Arkansas law requires drivers to use appropriate vehicle lighting during certain conditions. Under Arkansas Code § 27-36-204, headlights and other required lights must generally be displayed: From half an...

Your Child Says, “I'm Not Going.” What Happens to Visitation?

  Divorce and separation can be difficult for families, especially when children are adjusting to new living arrangements and visitation schedules. One of the most stressful situations a parent can face is hearing their child say, “I'm not going,” when it's time to visit the other parent. Whether the refusal happens occasionally or becomes a recurring problem, parents may feel caught between respecting their child's emotions and following a court-ordered parenting schedule. For families navigating divorce in Paragould, AR , understanding how Arkansas law approaches visitation disputes can help prevent misunderstandings, protect parental rights, and support a child's well-being. So, what happens when your child refuses visitation, and what should you do next? 1. Can a Child Refuse Visitation in Arkansas? A common misconception is that children can automatically decide whether to visit the other parent once they reach a certain age. However, Arkansas does not establish a ...