Michael Brunnabend Attorney

A persistent adoption myth is that you must always be on guard that the birth parents will return at some point to take back their child. There are legal protections in place, and the facts show that less than 1 percent of all domestic adoptions are contested.

The path to adoption is not simple, and perhaps the most valuable service we provide is factual information regarding adoption. Most people are not familiar with how adoption works until they decide to adopt a child. We can guide you through the process.

Although some people are comfortable leaving their entire estate to a single person who knows their wishes for how to divide things, this can be a risk. After you're gone, there's no guarantee they'll divide your estate the way you want unless things are in writing.

Did you know that divorce orders of one state are automatically validated in all state? Courts in all states honor and uphold divorce decisions made by other courts.

According to national statistics, about 1.5 million children in the country in 2010 were adopted. Each year, there are approximately 140,000 adoptions. That includes children adopted in the United States and those brought into the country from overseas.

One of the most famous trials of the 29th century was the trial of Al Capone. The notorious gangster was believed to be involved in crimes including bootlegging and murder, but in 1931 he was convicted instead for not paying his income tax.

In community property states, all marital property is defined as either community or separate. Community property is divided evenly and separate property is kept by its owner.

Even if you already have an existing will in place, it's a good idea to revisit your estate planning needs on a regular basis. Changes to government regulations or tax laws could change the benefits of your current plan.

Both you and the birth parents can make decisions to control the adoption process. If you decide on a confidential, or closed adoption, you will not meet the birth parents. You'll still have plenty of information about the birth parents, there simply is no physical meeting.

Did you know that the first police crime laboratory was established in France in 1910? The laboratory was founded by Dr. Edmond Locard who created "Locard's Principle." The Principle states that material transfer occurs when two objects touch.

While it may be the last thing you want to think about, estate planning after the death of a spouse can help you avoid making hasty financial decisions and minimize the estate taxes you may have to pay.

Are you concerned about whether you can afford to adopt a child? We can explain what costs your should expect, as well as the adoption options which are the least expensive, such as adopting from the foster care system.

Are you worried that a successful adoption may be challenged in court years down the road? We can explain the legal protections in place for adoptive parents. For example, in many states, the birth parents have just 30 days to change their minds.

Do you own a business that's been in your family for generations? If so, creating a proper succession plan can help you ensure that your business stays within your family for generations to come.

No matter what type of circumstances are involved in your divorce, we will help you secure a fair and just settlement. By building a strong case, we will establish important leverage during negotiations and court proceedings.

If you have a cause or organization that's particularly close to your heart, it may be possible to provide it with a steady income from your estate instead of a lump sum payment. Let's discuss your estate's charitable giving options.

One of the most famous trials of all time was the Trial of Socrates. In 399 B.C., Socrates was tried in Athens for his open criticism of Athenian politics. He was eventually found guilty and sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning.

Did you know hiring a good family law attorney can save you money in the long run? Not only will we help you secure the settlement you deserve, but our negotiation skills often facilitate out-of-court settlements, which can save on court fees.

Family law is known for its complexity and nuance, and divorce can be complicated. We will make sure all your interests are protected and get you through the process as quickly as possible.

One of Australia's most famous trials is frequently used as evidence that forensic science and eye witness testimony are not infallible. The trial of Lindy Chamberlain found her guilty of murder, but 3 years later new evidence proved her innocence.

According to adoption experts, the majority of domestic adoptions are confidential. This is one of several possible choices and means that the birth parents and the adoptive family never meet.

Although there are a variety of resources on the Internet and software programs that can help you complete legal documents, they aren't recommended for estate planning. Working with a live person can better ensure you cover all your bases.

Did you know that there are tax credits that may be available to absorb some of the cost of adoption? Also, some larger corporations in the U.S. offer adoption assistance to their employees.

Did you know that probate cases are a matter of public record once they're resolved? If you're concerned with keeping the division of your estate private, using a living trust can help with that objective.

A will can be useful tool even when there isn't a great deal of money at stake. This can especially be the case when some of your possessions - like a piece of jewelry or other heirloom - hold sentimental value to more than one of your heirs.

Have you ever heard of forensic palynology? This type of forensic science studies pollens and spores, which can stick to shoes and clothing. Microscopic pollen and spores can now be used as forensic evidence to link a defendant to the scene of the crime.

Did you know that in some states, getting a divorce can revoke your entire will, not just the portions pertaining to your ex-spouse? Once your divorce is settled, it's a good idea to revisit your estate planning.

Did you know that one of the first recorded uses of forensic science occurred in China in the year 1235? Investigators were able to identify a common farm tool used in murder, and who it belonged to, because of flies gathering on the tool.

So what exactly is a no-fault divorce? This is a type of divorce in which the spouse who is filing does not have to prove any fault on the part of the other party, but rather only has to give a reason that the state will honor for the divorce, such as irreconcilable differences.

There are many myths associated with adoption. One is that it is virtually impossible to adopt an infant. While it is not as easy to adopt a child under six months of age, we can work toward that goal, and many infants are adopted domestically every year.

When it comes to divorce and debt, the basic rule of thumb is this: if the debts were jointly incurred, then both parties remain ultimately responsible for them.

Did you know that the laws of the state in which you reside are the first factor in determining how assets are split? We will help you determine how our state's laws affect property division and other issues.

Are you considering adopting a child? If so, there are several different choices, and each will take you down a different road. Schedule a visit and we tell you about the laws regarding adoption and the choices you and your partner face.

Did you know that taking the time to create an estate plan now can spare your loved ones a protracted legal battle? Even if your family isn't the sort to fight over your assets, the lack of a will can make settling an estate difficult in some states.

In divorce law, separate property refers to either property acquired prior to the marriage or property that is easily definable as separate, such as a gift, court award, or inheritance.

While the disposition of an estate is often thought of as something for people with significant assets, people of all wealth levels can benefit from putting together an estate plan.

Did you know that some types of crimes can be permanently removed from your record through a process known as expungement? If you have been convicted of a crime, a criminal attorney may be able to help you clean your record.

Did you know that all states recognize no-fault divorces? However, the parameters on this vary from state to state, with some states requiring that the spouses live separately for a pre-determined period before filing.

One of the biggest trials of the 1920s which captured the Nation was the Chicago Black Sox trial. The prosecution charged 8 members of the Chicago White Sox team of intentionally losing the 1919 World Series - they were found not guilty.

Did you know that estate planning encompasses more than the distribution of your assets? Estate planning also includes creation of living wills, medical care directives and power of attorney documents.

Whenever you pass away without a will in place, it's called being intestate. When this happens, the state will assign an administrator to divide your assets, sometimes in ways you and your family wouldn't agree with.

Some people have attorney's that they regularly work with, like for drafting wills. However, unless they also specialize in criminal law, they may not be the best choice of representation if you're charged with a crime.

Does the thought of a home study sound foreboding? A home study is required, whether you adopt domestically or internationally. But it shouldn't be that scary and we can explain what's involved in the home study.

Do you worry that children up for adoption internationally have emotional or physical issues? Studies have shown that while normal developmental delays and minor medical issues can be involved, the majority of children in international adoptions are psychologically and physically healthy.

Although fingerprints can be a major part of a conviction, did you know that some people are born without any fingerprints? This extremely rare condition is caused by an inherited genetic condition which is also related to thickened skin on the palms and soles of the feet.

Did you know that a criminal suspect has certain protections and rights during a police interrogation? Criminal suspects are protected under the Miranda Rights which include the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning.

Although you're free to do as you like, having a joint will with your spouse is not typically considered a good idea. In fact, there are some states that will not even recognize a joint will between spouses.

If you are interested in an adoption in the quickest time period, you may want to consider a foster care adoption. We can explain the process of adopting a child who is currently in foster care.

Are you interested in an open adoption? This means that the birth parents and the adoptive parents share identifying information that often includes pictures and letters. Many people feel a deeper connection by choosing an open adoption process.

There are two basic ways that divorce property division is handled: community property and equitable distribution. This essentially depends on the laws of your particular state.

It's important to understand that once you are represented by a divorce attorney, your spouse's attorneys may not speak with you regarding the case. If they reach out to you, refer them to your attorney.

Did you know that a spouse can object to a fault divorce by presenting a defense to disprove the fault complaint? An example of this is condonation, where it's proven that the filing spouse knew of the conduct, forgave it, and resumed the marital relationship.

Generally speaking, both international adoptions and foster care adoptions in the U.S. follow a closed adoption policy. In that situation, the birth parents and adoptive parents never meet and no identifying information is released.

Did you know that Galileo was tried for advocating the belief that the Earth revolves around the sun? In 1633 he was tried for heresy and sentenced to imprisonment; shortly thereafter he was allowed to remain under house arrest for the rest of his life.

Did you know that spending time estate planning now can help your heirs save on estate taxes? Not only can you ensure joint assets pass to your spouse without issue, you can also maximize current estate tax loopholes.

There are both state and federal laws that control the adoption process in the United States. We follow all the changes in the adoption laws and will ensure that all state and federal paperwork and regulations are followed.

Did you know that alimony payments are tax deductible for the person making the payments? In addition, they are taxable income for the recipient of those funds.

The amount of alimony you will be required to pay will depend on a variety of factors based on the laws in your state. This might include your age and health, your income and your spouse's income, the length of the marriage, and who has custody of the children (if applicable).

Have you been considering letting your financial advisor or stockbroker handle your estate planning needs? Remember, not all financial advisors are well-versed in matters of the law as they pertain to estates.

Did you know that Susan B. Anthony was tried for illegal voting? Susan B. Anthony was a lifelong advocate for women's right to vote, and in 1872 she voted during an election and was subsequently arrested and tried for her crime.

Remember, your estate planning efforts are only worthwhile if your heirs know where they can find the necessary paperwork. Keeping documents in a safety deposit box your family knows about or making sure they have our phone number can be helpful.

If your estate goes through probate, this is simply the legal process by which your property and assets are transferred to others. This process varies by state and occurs when you pass away without a will in force.

Did you know that forensics can be used to solve environmental crimes? Scientist can examine chemical signatures to zero in on where a chemical originated from. This type of forensics was used to identify oil in the Gulf spilled from the Deepwater Horizon rig.

The AFIS, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, was established in the 1970s to create a database of fingerprints of convicted felons. Today, this system is still widely used to find possible matches between fingerprints.

The amount of time it takes to adopt a child depends on the type of adoption involved. It isn't uncommon for domestic adoptions to take 18 months to 2 years. However, depending on your flexibility, the wait could be considerably shorter.

Are you interested in adopting a child from a particular foreign country? The list of countries that allow adoptions changes frequently, as do the regulations from various countries for international adoptions. We will make sure you aware of all the latest rules and restrictions.

Have you ever heard of the Bow Street Runners? The Bow Street Runners were London's first official police force, established in 1749. Their office was located at No. 4 Bow Street, and civilians soon nicknamed them the Bow Street Runners.

Did you know that certain costs you incur as a result of divorce may be deductible under your itemized deductions? This includes any fees paid for tax planning, attorney fees for collecting spousal support, and fees paid for securing your interest in a qualified retirement plan.

Are you pregnant and interested in placing your child for adoption? We can help you through the process, explaining your rights along the way depending on the type of adoption you choose.