It’s important to keep in mind that the biggest factor that the court will consider in determining the custody arrangements for your child will be what arrangements are most in your child’s best interest. We will make sure this is a central focus in our presentation of your case.
Are you and your spouse in agreement that a divorce is the best way to proceed? An uncontested divorce is the best way to proceed, but still will take some time because most times require a waiting period of six months before a divorce can become final.
If you are ready to end your marriage, you know how daunting making those first steps can be. Why not choose an attorney who can take care of the paperwork and securing you the settlement you deserve so that you have time to do all that you’ll have to do?
Please know that we don’t understand you to be an expert in family law. That’s why you have us. No matter how trivial you think your question may be, feel free to ask it anyway.
Are you considering expanding your family through adoption? We can help you with all your questions of open or closed adoptions, domestic or international. There are many ways to provide a home to a child who needs one, and we want to make it as easy as possible.
If you are facing a custody battle, we highly recommend that you keep a calendar for everything. This will not only help you look back and remember details, but it can provide crucial documentation of other events and happenings.
Did you know that you don’t always have to go to a full blown divorce trial if you are willing to accept a no-fault divorce? It typically requires nothing more than a short hearing to get the decision approved, at least once the divisions of assets and other concerns have been worked out.
Does lump sum alimony have to be paid all at once? Not always. The amount of a lump sum alimony judgment can be paid all at once or in some instances over an extended period of time – but whether this possibility exists will depend on the circumstances of the divorce.
The legalities of a divorce and custody order can at times be difficult to understand without a background in law. If you don’t understand what’s going on at any point during your case, just ask.
The most common type of divorce is known as absolute divorce. With this type of divorce, the marriage is completely dissolved based on no-fault or at-fault filings. Whether a no-fault or at-fault divorce is filed will depend on the cause of the divorce and a client’s desired outcome.
As of 2010, all states in the US allow for "no-fault" divorces. This means that neither spouse has to prove the other's wrongdoing to be granted a divorce, and can merely state irreconcilable differences, breakdown of the marriage, or living apart for at least a minimum period of time as the reason.
There are many reasons to rely on a family lawyer when you get divorced. Many people are emotionally upset during a divorce and not in the proper frame of mind to work out a divorce settlement, and as a result they could overlook important details.
Premarital agreements are also called "cohabitation agreements" and are a way of asserting legal rights for cohabiting couples. Indeed, such contracts, written up by a family law attorney, are a way of establishing rights as per debt, child custody, and property division should the couple later split up.
We recognize that there will be times when you simply can’t come to an agreement over asset division or child custody with your spouse. Remember, having a skilled attorney on your side can be the best way to fight for your rights, regardless of whether your case goes to trial.
The amount of alimony you will be required to pay will depend on a variety of factors based on the laws in your state. This might include your age and health, your income and your spouse’s income, the length of the marriage, and who has custody of the children (if applicable).
Remember, family law is a matter handled at the state level, not federal. This means that the rules governing your case in the state you currently reside in could be vastly different than they were when you went through similar proceedings in another state.
We recognize that it’s not always easy to determine the best way to handle a family legal matter because emotions are in play. Working with a family law attorney can help you ensure you’re working toward the best possible outcome.
Remember, it’s best to keep your cool during family law court proceedings, even when you feel attacked. Remaining calm and treating the proceedings with respect can make a favorable impression with the judge.
Individuals seeking a divorce that do not hire a lawyer commonly make mistakes that require hearings to be rescheduled, whether the issue is missed deadlines or forms filled out incorrectly. This can force both parties to the divorce to miss additional time from work and to lose money.
Are you prepared for the financial realities of life after divorce? Studies have shown that a woman’s standard of living falls by 27 percent on average. A family lawyer can help by pushing for alimony and the fairest distribution of property.
Do you always feel like you have to walk on eggshells around a former spouse because you don’t want to lose visitation with your children? Let’s talk about the details of your custody agreement so that you can gain a better understanding of under what circumstances your visitation can actually be cancelled.
Spousal support, also called "alimony" or "spousal maintenance," is a schedule of payments or a lump sum from one former spouse to the other. It's only awarded when certain conditions are met. If you think you qualify for alimony, bring this up to your attorney, who will help you figure out if this is realistic.