what does assistant attorney general do during divorce

by Dr. Jamarcus Smith DVM 9 min read

Sometimes the AG will intervene in a case to seek collection of fees for governmental assistance. You should have been served if they did intervene. It could also be that the Associate Judge was incorrectly under the assumption that the AG was involved when they were not.

Full Answer

What is the role of the Attorney General?

Oct 24, 2020 · What Does a Legal Assistant Do? A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant , works at a law firm and performs certain tasks that involve dealing directly with clients. For example, a paralegal may prepare court documents such as divorce petitions or marital settlement agreements for clients.

Should I hire an aggressive divorce lawyer?

Aug 28, 2019 · Your duties will include signing documents, providing facts and information about your case, and gathering important documents such as pay stubs and tax returns. Starting Your Divorce Case Your first divorce consultation will be at your lawyer’s office.

Do I need a family lawyer for a divorce?

Feb 03, 2017 · The bottom line is that changing divorce lawyers before your case is over is a big decision, and not one to take lightly. At the same time, if you have a good reason to change attorneys during your divorce, then NOT making a change can be a big mistake, too. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers.

What are the duties of a state attorney?

What Attorneys General Do - National Association of Attorneys General. As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

image

What are the duties and responsibilities of the attorney general?

As the chief officer of the Department of Justice, the attorney general enforces federal laws, provides legal counsel in federal cases, interprets the laws that govern executive departments, heads federal jails and penal institutions, and examines alleged violations of federal laws.

What is an assistant US attorney general?

Special assistant U.S. attorneys are appointed by the U.S. attorney general to assist in the preparation of cases requiring extra attention. This is sometimes required in cases of complex litigation that raises legal questions or issues not often litigated.

What does the US attorney general investigate?

AGs investigate and bring actions under their states' respective unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices laws (“UDAP laws”). UDAP laws tend to broadly prohibit “deceptive” or “unconscionable” acts against consumers.

How many U.S. assistant attorney generals are there?

The AAG is assisted by six Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAGs) who may be either career or noncareer employees. These DAAGs assist the AAG by supervising enforcement matters and advising on enforcement decisions and policy matters.

What power does a US attorney have?

In carrying out their duties as prosecutors, AUSAs have the authority to investigate persons, issue subpoenas, file formal criminal charges, plea bargain with defendants, and grant immunity to witnesses and accused criminals. U.S. attorneys and their offices are part of the Department of Justice.

How do I know if the FBI is investigating me?

Probably the second most common way people learn that they're under federal investigation is when the police execute a search warrant at the person's house or office. If the police come into your house and execute a search warrant, then you know that you are under investigation.

How long do DOJ investigations last?

So if you have still not been charged after the time set by the statute of limitations, the investigation is effectively over. For most federal crimes, the statute of limitations is five years. Bank fraud has a statute of limitations of ten years. Immigration violations and arson are also subject to a ten year limit.

Why would DOJ come to your house?

Gathering Evidence. The DOJ and its subsidiaries will be responsible for gathering evidence to prosecute a crime. Sometimes, this might involve searching the property. ... Many times, the DOJ will obtain an arrest warrant to ensure the arrest conforms to the Constitutional requirements.

Starting Your Divorce Case

Your first divorce consultation will be at your lawyer’s office. At the initial meeting, your attorney will ask lots of questions, listen to the details of your case, and walk you through the divorce process.

What Do I Have to Do in a Divorce?

Don’t think that once you hire a divorce attorney that you can book a month's long vacation. You and your lawyer will need to keep in touch frequently as your divorce progresses. Your lawyer may look to you to provide factual background for the paperwork or “pleadings” filed in your case.

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What to do if you have a case with the Attorney General?

If you have a case involving the Attorney General, it is in your interests to talk to an attorney to assess the case, build a strategy, and assert any defenses you may have to the establishment or enforcement of child support against you.

What is the Attorney General's sole interest?

Their sole interest is to make sure that the child is being financially supported by the parents. In certain counties, the Attorney General has their own courts of jurisdiction where suits that they file are heard.

Does the Attorney General represent the state of Texas?

It is important to remember that the Attorney General only represents the State of Texas in a suit involving a child. This means that they will generally not take a position on items such as custody or visitation that may be in dispute in between the parties. Their sole interest is to make sure that the child is being financially supported by ...

Can you file child support in Texas?

In addition, if the State of Texas is providing public benefits to a parent of the child, the Attorney General may either file their own action for child support or intervene in a pending case between the parents.

Deborah Linnartz Wigington

Sometimes the AG will intervene in a case to seek collection of fees for governmental assistance. You should have been served if they did intervene. It could also be that the Associate Judge was incorrectly under the assumption that the AG was involved when they were not.

Dorothea Elaine Laster

It is a little funny that you thought a brochure was going to handle all contingencies. Law is much more complex than that.

Allison Travers Hamilton

Was there a signature line for the AG? If the AG is on the decree, then it means that your children received governmental services or benefits thus making the State of Texas a party. The citizens of Texas need to re-coup...or so they say.#N#Send it to the AG listed and ask for approval.#N#Good luck!

What should an attorney tell you about a case?

Throughout your case, your attorney should give you some sense of whether the law supports your position. No attorney worth her weight will guarantee you a victory, but a knowledgeable lawyer should be able to tell you whether there is a basis for your position and what is likely to happen if the case is tried.

How long does it take for a lawyer to respond to a letter?

Copies of letters should be sent to you within 24 hours of the lawyer's receipt. He or she should notify you about important phone calls—those concerning settlement proposals, for instance—as soon as possible.

How long does it take for a lawyer to call you back?

If the court hands down any decisions regarding your case, your lawyer should notify you at once. Your attorney should return your calls within 24 hours unless there's some reason why that's impossible—for instance, if she's in court or in the middle of a trial.

Why can't my lawyer say when things will happen?

Maybe your lawyer can't say when things will happen because too much depends on what the other side wants; still, she should have a general idea of how the case will proceed from your side given any number of scenarios. One matrimonial lawyer tells us that clients often seek her out for a second opinion on their case.

Do you need an expert to testify in custody?

Maybe custody will be an issue, and you'll need an expert to testify on your behalf. In some jurisdictions, the judge will appoint an expert to report to the court, but you still might need someone to support your case. Your lawyer should start getting you the names of qualified people.

Is law a science?

The practice of law is not a science, but it's not exactly an art either. There are certain things your attorney can and should be doing. For some guidelines, refer to the following list: Your lawyer should have an overall plan for your case.

Do matrimonial lawyers seek second opinions?

One matrimonial lawyer tells us that clients often seek her out for a second opinion on their case. The most frequent complaint: their case has no direction, they see no end in sight, and it seems like they're always responding to their spouse's action with no overriding plan of their own.

When do divorce lawyers see an increase?

Divorce lawyers often see an increase in clients before, during, and after Christmas. It's also easier to get used to an empty home before the holidays. If you wait (and fight) through the season, you may destroy any chances for an amicable split and wind up hashing out your differences in court. 8.

What is collaborative divorce?

But the majority of jurisdictions with collaborative divorce have stated that collaborative divorce is more cooperative and less adversari al than traditional divorce.

How to deal with divorce with kids?

Children need a supportive environment to deal with divorce. Minimize the amount you talk about the process. It will give you more time to be there for them. Refocus your energy so you can attend their school and after-school events, help them with homework, and take them out once in a while to the movies or the zoo. When you are relaxed, they get more relaxed. Though you should be comfortable talking with your children about the divorce, the point of this divorce is to relieve stress on you and your family.

How long do married couples stay separated?

A recent study concluded that while the vast majority of married couples who separate will eventually divorce (within three years), approximately 15% remain separated indefinitely, even past the 10-year mark. Why would a couple choose to do this? Or, to put it another way, are there actually advantages to long-term separation over divorce? More on the Study's Findings

Is divorce expensive?

Divorce is expensive. On top of attorney's fees, you will need money to set up a new household. Though it may be difficult to make ends meet, you should get used to having less now. Remember, your legal bills and court costs may come due before you receive your first payment of alimony or even your share of the marital property . While it may seem stressful, the freedom you'll enjoy down the line will be well worth the struggle.

Is the husband of the wife of the divorced woman the father of the child?

Hughes' husband is not the father of her child. But because Hughes became pregnant during the divorce proceedings, state law presumes Hughes' husband to be the father of her child born up to 300 days after her divorce.

Can a no fault divorce end a marriage?

Although there is always a reason for a marriage to fall apart, a no-fault divorce allows you to end your marriage without focusing on blame. Find out how no-fault divorce works and whether it is appropriate for your divorce case. Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read.

What should a divorce lawyer not tell you?

Here are seven secrets your divorce lawyer won't tell you (but should). 1. You Might Not Get Your Day in Court... A divorce is a lawsuit, and we usually think of lawsuits as ending in a trial. However, many, if not most lawsuits end in a settlement. This is especially true of divorce, where upwards of 90% of cases settle—and some reports place ...

What do you need to do if you are divorced in California?

One thing you can do is gather financial documents your attorney will need in your case. In almost every California divorce, property division is an issue, and if you have children, child support will be an issue, as well as possibly spousal support.

Do aggressive divorce attorneys go to trial?

Remember the first secret above: most divorce cases don't go to trial. An aggressive attorney can actually get in the way of a productive settlement, extending the case and billing more hours by stirring up hostility and "churning" the file.

Can an aggressive lawyer force you into a trial?

At worst, an aggressive attorney can force you into an expensive trial you didn't need. Most of the time extended conflict enriches the lawyers, not their clients. What's more, when your case is done, your lawyer doesn't have to deal with the ongoing hostility he or she has helped to stoke between you and your ex—but you will.

Do divorce cases go to trial?

Remember the first secret above: most divorce cases don't go to trial. An aggressive attorney can actually get in the way of a productive settlement, extending the case and billing more hours by stirring up hostility and "churning" the file.

Is divorce expensive?

Even if you do everything possible to keep your legal bill down, there are no two ways around it: divorce is expensive. Your attorney probably won't be able to tell you exactly how expensive, because that will depend on how your case unfolds.

Can attorney fees be expensive?

Yes, attorney fees can be costly, and add up quickly. But your attorney may not tell you what you can do to keep them down unless you ask. You should ask, because there are some simple things you can do to reduce your attorney's workload, and more importantly, save yourself some money.

What to do when a divorced couple has a large amount of assets?

Don’t forget to consult an attorney. A lawyer can make sure that you both review and understand anything before you sign or agree. An experienced family law attorney is often a good idea for situations where the divorcing couple has a large amount of assets, property or other complicated financial matters.

How to prepare for divorce?

If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. Make copies of all your financial documents and legal records before your divorce proceedings begin.

What to do in a contentious divorce?

In more contentious divorces, an attorney can make sure that your interests are represented in court. Even in a “friendly” divorce you are often better off hiring a lawyer to help file paperwork and guide you through the court system. 2. Don’t neglect your finances.

Is it normal to want to tell someone about divorce?

Emotions are running high, it’s perfectly normal to want to let others know what’s going on in your life. You may desperately want support, you may not want to suffer in silence, or you may just want to punish your partner and embarrass them. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep your a divorce secret from everyone, you just need to decide who you tell and why.

Do family and friends have good intentions when divorced?

Your family and friends may have good intentions, but their divorce experience is based on the facts and circumstances that are unique to them and may not apply in your situation.

Can you use your kids to manipulate your spouse?

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still happens, even unintentionally. Check your own behavior and don’t use your kids to punish or manipulate your spouse. In the end, this will cause resentment and have a negative impact on the relationship you have with your children.

Can you have a relationship outside of marriage during divorce?

Even if you and your spouse no longer live together, in some states a relationship outside of marriage can become an issue during the divorce process. With all of the changes going on in your life, avoiding any type of romantic relationship is often the best thing to do for your emotionally. 8.

image