Experiencing marital dissolution is often a devastating life event. In addition to the emotional fallout, a divorce can include difficult decisions about how to divide property, and how to arrange child custody and support arrangements. If you need help navigating these complex legal issues, an experienced West Palm Beach Family Lawyer could provide invaluable counsel.
A family law attorney could handle a wide range of cases related to marriage dissolution, such as divorce, child custody and support. Moreover, they also help clients with other types of family law matters such as domestic violence and paternity establishment. They listen carefully to their clients’ concerns before offering legal advice and steps on how to proceed.
When the decision to divorce is made, a divorce petition must be filed with the local court. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse (the respondent) has a specified amount of time to file a response with the court. During this process, both spouses may exchange relevant information and documents through the discovery process. Spouses may also attend mediation sessions to try to resolve disputed issues such as property division, alimony and child custody without going to trial.
After the respondent has had an opportunity to review all of the information and submit any responses, a settlement conference will be scheduled. During the mediation session, both parties may negotiate and attempt to reach agreements on all outstanding issues. If they are successful, they can submit a written settlement agreement to the court for approval.
If the spouses cannot reach an agreement, they will have to go to trial. At the trial, both spouses will present evidence and arguments to a judge who will issue a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. The final judgment will address all issues agreed upon or decided by the court, including property division, alimony and child custody.
In some cases, a party may need to seek modification of an existing child custody or support arrangement due to a change in circumstances. A family lawyer could explain how a request for modification of a previous order may be handled in Palm Beach County. Click here to contact the #1 Family Attorney in Palm Beach County, FL.
The Lane Law Firm, P.A. is a family and divorce law firm with offices in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Wellington. The firm’s attorneys represent clients in divorce and family law cases involving property distribution, high-net-worth assets, child custody and support, as well as other related matters. They focus on providing sound legal advice and strategic, cost-effective representation. Their clientele includes executives, business owners, financial and medical professionals, and athletes. The firm also represents the estates of decedents. The firm’s team of lawyers has more than three decades of litigation experience. The firm’s website features a free online consultation form for prospective clients. They also offer payment plans. The firm is Lead Counsel verified, meaning that it meets stringent qualifications and is in good standing with the state bar associations. The website also provides detailed profiles of each lawyer’s background, education and practice areas.