- DivorceDivorce comes in many forms. All of them can be difficult, but the form with the least amount of hassle is the uncontested divorce or no-contest divorce. The case of an uncontested divorce is ideal, as it has the least amount of time spent taking legal action versus a contested divorce.
- Child SupportIn most states, including Alabama, the noncustodial parent is responsible for paying the other parent who has sole or primary physical custody of the child or children. This means whoever has the child living with them in their home fulltime will receive a monthly amount to help cover expenses. This payment is paid by the other parent. Parents with a joint custody arrangement are also obligated for child support payments. If both parents are employed, then the parent with the higher income is obligated to pay a higher percentage.
- Child Custody and VisitationThe topic of divorce is often a very tough one to discuss. It’s a legal process that often leaves many confused and frustrated, all while they’re trying to sort out the highly emotional process of leaving a married relationship. Often there are high stakes to a divorce being performed properly, such as in the case of child custody, or contested assets. It can be messy, and improper filing can lead to a series of issues that directly affect one or both parties in getting their fair share.
- Adoption, focusing primarily on domestic relations, divorce and child support, child custody law, adoption law, juvenile, probate practice, and wills.
- GuardianshipDivorce, Mediation, Post-Divorce Modification and Contempt, Custody/Visitation, Child Support, Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Adoptions, Guardianships/Conservatorships, Document Drafting such as Wills, Deeds, Power-of-Attorney forms and Health Care Directives.
- Spousal SupportDivorce settlements generally focus on 3 things: joint property division, alimony and support, and child custody and support. Alabama is an equitable distribution state, meaning that assets are divided based on what is “fair and equitable,” which is to say that not all assets are split equally. Alimony is often awarded in the case of a long term marriage. If fault is decided upon, the judge may determine them to be required to pay alimony support to their divorced spouse, especially if that spouse was economically dependent on the other.
- Child AbuseJuvenile law was established by policy makers and the courts in order to prosecute minors with less strict penalties than adults. In our area, the Juvenile Court also handles cases involving custody disputes between non-married parents and between parents versus non-parents, such as in cases of child abuse and neglect.
- Juvenile CrimesJuvenile law is an area of law that refers to minors or individuals who have not reached the age of adulthood. This applies to young adults who are old enough to be held accountable for criminal acts. While the age of minority varies in each state, individuals under the age of 18 are considered to be minors. In some states, the age of a minor is much lower at 16 or 17. After the individual reaches the maximum age of that state’s age requirement, he or she can be charged as an adult following a criminal offense.
- HomicideIn rare cases, a minor under the age of majority can be charged as an adult depending on the nature of the crime. Minors who commit homicide or criminal sexual misconduct have the possibility of being charged as an adult. The prosecutor presiding over the case is normally decides whether the minor should be charged as an adult.
- ShopliftingIf a conviction is handed down to a minor following a proceeding, the penalty for the criminal offense will be significantly less severe. In most cases, the offender will more than likely serve his or her sentence in a juvenile facility as opposed to spending time in jail. Juveniles will likely receive some form of rehabilitation support through counseling or community service. If the minor is a first-time offender, offenses such as possession of alcohol or shoplifting could be dismissed by the state’s attorney. The juvenile must display a course of good behavior for a period of time in order for this to occur. While alternative options are available instead of jail time, the offense will be on the minor’s criminal record which could affect employment, military service and other opportunities.
- Estate Planning
- Wills
- Power of Attorney
- Probate