Family Lawyer Serving Families in Albemarle & Throughout Stanly County
Navigating family law matters in Stanly County requires the knowledge and experience of a Stanly County family law attorney. These legal professionals can help manage and resolve key family-related issues, including anything from a contentious divorce battle to child custody modifications.
Any time you face these types of issues, a family lawyer can be your resource to answer all questions and devise a strategy that reflects the outcome you desire.
Common Family Law Cases in Stanly County
At Lancaster & St. Louis, PLLC, we understand how isolating and stressful family law issues can be. That’s why our Stanly County, NC, family lawyers treat each of our clients like a fellow teammate, taking the time to get to know you personally and fighting until the end to ensure no one takes advantage of your rights.
Some of the most common family law cases we see include the following:
- Divorce: Managing a divorce is one of the most common cases under the category of family law. It’s often the source of other family law cases, such as child custody and property division.Throughout the divorce process, a family law attorney will be able to explain in detail the legal requirements of your divorce, the financial implications, and what decisions need to be made between you and your ex-spouse. Any issues that cannot be agreed upon through settlement or mediation will be advanced to court for a final verdict.
- Child custody: A child’s well-being is at the core of every child custody case. It is the highest of priorities for all attorneys and judges alike. During custody battles, a family law attorney will take the time to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.When it comes time to decide upon a custody arrangement, an attorney will step in to negotiate terms and conditions with the other side. Family attorneys are experienced in crafting parenting plans that balance the desires of each spouse without imposing any sacrifices on a child’s growth and development.
- Property distribution: A family lawyer can guide clients through the legal process of dividing marital assets and outstanding debts. In North Carolina, this process follows an equitable distribution model that aims to divide assets based on the contributions that each spouse has made during the tenure of their marriage.Factors that can influence which assets are given to whom include how long the couple was married, the value of each asset, and the financial needs of each spouse in the immediate and long-term future.
- Separation: If a couple decides they want to legally separate but not yet divorce, an attorney will be able to educate their clients on all of the legal implications of a separation. If the client still prefers a separation, the attorney can help them draft a separation agreement to temporarily determine issues like property division, child custody, and support arrangements.Separation agreements can ensure that both spouses are able to function independently in the short term while they have the space they need to decide if a divorce is the next logical step for their relationship.
- Modifications: It’s possible for circumstances to change after an initial divorce agreement is made. Certain life changes, such as being fired or demoted, may warrant changes to orders regarding child custody, spousal support, or child support.If a change in your life has resulted in the need for a modification to your divorce agreement, a family lawyer can help you pursue such a modification. To do so, they can gather evidence and present it to the court in order to demonstrate the need for the change.
Stanly County Family Law FAQs
Q: What Should I Consider When Choosing a Law Firm for My Divorce Case?
A: There are a number of factors you should look into before making a final decision on a family lawyer. Some of these include their education, experience with similar cases, and ability to communicate clearly and consistently.
You should also make sure that you feel comfortable with their approach after they review your case during an initial consultation. Also, be sure to ask about how they charge for their services and if they anticipate any additional fees.
Q: How Does an Attorney Handle Child Custody Disputes?
A: After reviewing an open child custody case and hearing their client’s position on what they feel is right for the child, an attorney may either agree and begin preparing for custody negotiations or steer their clients in a slightly different direction.
Before making a final recommendation on how to handle a custody dispute, a family law attorney may also consider the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and educational needs to balance their client’s desires with the child’s physical and mental health.
Q: How Does a Family Lawyer Approach High-Conflict Divorces?
A: When a client brings a high-conflict divorce case to an attorney, they will begin to create a strategic plan that balances their client’s desired outcome with the relevant laws and court procedures that govern the case.
They can focus on specific conflict resolution tactics, such as mediation sessions, to help minimize continued disputes that will significantly delay the divorce ending. If the case advances to court, the attorney can prepare for these proceedings by compiling all evidence that favors their client’s position.
Q: Can a Law Firm in Albemarle Help with Modifications to Child Support Orders?
A: Yes, family law firms have the authority to advance a request to reevaluate a pre-existing child support order. The court may agree to take a second look at the case if there are compelling events that suggest it should be modified, such as one parent losing their job.
At this point, an attorney can present evidence to the court demonstrating why their client needs this adjustment, either permanently or temporarily, to help ensure that the new support terms match the realities of their client’s finances without negatively affecting the child’s well-being.
Contact Lancaster & St. Louis, PLLC, Today
If you are in need of a family law attorney in Stanly County, connect with us today. We can review your family law case, protect your rights, and advocate for the needs of you and your children.