Main Article on Name/Gender Change
Updated June 2023: Read my article on Name/Gender Change (it has been viewed over 25,000 times) and is regularly updated.
Family Law
Arkansas Attorney Ad Litem
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: March 17, 2021 March 17, 2021
- Views: 49814 49814
Please Note: Michael V. Lauro, Jr. has attended specialized Attorney Ad Litem training and has represented children in multiple custody cases but is no longer actively certified as an ad litem attorney.
As an former Attorney Ad Litem (currently inactive) we have represented children in domestic relations cases and guardianship cases when custody is an issue. A circuit judge appoints an attorney to represent the child or children in a custody case if the judge determines that the ad litem attorney would facilitate the case and further protect the rights of the child. Attorneys for the parents or parties of a custody case may also recommend that the judge appoint an attorney ad litem.
Attorney Ad Litem role and process
An attorney ad litem conducts an independent investigations consisting of a review of all relevant documents and records. The ad litem will interview the child, parents, and others having relevant knowledge to assist in the representation of the child. They will continue their investigation and have regular contact with the child during the entire case. He will explain to the child the role of the ad litem and court proceedings and hearings in terms that the child can understand.
The attorney ad litem will determine the “best interest of a child” by considering such custody criteria as:
- Moral Fitness factors: integrity, character, compassion, sobriety, religious training and practice, a newly acquired partner regarding the preceding elements;
- Stability factors: emotional stability, work stability, financial stability, residence and school stability, health, partner stability;
- Love and Affection factors: attention given, discipline, attitude toward education, social attitude, attitude toward access of the other party to the child, and attitude toward cooperation with the other party regarding the child's needs;
- The Child factors: relevant information regarding the child such as stated preference, age, sex, health, and testing and evaluation;
- Home and Location factors: relating to its location, size, child care arrangements and family composition.
An attorney ad litem will appear at all hearings to represent the best interest of the child. All relevant facts should be presented to the court and if the child's wishes differ from the ad litem's determination of the child's best interest, the ad litem will communicate the child's wishes to the court, as well as the recommendations of the ad litem. He will file appropriate pleadings on behalf of the child, call witnesses, participate fully in examination of witnesses, present relevant evidence, and advocate for timely hearings. He will make recommendations to the court for specific and appropriate services for the child and the child's family. All recommendations made by the attorney ad litem will be communicated to the attorneys for the parties, or if a party is pro se, then to the party.
When a final custody order is executed, the attorney ad litem's obligation to represent the child ends, unless directed otherwise by the court.
Attorney Ad Litem Qualifications:
To be qualified by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) as an Attorney Ad Litem an Attorney must be licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas Supreme Court. They must also attend initial and annual Ad Litem training conducted by the AOC.
Arkansas Name Change Lawyer
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: October 18, 2016 October 18, 2016
- Views: 16814 16814
Name Change generally refers to a legal act allowing a person to adopt a name different from their name at birth, marriage, or adoption. A legal name change through a court order is the first step in the name-change process. A person must officially register the new name with the appropriate authorities as a result of this court order.
This process includes notifying various government agencies, each of which may require legal proof of the name change and may charge a fee. Important government agencies to be notified include the Social Security Administration, Bureau of Consular Affairs (for passports), the United States Postal Service, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (for a new driver's license or state identification card). Additionally, the new name must be registered with other institutions such as employers, banks, doctors, mortgage, insurance, and credit card companies.
Lauro Law is one of the premier Arkansas Name Change law firms. We have extensive experience successfully assisting clients through this process.
We will:
- Explain the entire Name Change process and how we will facilitate that process
- Explain your rights and responsibilities
- Provide you with appropriate data and information gathering questionnaires
- Create and electronically file the appropriate court documents
- Obtain the necessary certified copies of the order
- Provide you with an Individualized Detailed Roadmap for getting all your identity documents changed
- And assist you if you need help with having these documents updated.
This is one of the most requested legal services we provide for clients. If you are considering legally changing your name we are here to help you through the process. For information about the process we use, court filings requirements and identity documents that need to be changed, please browse through our Library or select Name Change Process.
Select Court Filings the Name Change process in Arkansas.
Select Identity Documents for a list and description of these documents.
Contact Lauro Law, PLLC by calling 501-613-6529 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Little Rock Family Law Attorney
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: October 18, 2016 October 18, 2016
- Views: 4077 4077
Family Law deals with family-related issues and domestic relations within marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex couples in Arkansas. Our firm represents clients in a variety of family law areas, giving each client the full attention deserved. We provide legal service and advice to clients in areas such as:
Select Family Law Terms for an extensive glossary of legal terms relating to Family Law in the Lauro Law Library.
Contact Lauro Law, PLLC by calling 501-613-6529 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Arkansas Adoption Attorney
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: October 18, 2016 October 18, 2016
- Views: 15907 15907
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for a child and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent or parents.
If you are considering adoption, there are legal steps that must be completed before you can experience parenthood. It would be in your best interest to discuss your situation with an experienced Arkansas family law attorney.
Lauro Law, PLLC provides advice, legal services and representation in:
- Private adoptions
- Stepparent adoptions
- Grandparent adoptions
- Adoptions by siblings or other family members
- LGBT adoptions
At Lauro Law, PLLC we take a special interest in every case and we will:
- Explain the adoption process
- Explain your rights and responsibilities as a parent
- Explain how we can facilitate the adoption
- Assist you in obtaining the consent of the biological parent(s)
- Prepare and file the adoption petition and supporting documents
- Provide advice and guidance if a home visit and evaluation is needed (private adoption)
- Represent you at the adoption hearing
- Obtain a new birth certificate listing the new parent names
At Lauro Law, PLLC we will use our knowledge of Arkansas Family Law and our experience to answer your adoption questions and assist you though the adoption process.
We also represent clients wanting alimony modifications, which may be warranted if a significant change in circumstances has occurred such as remarriage, loss of a job or a significant change in income.
Contact Lauro Law, PLLC by calling 501-613-6529 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a free initial consultation.
