Family Law and Divorce Practice

We provide professional advice and zealous representation in family law matters.

Separation and Marital Property Agreements

Painful, expensive and lengthy divorce proceedings may often be avoided if you use a carefully prepared separation and marital property agreement. We encourage dialog between the opposing sides. Complex matters, even if acrimonious, can sometimes be resolved through the use of a court mediator. If, with our help, you and your partner are successful in resolving all (or even some) of the issues, the Firm will either prepare the proper documents or review and advise regarding documents prepared by opposing counsel.

Divorce

If you, even with our help, are unable to resolve your differences, in a manner that is satisfactory to you, we will file and litigate, as necessary. Although divorce litigation can be unfriendly, prolonged, and expensive court, we will attempt to minimize, to the extent possible, those hassles. Often, if sufficient effort is put forth, and if opposing counsel is reasonable, the case may be settled without the need for an adversarial trial. If it cannot be settled, we will be prepared to zealously and aggressively fight for your rights.

Adoption

We represent clients in adoption matters. For example, a step-parent may seek to legally adopt the child of his or her spouse. In other cases, a couple or individual may seek to adopt a child orphaned or abandoned by the birth parents. In any event, we will represent you in the most cost efficient manner, while maintaining the highest degree of professional competence.

Guardianship

Sometimes, due to physical or mental incapacity, it is necessary to seek court approved guardianship of a loved one. The process can seem overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. Our goal is to make the process as easy and successful as possible.

Custody

If there are minor children, the parties may disagree on issues of physical custody and legal custody. A custody issue may also arise in a claim separate from a divorce action. Physical custody addresses where the minor child(ren) will reside during the majority of the time and, thus, which party is awarded “primary physical custody.” Physical custody may be shared, meaning that the minor child will reside for an equal (or nearly equal time) with each party. Legal Custody addresses which party has the legal authority to decide important issues in the day-to-day life of the minor child(ren). These issues include, but are not limited to, health care, education, and religious preference. Investigation, preparation, and knowledge of the law are paramount for success in favorably resolving custody disputes. We offer experienced, diligent and personalized representation in matters involving custody.

Child Support and Visitation

Child support is controlled by statutory child support guidelines. The combined gross income of the parties and any special needs of the minor child(ren) factor into the calculation of the guidelines in any given case. Often, disputes arise as to the income or potential income of the parties, especially prevalent if one or both parties are self-employed. The Firm will aggressively investigate the earnings or earning potential of the opposing party in an attempt to ensure that the Court sees the guidelines in a light most favorable to our client. Regarding visitation, except in rare cases, the non-custodial parent, i.e., the parent who does not have primary physical custody of the minor child, is entitled to visitation. Disputes arise when the parties disagree as to dates, the times, and the duration of visitation. Although we, like the courts, are concerned with the best interest of the child(ren), we zealously advocate to obtain the best possible visitation for our client or the least possible visitation for the opposing party.