Separation / Divorce / Alimony / Child Custody / Child Support / Visitation / Modifications / Division of property and Debt / Physical or Emotional Abuse

Family law consists of statutes and case precedents that govern the legal responsibilities between individuals who share a domestic connection. These cases are usually emotionally-charged and litigants are strongly advised to retain legal counsel.

It is important to to hire an attorney to represent you in any family law dispute. Hiring an attorney will provide an advantage in finding assets or income of the other party, present arguments in court regarding child support and visitation, and even take the case to trial if settlement talks fail.

The potential for domestic abuse is not limited to relationships between current or former spouses and their children. Judges will not hesitate to assert jurisdiction to protect an elderly family member, someone in a dating relationship, or even a roommate. When allegations of abuse are made, the court will typically issue a restraining order to prevent further contact.

Parental Rights & Obligations

The issue of child custody is the most common dispute in family court. As should be expected, parents are extremely concerned with the safety, education, and overall wellbeing of their children. Custody decisions become even more difficult following a divorce or breakup, as parents tend to be distrustful of each other at these times. Regardless of the state of affairs between the parents, judges will always decide custody based on "the best interests of the child."

All parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children. The amount of support ordered in a particular case will be calculated according to state statute. These calculation will take into account the respective incomes of the parents, the cost of health insurance for the child, support paid for other children by the non-custodial parent, nights the children spend with each party, and other factors.

Custody and support orders are subject to modification. To alter a visitation schedule or revise the amount of child support, the requesting party must demonstrate that circumstances have changed since the order was entered.

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