FAMILY LEGAL SERVICES
Family issues can be emotionally devastating. We understand. Do not make difficult decisions on your own. My office will assist you at all stages of your relationship - from marriage preparation, through separation and divorce when necessary. We help with your children - paternity issues, adoption, support, and custody. Grandparents have rights, too, and we fight for those. Services include:
DIVORCE
Simple to complex divorce issues, my office will examine all aspects of your case including entitlements to Injunctive Relief to prevent dissipation of marital assets, Counsel Fees, Equitable Distribution of Property, Injunction from Disposition, Right to Live in The Family Home, Custody, and Support.
SUPPORT & ALIMONY
Our services include obtaining Alimony Pendente Lite, Permanent Alimony, Child Support, and Spousal Support. We will review your entitlement to health care coverage, medical treatment, and choice of education; the importance of remaining in the family home; effects of second jobs, overtime, bonuses, and raises; Self-Support Reserve guidelines; collection and enforcement; contempt proceedings; credit bureau reporting; tax refund offset certification; driver’s license revocation; and freezing and seizure of financial assets.
CUSTODY
My office will evaluate your case against the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act; home county and significant contact standards of jurisdiction; full, shared, partial, physical and legal custody; health care coverage, medical treatment, and religious education; temporary and permanent relocations; the impact of criminal actions, convictions, and PFA Orders; and when it is appropriate and financially responsible to request psychological evaluations and home inspections.
PATERNITY
We will establish paternity on behalf of the Mother, Father, or child, depending on the circumstances. We will review biological and legal paternity; voluntary and involuntary establishment; effects of wed and unwed births; the “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” form; Petition to Determine Paternity; and genetic and DNA testing.
ADOPTION
Reasons for adoption are varied, and my office will look at your situation considering biological and step-parents rights, Consents to Adoption, Termination of Rights, Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights, and all other aspects of the Adoption Act.
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
When getting married, divorce may be a far-off thought. Unfortunately about 40% marriages end that way. Premarital Agreements provide each party with rights and protections in the event of dissolution. My office will help you plan carefully and determine what's right for you.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Your family does not have to suffer. My office will help with Emergency Court Orders, Civil Agreements, and violations involving allegations of stalking, harassment, abuse, assault, imprisonment, and more.
CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES (CYS)
Just because you are contacted by CYS does not mean that you have done anything wrong! My office knows your rights and can assist you at each stage of the proceedings.