Theiss Law OfficeS

Family law has grown far beyond the divorce lawyer of old. Today, family law cases cover many issues...

Divorce and Separation

Divorce is the most common reason people consult a family law attorney. Unfortunately, statistics show that 40-50% of all marriages end in divorce. You will need an attorney for matters related to:

• Marital property division
• Alimony or spousal support
• Child custody and child support if there are children in the household
• Other issues

Reasons to Hire an Attorney For Your Divorce

If you are considering filing for divorce, it may feel overwhelming. Even if you understand the legal procedures, there are still many decisions to make. How do you avoid a custody battle and agree on a workable visitation plan? How do you file court paperwork? It can take an emotional toll on you and your entire family. Even if you are considering divorce mediation, working with a family law attorney can positively impact the process and outcomes.

Objectivity

As an outsider to your divorce, your attorney can be objective about your case. You may be tempted to go for a quick resolution when emotions run high. Your divorce lawyer knows you will live with this outcome for years. They want to ensure you make the best decision for the long term. For example, your attorney may counsel you to wait for a more equitable division rather than accept a quick settlement agreement on property division.

Help Navigating Paperwork and Red Tape

Divorce involves a lot of paperwork, process, and deadlines. An experienced attorney can work through the myriad of time-consuming paperwork. This saves you time and energy. It also can give you peace of mind that all forms and documentation are accurately completed.

Access to Experts and Consultants

When a divorcing couple has wealth, a family business, or extensive property, a family law attorney may bring in experts. This team of experts and consultants could include business valuators, forensic accountants, and Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) experts.

Child Support, Custody, and Visitation

Child custody and child support may be part of the divorce process or separate legal proceedings. Often parents can agree on everything else but argue over child custody and visitation rights. Having an attorney you are comfortable talking to about parenting and custody arrangements makes the process much easier.

Paternity discovery is often part of a child support case. A single parent can petition the court to order the other parent of the child to provide child support, but they must prove the alleged paternity.

Prenuptial agreements define spouses' rights to marital property before marriage. Couples with existing businesses or real estate often want to protect their rights in the event of a divorce. State laws require both parties to have the agreements reviewed by their own attorneys. A postnuptial agreement gives the same protection after the wedding.

Restraining and protective orders may be part of divorce proceedings. If there are allegations of domestic violence, an attorney may include a request for a restraining order with the petition. Some people who don't want to involve the police may come to a family law office for help in getting a protective order from the court.

Estate planning may be part of family law for forward-thinking couples. Most couples don't think of wills and trusts because they're not old yet. Planning the disposition of property and guardianship of children in an emergency is essential.