When Should You Call A Metairie Family Law Attorney?
Many people think they will only need the services of a family law attorney if they are getting a divorce. While helping clients through the painful process of divorce of one of the services a family law attorney can offer, there are many other circumstances in which a family law attorney can assist you.
How a Prenuptial Agreement can help You
Nobody wants to think about the possibility of divorce while they are planning to marry the love of their life, but the reality is that many marriages do end in divorce. Prenuptial agreements can establish the parties’ property and support rights, making things much easier in the event of divorce. A prenuptial agreement can also establish inheritance rights when one or both parties have children from prior relationships.
What are Grounds for Divorce in Metairie?
A divorce can be painful even in the best circumstances, and even an amicable divorce may involve some complex issues, like the division of marital property, child custody arrangements, or how to handle retirement accounts. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities, even in a no-fault divorce, the best time to talk to a family law attorney is before you file. If both parties agree about child custody and support, a division of property, and spousal support, a written separation agreement can clearly state the terms of the agreement, making the actual divorce process much easier.
A Family Law Attorney will advocate for your Child Support, Custody and Visitation rights
Even after a divorce, child support and custody issues may arise. You may have lost your job, or experienced financial hardships that necessitate a change in child support. Circumstances may have changed, and a change in the custody arrangement may be necessary. If the parties agree on the changes, a family law attorney can help draft a written agreement which will protect you. If the parties do not agree, a court hearing may be necessary.
Child Relocation in Louisiana
Louisiana law requires that a non-custodial parent is notified in advance if the custodial parent plans to move outside of the state, or even within the state if the new address is 75 miles or more from the child’s previous address. Failure to comply with relocation laws may result in a court denying permission to move. As a non-custodial parent, you have a right to present your objections to a proposed relocation. A Louisiana family law attorney can help, whether you are planning to move with your child or your ex is planning to move your child.
How Louisiana will Divide your Assets
Often, a person who is financially dependent on their spouse may stay in a bad marriage out of fear. Do not be afraid to leave a bad situation because you are worried about finances. Talk to a family law attorney about your options. You may be eligible for immediate spousal support while your divorce case is pending, and after your divorce is final. In some cases, your spouse may be ordered to pay some or all of your attorney’s fees.
Louisiana Grandparents’ Rights
Unfortunately, divorce affects not only children and their parents, but grandparents as well. Too often, grandparents find themselves unable to see their grandchildren after a contentious divorce. Louisiana law recognizes that the relationships between grandparents and their children are important, and allows grandparents to request visitation with their grandchildren in the event of a divorce, separation, or the death of a parent.
Step-Parent adoption in Louisiana
Blended families are becoming more and more common, and many step-parents want to unify their blended families by formally adopting their spouse’s children. If you adopt your spouse’s children, you will gain the same rights as any parent. This can be important when a child needs medical care and the biological parent is not nearby, or if the family wants to take a trip overseas and the non-custodial parent is not available to give permission. Adoption also gives your step-children the same inheritance rights as your biological children. Step-parent adoption can be a complex process and should be done with the assistance of an experienced family law attorney.
Domestic Violence Assistance in Metairie
In the unfortunate event that your spouse or partner becomes violent toward you or your children, the courts offer the option of a protective order against the offender. A protective order will allow you to get police assistance if your spouse or partner violates the terms of the order, as in coming to your house or place of work, picking the children up from school, and even getting too close to you.
Choose a Metairie Family Law Attorney
If you need any of the services covered here, look for an experienced family law attorney who knows the courts, judges, and other attorneys in the Metairie area. Experience with local courts is especially important in family law cases and will save you time and money. When choosing a family law attorney, you also want someone who will treat you with compassion, dignity, and respect. Call Candice Bennatt at 504-777-3500 today.
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