Family Law
We handle a wide range of family law matters including divorce, post-divorce modification, paternity, unmarried parent issues, custody, support, and domestic violence.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
The decision to end a marriage is a difficult one. As your attorney, we try to reduce the stress and anxiety that is often inherent with a divorce. An attorney will meet with you to discuss your particular situation, and advise you of your options and the procedures available to you. Our goal is for you to obtain a fair and equitable result. This area encompasses custody, child support, alimony, taxes, asset and property distribution, liabilities, insurance and education expenses. We try to resolve these issues by negotiating a fair settlement. However, if necessary, we are prepared to litigate the matter. For more detailed information regarding divorce, click on the “Divorce” tab in the left panel on this page.
Post-divorce Modification
Circumstances may change after your divorce. These circumstances may merit a change in custody, child support, visitation, or alimony. We will evaluate your situation to see if post-judgment motions need to be filed to modify or change access schedules with children, child support, and alimony (if permissible under the judgment), among other issues. However, certain issues are non-modifiable, e.g. property settlement. We can also file post-judgment motions for contempt if court orders are not being honored.
Unmarried Parent Issues
For parties who are not married but have children together, our firm can represent prospective clients in obtaining custody or access orders (visitation) from the court, as well as handling the accompanying issues of child support, health insurance coverage, and education expenses.
Paternity
We can help you arrange for DNA testing if there is a question of paternity. Depending on the results, we will see your case through to conclusion.
Guardian Ad Litem/Attorney for the Minor Child(ren)
We have been appointed in court cases as a Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”), and Attorney for the Minor Child(ren). These are two distinct roles.
A GAL’s function is to advocate for what is in the best interest of the minor child. The GAL will examine the child’s environment, see what home life is like, speak with people in daily contact with the child (parents, school personnel, doctors, therapists), and speak with the child as well. The GAL considers all of the information, and then makes a recommendation to the parties and to the Court as to what is in the best interest of the child, which may or may not be in agreement with what the child, either parent (or both parents) would prefer.
An Attorney for the Minor Child (“AMC”) is that child’s attorney, and our job is to represent the child and pursue his or her interests in court. The AMC has an attorney-client relationship with the child, including confidentiality.
Temporary Restraining Orders
If an individual finds themselves in a dangerous, abusive, or harmful relationship or situation with a current or former spouse or significant other, an application can be made to the court asking for relief from such a situation. The court can order a number of things, including no contact by the alleged offending person with the applicant. There are specific criteria that apply to this application, and we can advise you as to whether this choice is appropriate for your case.
Please call us at 860-646-4220 for a free initial consultation.
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