A family law attorney can offer vital support in various legal scenarios involving your close relationships. Whether you are involved in a dispute over property or child custody, or you have questions about your rights, speaking with legal counsel can help you recognize and secure the best possible outcome.
Navigating the court system on your own is often a mistake, especially when children are involved. At The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, we understand what is at stake in these cases and will work tirelessly to get the most beneficial outcome possible. Let a Coral Gables family lawyer review your situation and advise you of your legal options today.
Handling the Legal Aspects of Divorce
The dissolution of a marriage is one of the most common reasons to seek help from a family attorney in Coral Gables. The right legal counsel can support a person from the early stages of filing their petition until the court issues the decree. Some of the difficult discussions in these cases include the following:
- Division of marital property and debts;
- Child custody, support, and visitation;
- Alimony (spousal support);
- Pensions and life insurance issues.
It is possible to resolve these issues without costly, drawn-out litigation, especially if spouses wish to use collaborative law to discuss their next steps. However, a trusted lawyer can offer wise legal assistance regardless of the complexity of a case.
Child Custody and Support
Issues related to child custody and support are often present, even outside of divorce proceedings. When parents who have never been legally married cannot work out an arrangement, the courts will step in to maintain normalcy for the child(ren).
For custody of a juvenile, the Judge must follow what is known as the “best interest of the child” standard. As the name suggests, the final decision must reflect what the court deems to be the needs of the minor, over everything else, including the parents’ preferences.
The court deals with questions of financial (child) support using the same standard. When a Judge considers the appropriate amount to award each month, they will primarily consider what is best for the child. Other important factors include the specifics of the custody agreement and the gross income of both adults.
Understanding Alimony
Alimony, often called spousal support, is a series of monthly payments made from one former spouse to another during or after divorce proceedings. There are different categories to be aware of, as every case can differ.
For years, the State of Florida allowed permanent alimony that would last for the course of a person’s life. While that is no longer permitted under the law, support can be awarded for a set number of years based on the length of the marriage. In addition, the Judge might grant alimony for a while to help one party to complete their education.
Alimony can have a tremendous impact on the finances of both parties, so it is important to take a request for assistance seriously. A family lawyer based in Coral Gables can answer questions concerning these payments and how likely a Judge is to grant a request.
Get in Touch with a Family Attorney in Coral Gables Today
It is rare for disputes between family members to be simple. While some conflicts can be resolved over time without judicial intervention, others require a Judge to step in. This is especially common when it comes to divorce.
The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm is ready to help you get the best result in your case so you can move on to the next chapter in your life. Contact a Coral Gables family lawyer today to schedule a free case evaluation.