Natural State Trial AttorneysNatural State Trial Attorneys2026-06-05T15:55:16Zhttps://www.catterlinlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605434/2026/03/cropped-Site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[How can co-parents communicate more effectively?]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=474332026-06-05T15:55:16Z2026-06-05T15:55:16ZKeep each conversation centered on your children
It might help to limit co-parenting discussions to child-related matters. You might focus on the details both parents need to know, such as pickup times, school updates, medical appointments and activity schedules.
You may want to treat these exchanges much like workplace messages. A respectful and purposeful tone could help both parents stay focused. Instead of revisiting old conflicts or personal complaints, you might use direct language about the next parenting task. For example, you could ask whether pickup should be at school or after practice.
This approach may keep conversations shorter, clearer and easier to return to when new issues come up.
Choose methods that fit the message
Different communication methods may work better for different needs. Text or email typically suits routine scheduling matters because each parent has time to read, think and respond. Written messages may also create a record that both parents could review later.
Apps could help with shared calendars, expense tracking and basic updates. A phone call or video chat may work better for urgent or more detailed discussions if both parents communicate well that way.
The best method to use usually depends on what lowers tension in your situation. With the right way to communicate, misunderstandings may become less frequent.
Small changes may support a steadier routine
Co-parenting communication usually takes practice and patience. Every co-parenting relationship is different, so communication habits might need constant adjustment. Over time, consistent communication may help parents handle day-to-day decisions with less confusion and conflict.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[When domestic violence allegations trigger gun surrenders in Arkansas]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=474272026-05-29T12:08:38Z2026-05-29T12:08:38ZAn arrest or court order in a family dispute can change your gun rights fast. Judges act to reduce risk while the case moves forward.
You can protect yourself when you know exactly when surrender rules apply and how the process works. Before you move a single firearm, get clear on the steps and the penalties when facing domestic violence (DV) charges.
When you must surrender firearms
Several moments in Arkansas can trigger an immediate duty to turn in guns. Each one comes from a court order you need to follow to the letter. Watch for these common triggers:
Arrest and bond conditions: After a DV arrest, the judge can bar possession and order you to surrender guns to the arresting agency or the sheriff.
Criminal no-contact orders: At first appearance, the court can issue a no-contact order that forbids guns and sets a surrender deadline.
Civil orders of protection, ex parte: A temporary order, which lasts up to 30 days or until the court date, can require surrender.
Civil orders of protection, final: A final order often continues the no-guns rule for its full term and can keep firearms with law enforcement until the court lifts the restriction.
Know which order controls your case so you meet the exact terms and timelines.
How the Arkansas surrender process works
Courts expect fast compliance and solid records. Follow a clear plan to avoid new charges:
Who takes the guns: Turn firearms in to the arresting agency or the county sheriff as the order states. Do not give guns to friends or family.
Deadlines: Follow the timeline on the order, often immediate or within 24 hours. Confirm any questions with your lawyer or the clerk.
Receipts: Get a written receipt that lists each firearm by make, model and serial number. Keep copies safe.
Storage: Police or the sheriff store the guns or use approved storage. Expect handling or storage fees.
Return: Ask for return only after the court lifts all gun restrictions and you hold no disqualifier. Bring ID and your receipt and get a written release.
Penalties: Judges can issue a warrant, hold you in contempt or add criminal charges for any violation. Police can seize firearms and the court can raise bond.
Meanwhile, federal law bars possession if a court issues a qualifying DV restraining order or you have a misdemeanor DV conviction. A plea to a DV‑labeled misdemeanor can create a lifetime federal ban. Keep in mind that keeping guns with a friend, in a car or a storage unit you control, can lead to trouble as courts may treat this as possession. When in doubt, pause and speak with counsel before you transfer, store or try to reclaim any firearm.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[3 ways you can help your child cope with your divorce in Arkansas]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=474262026-05-07T12:42:35Z2026-05-07T12:42:35ZMaintain open and honest communication
Your child might the divorce is their fault. It may help to have age-appropriate conversations with them about the divorce. You do not need to share every detail, but explaining that you still love them and that they are not responsible for your separation could comfort them. Consider encouraging your child to ask questions and express their feelings without fear of judgment.
Keep routines as consistent as possible
During a divorce, your child's life may feel unstable and unpredictable. Maintaining familiar routines can help by providing a sense of security and normalcy. Try to keep consistent bedtimes, meal schedules and extracurricular activities. If your child moves between two households, consider establishing similar routines in both homes. This consistency can help your child feel more grounded during an uncertain time.
Avoid putting your child in the middle
It can be tempting to have your child act as a messenger or to share your frustrations about your ex-spouse. However, doing so may cause them significant emotional harm. Your child may love both their parents, which means they might feel uncomfortable “choosing sides.”
Try to avoid asking your child to relay messages, discussing legal matters in their presence or speaking negatively about the other parent. Courts in Arkansas generally prioritize the best interests of a child. They may look unfavorably on parents who put their children in adult conflicts. Instead, communicate directly with your ex-spouse about parenting matters and shield your child from adult conflicts.
Supporting your child through change
Divorce can be stressful for children, but your actions can make a meaningful difference in how they adjust. Your child might need additional reassurance along the way. Taking thoughtful steps now can help your child feel loved, supported and more confident about the future.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[What drivers should know about Arkansas DWI checkpoints]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=474252026-05-02T22:21:33Z2026-05-02T22:21:33ZWhat are the requirements for a legal DWI checkpoint?
Many law enforcement agencies conducting sobriety checkpoints make announcements about upcoming checkpoints in advance. Checkpoints are especially common around major holidays or when conducted in conjunction with Drive Sober campaigns.
They do not need to provide advance notice for a checkpoint to be legal. Police departments do need to have a written plan approved by management. They must erect signage and ensure that the checkpoint is visible and well-lit. Typically, they also need to select locations and times where DWI risk is higher than average. They also need to maintain a neutral stopping pattern to prevent abuses of officer discretion and unnecessary delays for motorists.
What happens at a checkpoint?
Checkpoints serve as a cursory screening device for law enforcement professionals. They can briefly interact with each driver passing through the checkpoint by checking their license and registration. During that interaction, they can ask questions, although drivers can decline to answer invasive questions.
Officers who spot signs of impairment may ask the drivers to move to a secondary area for additional screening. That is when drivers may have to submit to testing. Officers may request that drivers perform field sobriety tests. They may also ask drivers to submit to breath tests. Pre-arrest chemical testing and field sobriety testing are voluntary, meaning that drivers can decline those tests.
After an arrest, refusing a chemical test is a violation of implied consent laws that could lead to a driver's license suspension and other penalties. Drivers who are 21 or older can face DWI charges for a blood alcohol concentration BAC of 0.08% or clear signs of impairment. Drivers under 21 are at risk of a driving under the influence (DUI) charge if their BAC test results are between 0.02 and 0.079%.
Drivers can potentially take reasonable steps to avoid a checkpoint as they approach it. They can reroute or turn in a safe and legal manner to avoid a checkpoint. However, if officers notice them conducting illegal traffic maneuvers or if they demonstrate observable impairment, they may then face a one-on-one traffic stop. Police officers can also arrest those stopped at checkpoints due to the driver not having a driver's license, invalid insurance or an outstanding warrant.
Those facing DWI or DUI charges because of a checkpoint stop may need assistance preparing to fight those allegations. Consulting with an Arkansas criminal defense attorney can help those arrested at a sobriety roadblock.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[What you must know about the complexities of parenting schedules]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=473352026-01-29T07:27:34Z2026-01-29T07:27:34ZTypes of parenting plans
Parenting plans often come with 50/50 schedules to ensure a child spends equal time with both. Here are the common examples to give you an idea of what you can use:
Alternating weeks: The children spend one week with one parent and the next with the other.
2 weeks each: The children spend two weeks with one parent, then the next with the other.
2-2-3 schedule: The children spend alternating two-day blocks with each parent, followed by a three-day weekend that swaps every other week.
3-4-4-3 schedule: The children spend a three-day and a four-day block with one parent, then reverse those durations the following week.
Effective plans must also integrate contingencies for special events, such as academic breaks, holidays and birthdays.
Pros and cons of parenting schedules
While balanced schedules promote fairness, they can be impractical for some families. One parent may feel marginalized. Furthermore, children can have a hard time adjusting to the constant shuttling of homes.
If a 50/50 schedule may not be feasible, consider exploring customized plans with your co-parent. This accounts for unique work shifts, extracurriculars and other considerations that can lessen the negative impact of divorce on children.
Modifying the order when life changes
Life can be unpredictable, as events occur without notice. Under Arkansas law, you can request a modification if there is a material change in circumstances. These can include a job relocation or a child’s changing school needs. Conversely, subjective grievances, such as conflicting parenting styles, generally do not meet the legal threshold for a modification.
If you feel overwhelmed by the process of creating a parenting plan, seeking help from a divorce attorney can be a valuable resource. Their advice can guide you and your co-parent to find a schedule that works for both parties and the children.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[When discipline crosses the line and flips custody]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=473222025-10-01T13:56:44Z2025-10-01T13:04:19Zprotect your child.
At what point does discipline become abuse?
Reasonable discipline is a parent’s right. But when discipline starts becoming abuse, the courts will step in to prioritize the child’s rights. Here are some warning signs you need to watch out for:
Verbal attacks: Insults, name-calling or shaming a child in front of other people.
Isolation as punishment: Cutting a child off from friends or family as a form of control.
Unrealistic expectations: Overreacting to normal mistakes that children make and demanding perfection.
Manipulation or threats: Using fear to control a child’s behavior.
It is so easy to overlook abuse when the child is not in your care, which is why you should keep an open communication with them, so they can alert you if something is wrong. Judges consider all forms of neglect or abuse as grounds for flipping custody or changing the terms to include supervised visitation only.
What to do if you suspect abuse
Abuse is not always obvious, especially if it is new behavior on your former spouse’s part. But if you believe your co-parent is crossing the line, start keeping records of the behavior. Bring your child to a pediatrician or a child psychologist for a professional evaluation. If your doctor identifies concrete signs of abuse, file a petition to modify the custody agreement right away. Work with a family law attorney if you are unsure about the process.
Protect your child
Do not let strict parenting escalate. Remove your child from the situation and gather all the evidence you need to present in court. If your former partner cannot protect your child, it is up to you to do so.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Red flags: 10 signs you may be divorcing a covert narcissist]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=473162025-08-18T14:41:01Z2025-08-18T14:41:01ZWhen divorcing a covert narcissist, the process can be emotionally draining and confusing. Covert narcissists like using subtle, manipulative behaviors rather than grandiosity or aggression.
Their tactics are often difficult to recognize, especially in emotionally charged situations like divorce. Understanding these red flags can help individuals navigate the process more confidently.
1. Playing the victim
Covert narcissists tend to portray themselves as the victim, regardless of the reality. They may fabricate stories about being mistreated. This helps them gain sympathy from friends and family and influence custody decisions.
2. Passive-aggressive behavior
Covert narcissists may initially agree to parenting schedules or financial plans, only to subtly sabotage them later. Tactics like pretending to misunderstand agreements are designed to frustrate and destabilize their ex.
3. Emotional withdrawal and silent treatment
Covert narcissists often use emotional withdrawal as a form of punishment or control. During divorce, they may:
Withhold affection
Avoid communication
Give the silent treatment
These behaviors can stall progress and make co-parenting discussions particularly challenging.
4. Guilt-tripping and manipulation
Covert narcissists like to use guilt to make their ex feel responsible for their unhappiness or setbacks. This can lead to self-doubt and hesitation when making important legal or personal decisions.
5. Smear campaigns and playing both sides
Covert narcissists may secretly spread negative or misleading stories about their ex. They may position themselves as the reasonable party while painting their partner as irrational, creating confusion and division among mutual.
6. Refusal to take responsibility
Even when presented with clear evidence, covert narcissists are likely to deflect blame and insist that their partner is the source of all issues. This can lead to repeated conflicts and slow down the divorce process.
7. Victimizing themselves in court
Covert narcissists may present themselves as misunderstood in an attempt to sway judges. They may even cry to gain sympathy, in an attempt to skew proceedings in their favor.
8. Sabotaging progress
It’s not unusual for a covert narcissist to backtrack on agreements or introduce last-minute demands after appearing cooperative. This tactic is meant to prolong the divorce process and frustrate the other party.
9. Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a subtle yet damaging tactic where the narcissist causes their partner to doubt their own memories or sanity. They may deny things they’ve said, leaving their partner emotionally vulnerable during critical moments.
10. Feigned helplessness
Pretending to be incapable of managing basic responsibilities is another covert tactic. This feigned incompetence shifts the burden onto the other party and garners sympathy from outsiders.Divorcing a covert narcissist is uniquely difficult because their behavior often flies under the radar. Recognizing these signs and enlisting unwavering legal support can help individuals finally free themselves from covert narcissists. ]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Unmasking Munchausen by Proxy: Protecting children in court]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=473142025-06-25T07:08:16Z2025-06-25T07:08:16ZWhen custody gets complicated and one parent’s behavior starts raising serious red flags, it’s not always easy to separate concern from control. That’s what makes Munchausen by Proxy cases so difficult — because what looks like devotion on the surface can, in reality, be something much more dangerous underneath.
What is Munchausen by Proxy?
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) happens when a caregiver — usually a parent — intentionally exaggerates, fabricates or even induces illness in a child to gain attention or control. The caregiver uses the child as a pawn in a pattern of deception and pushes for unnecessary medical tests or treatments that cause real physical or emotional harm. And while MSBP falls under mental health, what sets it apart is the calculated way the caregiver manipulates systems, especially medical ones, to fuel their narrative at the child’s expense.
How MSBP shows up in custody and child protection cases
When MSBP enters a custody dispute, the court often moves quickly and cautiously. Allegations alone may prompt temporary custody orders, supervised visitation or a formal psychological evaluation. Judges appoint a guardian ad litem or involve child protective services when the child’s health or emotional safety appears at risk. And because these cases don’t rely on a single incident, your documentation, timelines and consistent records carry more weight than dramatic accusations.
Recognizing the signs of MSBP
You might notice constant doctor visits with no clear diagnosis, a child who’s always described as sick but never actually looks like it or explanations that don’t match up with medical records. And while it’s easy to second-guess your instincts, these patterns often point to something deeper — something that trained professionals know how to identify. Courts don’t expect you to put a label on it, but they do rely on expert findings when deciding how to keep a child safe.
What to do if you suspect it
If you believe something’s wrong, don’t second-guess yourself. Take action. Report your concerns to a pediatrician, a therapist or child protective services, and document everything: who said what, when and how often it happens. You can also speak to a family law attorney who handles complex custody issues involving mental health and child abuse. Judges issue protective orders, suspend visitation or mandate evaluations based on clear records — and you can help build that record.
If you’re worried, here’s what matters most
You don’t have to play detective and you don’t need to have all the answers. But if something feels wrong — especially if a child keeps getting pulled into medical situations that don’t make sense — trust that instinct and take the next step. Whether you start a paper trail, talk to a professional or get legal help, your effort makes a difference. The point is to keep the child safe, and you don’t have to do that alone.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[What happens if co-parents disagree about a child’s medical care?]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=472652024-09-11T00:12:57Z2024-09-11T00:12:57ZDisputes may lead back to court
It is standard practice to expect parents to share custody. The Arkansas family courts award physical custody or parenting time. They also award legal custody or decision-making authority. In most scenarios, judges expect parents to share time with their children and the power to make decisions about their upbringing.
Occasionally, a custody order or parenting plan might include provisions that give one adult the final say in certain types of decisions. Both parents generally have the authority to make immediate or emergency decisions during their parenting time. If a child falls and breaks their arm, the parent currently caring for the child decides what medical facility provides the trauma care for the child.
However, parents have to collaborate on long-term decisions. Both parents likely need to be on board regarding counseling or physical therapy for a child with a sports injury. When parents cannot agree about what care is appropriate or what professionals should provide that care, they may need to go back to court.
An Arkansas family law judge can hear the perspectives of both parents and then reach a decision that they believe is in the best interests of the child. They can approve necessary medical care or decline to authorize treatment that one parent opposes. Occasionally, a family law judge might decide that the best solution is to modify the custody order to increase one parent's legal decision-making authority so that similar conflicts don't occur in the future.
Parents trying to navigate a child custody dispute about decision-making authority may need to document their concerns and review their custody order. Requesting judicial intervention or a custody modification, if necessary, can help ensure children receive the medical care they need.]]>On Behalf of Natural State Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[3 factors that influence claims of constructive drug possession]]>https://www.catterlinlaw.com/?p=472112024-08-14T10:58:28Z2024-08-19T10:57:18ZProximity
Sometimes, police officers use an individual's location and the location of the drugs at the time of the search as a justification for constructive possession charges. If police officers believe that someone may have hurriedly shoved drugs in the seat of a vehicle or between the cushions of a couch, their nearby presence can be an indicator of their connection to the drugs.
Access
Another factor that the state considers is who has access to a location or a vehicle. In scenarios where police officers find drugs in a location where only one person has access, the state typically operates under the assumption that the person would access own and control those drugs. For example, if a motorist does not allow anyone else into their vehicle, they might face constructive possession charges for drugs found in the spare tire compartment of the trunk.
Personal history
When multiple people could have had access to an area and the state isn't sure who to charge, looking at the criminal records of the people involved can be part of the investigatory process. Individuals who have prior criminal records related to drug possession or distribution are more likely to face charges based on claims of constructive possession when the police find drugs near them or in a place to which they have access.
Claims of constructive possession can lead to the same penalties as allegations of actual possession. Any defendant accused of constructive drug possession may need help developing a defense strategy. Understanding how the state builds its case can be beneficial for those trying to avoid a criminal conviction.]]>