Charlottesville Family Law Attorney
Family relationships are emotionally charged, which means family law disputes are often some of the most intense a lawyer can handle. At MichieHamlett, we have helped men and women with all sorts of family law issues. We pride ourselves on our problem-solving abilities and will do everything possible to help you get the outcome you desire. Contact our Charlottesville family law attorneys now to begin your case.
Divorce
Family law is broader than divorce, but divorce is a huge part of any family law practice. Virginia couples seeking to divorce must tackle a range of issues including child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of marital debts and property.
Couples have the power to craft their own divorce solutions, and there are many techniques such as mediation to help them. However, when they cannot agree, we will represent them in a contested hearing.
Every person considering divorce should have a lawyer to serve as an advisor. We can help you think through what marital property you want and can gather evidence if you fear your spouse will contest the divorce.
Paternity
A man does not have legal rights and responsibilities toward a child until he establishes paternity. For example, a man needs paternity to obtain visitation or custody. Likewise, a man is not obligated to pay child support until he is found to be the father.
Paternity is sometimes in dispute, and courts typically use a DNA test to determine whether a man is the father. We can represent you on either side of a paternity dispute.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
One way to avoid a contested family law issue is to draft and sign a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These are contracts where spouses agree to certain rights and can waive others. For example, you and your spouse can agree to alimony and the division of property should you divorce. A spouse can also waive inheritance rights in an agreement.
Many people benefit from these agreements, which are not solely for the rich. You should consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement if you have children from a prior marriage or own a small business.
Protective Orders
If you are being abused by a family member, you can seek a protective order from the judge. This order will command your abuser to stay away from you. The police can arrest an abuser who violates an order, and a judge can sentence him to time in jail or other penalties. Protective orders are crucial for allowing abused or terrorized family members to protect themselves.
Adoption
We help men and women aiming to grow their family with adoption. No two adoptions are the same, and prospective parents have many options. We have helped with the following:
- Stepparent
- Foster care
- Domestic
- International
- Open
- Closed
The adoption process is often much more intense than people realize, requiring mountains of paperwork and a stressful home study. We can streamline the process to reduce stress.
Do You Have a Family Law Dispute?
The above are some of the most common family law issues we have tackled, but there are many others. Please contact us today to speak with a Charlottesville family law attorney at MichieHamlett in a confidential consultation.
