Divorces are generally filed on one of two bases, uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce is when a person and their spouse mutually agree on ending their relationship. However, on the contrary, a contested divorce is when one or both parties cannot agree on the divorce or one or more of the matters associated with it. While it is easy for a couple to determine whether their divorce is contested or not, a recent divorce case that was reported on by the Shreveport Times doesn’t quite seem fit the description of either type.
You see, while Demario Clark, 27, was aware that a divorce was in the works, his wife, whom the source did not identify, had no idea that her husband had filed for divorce nor was she wanting one. Although the source doesn’t clarify what the status of their relationship was, it highlighted that Mrs. Clark received notice that she had been granted a divorce in Caddo District Court without her ever filing or signing any forms associated with the process. Confused, the woman decided to dig deeper into the matter to find out what was going on.
It turns out, Clark and his girlfriend Lisa McKinney, 50, had prepared the necessary documentation to file for divorce and forged signatures on the documents to get it finalized. Evidence was eventually revealed that McKinney’s daughter, Stanneisha McKinney, forged Mrs. Clark’s signature and the paperwork was filed with the Caddo Parish Clerk’s Office. The divorce was eventually granted on August 1st.
After the forgery was discovered, the source highlighted that McKinney “testified as a witness on Clark’s behalf during the proceedings.” Clark was arrested for filing false public records and McKinney was arrested for forgery. McKinney’s daughter was also arrested for forgery and all three were booked into the Caddo Correctional Center.
While this case is one of the rarer ones, there are times in a divorce case when things aren’t exactly handled properly. In some instances, one parent may lose out on receiving custody even though they meet all the criteria to receive joint custody or another parent may be required to pay alimony even though their circumstances don’t suggest they have to pay. While you would assume the courts will handle divorces in a fair and legal manner, things sometimes get overlooked and on certain occasions, one party might walk away with an unfair outcome.
However, you can prevent this from happening to you by hiring a divorce lawyer to represent you throughout the duration of your case. The Baton Rouge, LA divorce attorneys at Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf will be there to protect you and your interests and will work through your divorce to ensure a favorable outcome is obtained. Therefore, if you are considering filing for divorce in Baton Rouge or would like to learn more about the process, contact our firm today by calling 225-343-2205.
You can reach Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf at:
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205