Pre-Nuptial Agreements

An agreement entered into by prospective spouses prior to marriage but in contemplation and in consideration thereof; by it, the property and other financial rights of one or both of the prospective parties are determined or are secured to one or both of them and their children.  

mediation

Dissolving a marriage is an emotionally stressful event. Mediation is the most fair, child-focused and cost-effective option possible.  This alternative dispute resolution process allows separating and divorcing couples to take control of planning their own lives, which is beneficial for parents who need to continue to co-parent together.

Choose a peaceful alternative to the courtroom.

Divorce

The act of terminating a marriage by the judgment or decree of a court.

Post-Divorce Decree Modifications

One party to a case will often times request a modification of the current order regarding spousal maintenance, child support, parenting time or decision making authority.

Parental Responsibility and Visitation

Parental Responsibilities must be allocated between the parents of a child and shall include determinations regarding parenting time and decision making responsibilities.  

Parenting Time and/or Visitation rights in a dissolution or custody proceeding refers to permission granted by the court to the noncustodial parent to visit their child.

Decision making responsibilities must be allocated between the parents of a child and refer to which parent has the legal right to make the major decisions in the child’s life.

Restraining/Protection Order

An order issued by a court in domestic violence or abuse cases to protect a spouse from physical and/or emotional harm by the other spouse or a child from abuse by his or her parent(s).  Such an order may be granted immediately by the court in cases where immediate and preset danger of violence or abuse is shown.  Such emergency orders are granted in an ex parte type proceeding and are temporary in duration pending a full hearing by the court with all involved parties present. 

Child Support

The legal obligation of parents to contribute to the economic maintenance of their children.  In a dissolution or custody action, money paid by one parent to another toward the expenses of the children of the marriage. 

Spousal Support | Alimony | Maintenance

Maintenance:  The furnishing by one person to another, financial support for their means of living.

Wills and Trusts

Will: an instrument by which a person makes disposition of his or her real and personal property, to take effect after his or her death, and which by its own nature is revocable during his or her lifetime. 

Trust: a legal entity created by a grantor for the benefit of designated beneficiaries under the laws of the state and the valid trust instrument.   Any arrangement whereby property is transferred with the intention that it be administered by a trustee for another’s benefit. 

Collaborative Law

In a collaborative divorce, the couple and their attorneys are preparing for resolution from day one in a negotiation centered process.The collaborative process recognizes that the couple, and not a judge, is best suited to make decisions that are in the best interest of their family.