Your Trusted Family Law Advisors

A family law attorney can provide crucial assistance during the divorce. Guiding you through your legal rights, helping you with complex paperwork, negotiating settlements,  and representing you in court if necessary, as well as providing emotional support to make the process smoother and less stressful.

Child custody determinations consider various factors, primarily focused on the child’s best interests. These factors typically include each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment. The child’s age and preference (if applicable). The physical and mental health of each parent. Any history of abuse or neglect. The child’s current living situation and school environment.  And the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Courts also consider the parents’ respective work schedules, geographic proximity, and any co-parenting history of cooperation or conflict. The specific factors can vary by jurisdiction, and the court aims to ensure the child’s safety, well-being, and emotional stability.

The time it takes to complete a divorce can vary greatly. It is influenced by factors such as jurisdiction, type of divorce (contested or uncontested), complexity of issues, and court caseload. Uncontested divorces can typically be resolved in a few months, while contested divorces with complicated disputes may take a year or more. Additionally, jurisdiction-specific requirements, such as waiting periods or residency mandates, further affect the timeline, resulting in highly variable processing times for divorces.

To protect your assets in the event of a divorce, your family law attorney can help you negotiate a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These agreements include full financial disclosures, professional valuations of assets and distinguishing between marital and separate property. The process results in clear documentation of financial transactions. A competent family law attorney will help you comprehend the particular laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, as well as strategies to protect your assets during the divorce process.

Grandparents’ rights to visit their grandchildren vary depending on the jurisdiction, but typically their legal rights are limited. If parents oppose grandparent visitation, courts tend to prioritize the parents’ rights to make decisions concerning their children. However, if a parent dies, a divorce occurs, or the family becomes estranged, courts may consider grandparent visitation as long as it is in the best interest of the child. To gain visitation rights, grandparents may need to prove a substantial pre-existing relationship with their grandchild and demonstrate that visitation is in the child’s best interest. The laws and requirements concerning this issue vary widely, so it’s recommended that grandparents seeking visitation consult with a family law attorney familiar with the regulations in their jurisdiction.

The tax implications of divorce and alimony payments can be substantial. Starting from December 31, 2018, payers can no longer deduct alimony payments from their taxes, and recipients no longer need to report them as taxable income. This alteration can have financial planning implications for both parties. Additionally, the division of property can result in capital gains tax if assets are transferred or sold. Also, certain tax credits or deductions may not be available for either spouse after the divorce. It’s essential to consult with a tax professional or attorney to comprehend the precise tax consequences of your divorce.  The implications can vary depending on individual circumstances and applicable tax laws.