Divorce
Getting a divorce right is crucial as fixes and do-overs can be tricky if not impossible. You likely have one chance to get it right and make sure you are not taken advantage of. You might have real property, retirement accounts, investment accounts, spousal support, and equalizing judgments to figure out, and if there are children involved there is also custody, parenting time, and child support. If things are amicable, it can be an easy process where you want to have an attorney make sure nothing slips through. If things are contentious, having an attorney involved to advocate for your interests can be invaluable.
Sometimes you do not need full representation and you can handle the process yourself with the support of a lawyer reviewing forms and guiding you. I am happy to offer this limited-scope representation when appropriate.
I welcome tricky fact patterns and wading into the unknown to figure out how to turn a marriage of more than emotion (it is stuff, finances, children, pets, and more) into two separate lives. Sometimes it requires creativity and thinking outside of the box. It often requires stamina to make it to the end. But it is worth it. Getting to the final Judgment that my clients feel good about and can live with long after I am out of the picture is what keeps me going.
Unsure of what makes sense for you? Schedule a consultation and bring those questions. We can dig in and I will be honest with you about what type of representation I would recommend, as well as what we can do with what you are able to afford. And if I don’t think I’m the right lawyer for you, I have a handful of referrals I would be happy to give you.
Unmarried Parents - Custody, Parenting Time, and Child Support
Whether you are freshly separated or have been separated for some time (or maybe you were never together except for that one time), it’s a good idea to solidify legal custody, a parenting plan, and (maybe) child support.
As a parent, I care deeply about creating effective parenting plans. If both parents can agree on the parenting plan, you are starting out with a strong foundation.
While it is easy to be lax or overly flexible, parenting plans should prepare for miscommunications and times when cooperation breaks down. I work hard with my clients to go through all the potential scenarios not only with the parenting time schedule, but everything else that goes into parenting these kids. I love being an attorney, but I love being a parent more, and the work we do as parents is one of the most important jobs we will ever have. So when I get a chance, you better believe I’m going to roll up my sleeves for you and your family to make sure you are on your best footing with your new parenting plan.
I can handle this from top to bottom, or I can help you fill out the forms and provide you legal advice in a limited-service capacity.
Modifications
Nothing lasts forever. Hence, modification.
Time to terminate or modify spousal support? I can handle that matter.
Need to respond to the other party’s motion to terminate or modify child support? I can handle that matter.
Time to modify provisions regarding custody, parenting time, or child support? I can handle that matter.
Need to respond to the other party’s motion to modify custody, parenting time, or child support? I can handle that matter.
Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, & Cohabitation Agreements
While I mainly handle divorces and modification, I also handle varios agreements that coincide with family law and the litigation work I do. In my practice I see many disagreements that could be avoided with prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreement, and cohabitation agreements. I see how much money is spent on lawyers to solve these disagreements. Not everything can be included in one of these agreements, but a lot can. You might be surprised at how inexpensive a prenuptial agreement, postnuptial agreemnet, or cohabitation agreement is.
So if you are getting married, moving in with a partner, or want to discuss postnuptial agreemnets, schedule a consultation to discuss what that would mean for you. I have handled both sides: drafting the prenuptial agreement and representing the non-drafting party through the process.
Other Areas
If there is a small matter that requires legal attention that you think I might be able to help you with, please contact me and we and discuss whether or not I might be able to provide assistance.