Family law is an intricate and important section of the law, covering both domestic relations and family matters. While family law comprises many different types of issues and legal matters, most tend to be scenarios involving divorce, paternity, or adoption. These situations carry a great deal of emotional weight for clients, so it is critical for a family law attorney to be competent, professional, and understanding.
There is no shortage of family law attorneys who aim to help people through their difficult family legal issues, but you must choose carefully. The lawyers employed at Stevenson Smith Hood Knudson, P.C. are experienced family law attorneys with impressive records of success and a high rate of client satisfaction.
We have a strong and varied background in the area of civil litigation, and a strong understanding of the technical aspects of the litigation process. This sets us apart from a large number of family law practitioners whose experience in litigation is confined only to family law, and who consequently often fail to understand important legal and procedural nuances. We also understand that every family is different; your family has unique needs that we will strive to meet. If you seek legal advice about divorce, adoption, or other aspects of family law, let our firm be of assistance.
Divorce
Divorce is the legal process of terminating a marriage by a court. Divorce can be a very complicated process and an emotionally and financially difficult experience for both parties. Among other issues, a court becomes involved in deciding which former spouse the children will live with, which of the spouses will receive certain property accumulated during the marriage, and who will pay certain debts. This is rarely an easy process for anyone.
A competent divorce attorney can help estranged spouses come to arrangements regarding child custody, spousal support, child support, parent time, and the division of combined assets and debts, including property and retirement benefits. A good attorney will be skilled in both amicable negotiation as well as aggressive litigation, and know when each of those tactics are appropriate. Few legal proceedings have the capacity to change the fundamental building blocks of a person’s family in the way that a divorce does, so it is critical to be represented by a family law attorney in whom you can place your confidence and trust.
Paternity Cases
Paternity cases arise when a child’s parents were never married, but there is a need to establish court orders regarding who will have custody of the child, and who will pay for its support. In a paternity case, a court will issue orders similar to those made in a divorce. Like a divorce, a paternity case can involve a great deal of conflict, and sometimes involves special concerns applicable to the unwed father of the child, who may oppose the placement of the child for adoption by the mother. If you are involved in a situation of this kind, competent legal representation and quick action is critical.
Adoption
Adoption is the process of choosing to legally raise another person as if they were one’s own biological child. The arrangement is usually between one or two adults and a child under 18, although adults can consent to be adopted as well. In the adoption process, all legal rights and responsibilities involved with rearing a child are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents.
Consequently, the adoption process can be a long one and may sometimes require more than the usual legal action. A family law attorney can help prospective parents through every step of the process.
Do You Need a Family Law Attorney?
If you need a qualified family law attorney, please contact us at Stevenson Smith Hood Knudson, P.C. We have a long history of handling complex divorce cases, whether they involve disputes regarding property or child custody. We are also available to help with adoptions and other less conventional custody arrangements, should the need arise. We are experienced with family law cases and would be more than happy to help you with yours. For more information, feel free to reach out to us today.
