FAMILY & DIVORCE LAWYER
IN MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTY, AL
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Divorces, child custody, child support are tough problems to deal with. Trust the local firm in business over 100 years. You have rights, call today to find how Powell Law will help get you what you deserve and what's fair.
There are many different issues when it comes to family law. You owe it to yourself, your children, and your future to speak with an attorney that knows family law. A free consultation can teach you about many issues you didn't even know mattered in your case.
FAMILY LAW COVERS MANY AREAS
Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Division of Assets and Debts, Retirement Funds, Alimony, Grandparents' Rights, and Contempt
Virtually every person has family or friends that have
dealt with the inevitable fall-out of a difficult divorce.
The term “Family Law” encompasses divorce and
all of those areas of law that flow from divorce.
Read more to learn more about the facts you need to know now.
Divorce
Alabama Law has the 3rd highest divorce rate of any state in the country.
There are many issues within every divorce that need the counsel of an attorney – divorce, adultery, abuse, abandonment, child custody, child support, visitation, division of assets and debts, alimony, insurance, medical expenses, retirements, grandparent’s rights, etc. Speak to an attorney and learn your rights relating to all of these issues.
Child Custody
Many divorces center around the children, and custody of the children is usually the
biggest question. No need for negotiating, support rates are set by Alabama Law
Who will be the primary caregiver, or custodian, of the minor children? Each case is determined by the Judge on a case-by-case basis. The Judge must determine what is in the best interest of the child. There are several different types of child custody to be considered in a divorce. The future of your children is of paramount importance – speak to an attorney knowledgeable in the area of child custody to learn your rights.
Child Support
In Alabama, child support is a mathematical calculation based on guidelines created by the Alabama legislature. The calculation is based on the parties’ respective incomes, number of children, health insurance premiums, day care costs, etc. The Guidelines tell you the exact child support amount so there is rarely any negotiation relating to child support.
Visitation
Courts want both parties to actively participate in a child’s life
There are many factors to consider primarily regarding the safety and well-being of the child. Courts want liberal visitation with both parents. There are many different visitation schedules and programs utilized in the Courts to fit any fact scenario. Again, consult with an attorney who handles divorce and child custody regularly.
Division of Assets and Debts
Courts want to fairly divide the debts and assets
One role of the Court in a divorce case is to equitably (fairly) divide marital assets and marital debts. Any asset or debt acquired during the term of the marriage is considered marital property and the Judge has full discretion to divide those assets/debts as they sees fit based on the individual facts of the case. Are the marital assets actually “separate property” or “inherited property”? Who is at fault in causing the divorce can also influence the Judge’s decision in the division of assets and debts. This can be a very complicated part of the divorce process – do not make important financial
decisions such as a division of assets and debts without counsel of an attorney.
Retirement Funds
Many rules and laws apply when it comes to dividing retirement funds
One role of the Court in a divorce case is to equitably (fairly) divide marital assets and marital debts. Any asset or debt acquired during the term of the marriage is considered marital property and the Judge has full discretion to divide those assets/debts as they sees fit based on the individual facts of the case. Are the marital assets actually “separate property” or “inherited property”? Who is at fault in causing the divorce can also influence the Judge’s decision in the division of assets and debts. This can be a very complicated part of the divorce process – do not make important financial decisions such as a division of assets and debts without counsel of an attorney.
Alimony
Consult a qualified alimony attorney is most important
Simply defined, alimony is ongoing financial support paid by one spouse to the other. There are many factors to consider in determining if alimony is applicable – length of the marriage, incomes, savings, and many other issues. If you believe that alimony is applicable in your case, please consult with a qualified family law attorney.
Grandparents' rights
New changes to laws make sure grandparents can have visitation
Until vert recently, Alabama law did not allow grandparents any right to custody and/or visitation of grandchildren (with an exception for dependency). However, the law has recently changed and courts understand that grandparents are an integral part of the care and custody of children. Certain requirements must be met in order for a Judge to award custody and/or visitation to grandparents. This is a new, and still-evolving, area of family law in Alabama, which requires a lawyer who knows how the law works for you.
Contempt
If your ex spouse doesn't comply with the agreement, they can be held accountable
When the Judge enters a Final Decree of Divorce and includes all of these issues in the Court Order, the parties MUST follow all of the directions. If a person fails, or refuses, to follow the Court’s Order, they may be held in contempt and sanctioned – jail, monetary fines, reimbursement of attorney’s fees, termination/suspension of visitation, etc. If you believe that your ex-spouse is in Contempt of the Court’s Order, immediately schedule an appointment to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
THE POWELL LAW FIRM HAS DECADES DEALING WITH FAMILY LAW MATTERS. TRUST THE LOCAL FIRM WITH DEEP ROOTS IN SOUTH ALABAMA
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS AN ATTOURNEY WILL PROTECT YOU, YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR RIGHTS.
Our Attorneys can explain your rights
You may be worried about hiring an attorney, but Powell Law knows the laws in Alabama. We'll make sure your rights are protected.
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Avoid Court: We can help settle your divorce without an expensive, long court case
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Fair Negotiation: We'll make sure you get what the law says and protect you from having to negotiate these matters yourself
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Fair Representation: Both sides in a divorce need legal representation. If your ex-spouse has an attorney and you don't, you're not on a level playing field
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Unwilling Spouse: If your ex is uncooperative or has a history of violence, an attorney protects you from the stress and worry of dealing with that situation
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Disagreements: Even the best couples have a hard time with settling a divorce. An attorney will work to negotiate and simplify the divorce process.
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Save Time and Money: Many divorces can be settled quickly and out of court, saving you time, money and stress.
A free consultation on your family law case could wind up saving you more stress, time and money. Don't rely on what you've heard or been told. Get an attorney that knows the laws that apply to you and protect your rights.
Do Not Wait To Get Help
The longer you wait before speaking with an attorney, it will make your attorney's job harder in the long run. And you will need an attorney. Don't make your situation worse by not acting now to find an attorney to protect your rights, interests and property. Find out your rights and make sure the law is on your side.
Don't wait until it's too late.