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Having a family member in jail can be a stressful experience. There is the emotional turmoil of the situation and added financial burden, so it’s important to know how to live without having your family home. It’s hard to measure how much money is needed because every situation differs. Some spouses become the sole providers for their kids and must pay for all expenses, including food, clothing, and rent. There may be fees for medical or legal services. This article focuses on financial advice on dealing with financial matters when a family member has gone to jail.
Financial Tips You Need to Know About a Family Member that is in Jail
When dealing with a family member in jail, discussing the situation with a family law attorney first is wise and should happen immediately. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations and what you need to do to protect yourself in an emergency. Here is some helpful information on your finances and financial issues if your family member goes to jail. It is ideal for any family that has a family member in jail and is wanting to help them to get out with minimal issues. You will want to make sure you are able to access the resources you need that will help you along the way as well. You will be glad that you did because it can help you over obstacles that you may come across during the process.
Legal Fees to Consider
Legal fees are one of your biggest expenses. Incarcerated family members may need to hire an attorney for legal matters, such as divorce or other disputes. Also, they may need to hire an attorney if they file a petition for bail or post-conviction relief. When a family member is jailed, it’s often the custodial parent’s responsibility to make all of their legal and financial needs. It is necessary to know how to find an affordable and trustworthy attorney to help you in this situation as well. They can help you know what legal fees to expect throughout your time there depending on what you did.
Money for Bail Bonds
One of the first financial decisions a family member takes when a loved one is jailed is how to pay for bail. If the bail amount is high, it will result in a long-term stay in jail, leaving you with a financial problem. In any case, bail does not guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. Many people take a risk and don’t pay the bail in hopes that they’ll have a chance to get out of jail and fight their case. Whether you pay bail or not, it’s important to know how the process works, who can be your bondsman, and where to find one. For example, a Santa Ana bail bonds company provides reliable bail bondsman services and helps you through this process.
Expensive Phone Calls That May be Frequent
A family member that is in jail has limited means of communication. In many cases, a defendant has no access to phones or the Internet. Hence, the family member on the outside has to initiate most calls, which can be very expensive. If the defendant needs to make a phone call, this will cost money. You will want to figure out approximately how much each phone call will cost as this can quickly add up. Make sure that each phone call has a purpose and is productive in getting that person out of jail as quickly as possible.
Unable to Work for Quite a While
For defendants awaiting trial, it’s typically a good idea to find jobs on the outside and support themselves financially. It helps the defendant stay out of trouble and maintain a positive mindset about their case. Because most people are released to the community before trial, the defendant is not allowed to work. This can also depend on the unique situation though. If you already have a job, you will want to make sure you alert them of the situation and see if they are willing to work with you. If not, you will want your family member or friend that isn’t in jail to find some job opportunities for you once you get out. This can greatly help you to get back on your feet quickly and back into society.
Financial Requests Periodically
After sentencing, a defendant is assigned to pay fines and court costs. The total amount may be higher than the original bail amount. Some defendants may need money for a lawyer or help with their children’s education. A family member or a close friend can make these financial payments on behalf of the defendant. It’s important to have a clear record of your payments so the court can verify them in case of a dispute.
Impacts of After Release from Jail for Your Loved One
On returning home, the incarcerated family member may need to adhere to special regulations or restrictions. Also, the defendant will likely have emotional issues and an unstable income after returning home. Eventually, this might lead to depression or even relapse into drug use. These factors can be very sensitive; therefore, you should talk with a family lawyer if you have concerns.
Conclusion for Financial Tips if Your Family Member Goes to Jail
Managing and protecting your financial rights is crucial. Choosing the right attorney and knowing who to contact for bail bonds. The best thing to do is to discuss the situation with a family attorney early. It’s also a good idea to keep emergency funds, even if your family can work. A lawyer can really help you understand your rights, obligations and responsibilities. They can also help to guide you into making the right decisions in order to get your family member or loved one out of jail. A financial plan is essential to your family’s well-being. The earlier you start preparing, the better you can protect yourself from financial hardship.
