There are many situations where the guidance of a compassionate family lawyer could be invaluable. In good times and bad, the issues that can arise among family members often require the guidance of diligent legal counsel to resolve.
From divorce to adoption, a Poughkeepsie family lawyer is here to help you through your family disputes. We understand what you are going through, and our skilled attorneys are dedicated to providing the support and advocacy you need during this time.
Expanding Your Family Through Adoption
There are different ways to adopt a child. However, the laws surrounding adoption are complex and strictly enforced. Some adoptions are private, and the birth parents arrange for couples or individuals to adopt their child once they are born.
Other adoptions involve other family members. Grandparents who serve as the primary caretaker for a child often adopt them legally. The same is true for stepparents who fill the role of a parent. A family law attorney in Poughkeepsie may provide guidance throughout the adoption process.
Dealing with Divorce
Divorce is one of the most common reasons to hire a Poughkeepsie family attorney. The end of a marriage is often a challenging and demanding ordeal, but the right legal counsel could make the process more bearable.
There are numerous issues that can arise in the course of divorce proceedings. The division of property is a potential point of conflict in any divorce case. Judges are required to divide marital property equitably, which does not necessarily mean that each party gets the same amount. A skilled attorney may help ensure that a client gets their fair share of assets and is not taken advantage of in court.
Divorce also commonly involves spousal support. Typically known as alimony, this type of support involves financial payments made to a former spouse. These payments are designed to provide the former spouse with support to maintain their standard of living on their own post-divorce. A seasoned attorney could help a divorcing party seek the spousal support payments they need or understand their alimony obligations.
Facing Custody Issues
Issues surrounding the custody of a minor child can arise during the dissolution of a marriage, but also outside of the divorce process. Any time unmarried individuals have a child together, it is incumbent on the court to determine custody rights.
There are different types of minor custody. The court must determine which parent has legal as well as physical custody. Physical custody is the right to determine which parent provides a home to the child. Legal custody covers the right to make vital life decisions on the child’s behalf.
All custody decisions are made in the best interest of the child, meaning that the court must make these decisions based not on the desires of the parents but according to what is best for the child. A family lawyer in Poughkeepsie may help parents draft a custody agreement that takes into account their unique circumstances and prioritizes the wellbeing of the child.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with a Poughkeepsie Family Attorney Today
If you are facing family-related conflict, now is the time to seek out guidance from an attorney. Dealing with these issues alone is risky and could result in less-than-ideal outcomes in court.
A Poughkeepsie family lawyer may advise you of your rights and help you protect your interests in court. Call The Colwell Law Group, LLC today to get started.