Family Law

​Adoptions

Adoption is the legal process by which an adult assumes the legal rights and responsibilities for a child who is not their biological offspring. Adoption can be domestic, international, or through foster care systems. This process involves background checks, home studies, and sometimes court hearings to finalize the adoption.

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Child Custody

Child custody refers to the legal determination of who has the right to make decisions for a child and where the child will live. Custody arrangements can be joint (shared between parents) or sole (with one parent). Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody, including factors like the child’s age, emotional ties, and the parents' ability to provide care.

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Child Support

Child support involves financial contributions from one parent to another to help with the costs of raising a child. These payments are typically determined by state guidelines, which take into account both parents’ incomes, the needs of the child, and custody arrangements. Child support can be modified based on changes in income or circumstances.

 

Divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. This process involves dividing property, determining custody and child support, and possibly alimony (aka maintenance or spousal support). Divorce proceedings can vary significantly depending on whether the divorce is contested (with disagreements over terms) or uncontested (where both parties agree on the terms).

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Legal Separation

Legal separation is an alternative to divorce. It allows married couples to live apart and address issues such as property division, child custody, and support without formally dissolving the marriage. Some people use legal separation as a step before deciding on divorce, while others may prefer it for religious, financial, or personal reasons.

 

Guardianship

Guardianship involves the legal process by which a court assigns someone (a guardian) to take care of a minor or incapacitated adult. Guardianships can be temporary or permanent, and they provide a way for someone other than a parent or spouse to assume responsibility for an individual who cannot care for themselves.

 

Estate Planning

Estate planning refers to the process of preparing for the distribution of a person's estate after their death. This can involve creating a will, establishing trusts, and appointing powers of attorney. Estate planning helps ensure that a person's assets are distributed according to their wishes and provides for their loved ones in the event of incapacity or death.

 

Name Change

A legal name change allows individuals to officially alter their legal name. This can occur for various reasons, such as marriage, divorce, gender transition, or personal preference. A legal petition must be filed, and the court will review the request before granting approval for the name change.

 

Paternity

Paternity establishes the legal father of a child, typically for purposes of child support, custody, and visitation. If a child's parents are unmarried, the father may need to undergo a paternity test to confirm biological parentage. Once established, this grants the father legal rights and responsibilities.

 

Protection Orders

Protection orders (also known as restraining orders or protective orders) are legal directives that prevent one person from contacting or coming near another person. These are often used in cases involving domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or threats. They can be temporary or long-term and are enforceable by law.

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