Family Law Attorneys in Opelika
Compassionate and effective advocates
For all Domestic Relations / Family Law cases, there will be an $80.00 consultation fee.
Whether you are anticipating the joys of adoption or experiencing the pain of marital conflict, the attorneys at Alsobrook Law Group in Opelika, create effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. We are committed to protecting and preserving the rights of individuals and families in Opelika and surrounding communities in matters involving divorce, child support, child custody, alimony, adoption, paternity, domestic violence and other family law matters. We also provide family law services in Auburn.
We understand that every family has a unique set of dynamics, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution that applies to every situation. Oftentimes, it is not a question of just winning or losing. There are other factors that need to be considered as well, such as the preservation of important family relationships. We work closely with our clients, taking the time to listen and understand their specific needs, so we can develop resolutions that effectively address their needs and fully protect their interests.
Opelika Divorce Lawyers
Alabama has several no-fault grounds for divorce, such as incompatibility, so that obtaining a dissolution of the marriage is not a difficult matter. However, there are many issues to be decided when granting a divorce decree that will affect the parties for years to come. These may include:
- Child Custody and Visitation: In Alabama, the default presumption by the courts is that it is in the best interests of children for both parents to have an active role in their lives – unless there is evidence presented to the contrary. Joint legal custody (equal authority over major decisions in a child’s life) is generally preferred, and if the parents do not receive joint physical custody, liberal visitation rights are usually granted to the noncustodial parent.
- Child Support: Alabama determines child support obligations based on a complex formula known as the “income shares model”. The goal of this model is for the child to maintain the same or similar standard of living as when the parents were together.
- Spousal Support: Also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, spousal support is awarded in divorce cases in which one spouse is financially dependent upon the other. Alimony is not awarded in every divorce case, and there is no set formula for determining the amount like there is with child support. Courts have wide discretion on how much spousal support (if any) is awarded, and this is often determined by the evidence and the strength of the arguments presented.
- Distribution of Marital Assets: One of the most contentious issues during a divorce is how the marital assets are divided. Alabama is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning only property that was acquired during the course of the marriage is subject to the property division during a divorce. Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean equal distribution; the courts will attempt to divide the property in a “fair and equitable” manner, but it will not always be exactly 50/50.
There are several other issues that need to be considered during a divorce as well. For example, in situations when couples have significant assets, they often have a more complicated financial picture; which may include a family owned or closely held business, real estate holdings, stock options, retirement accounts, international investments, and many others. In cases like these, there may be a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that needs to be followed during the distribution of assets and dividing such assets will almost always incur tax consequences.
Another case in which there could be complications is a divorce with a special needs child. With these types of cases, support payments often need to be altered to account for the increased medical expenses the child has. Additional considerations are also required with parenting plans, because special needs children are not always able to travel back and forth between parents as often as other kids.
If any of these or other matters are contested, it is up to the judge to rule on how they will be dealt with, based on the evidence and arguments presented by the parties through their attorneys. Our divorce attorneys work to resolve any contested issues through family mediation and negotiations, to craft a solution that is mutually satisfactory and will work in the long-term without the need to go to court for enforcement. It is generally best to resolve these issues between you and your spouse, because it is less costly this way and you are more likely to come up with a “win-win” solution that everyone can live with.
All that said, if litigation is necessary to achieve a suitable result, we will aggressively advocate for the rights of our clients during this process. We utilize our courtroom skills to deliver a persuasive, passionate and effective case to the judge, and we will leave no facts uncovered and no assets unaccounted for.
Life goes on after divorce. Things change, and when there is a significant change in circumstances, it may be appropriate to revisit the terms and conditions of the original divorce decree. If you have already gone through the divorce process but need modifications of the divorce decree, we can help. These post-divorce modifications can often be difficult, but we help parties when a change in circumstances warrant a change in the custody or support arrangement.
Adoption Matters in Macon, Lee and Surrounding Areas
One of the most gratifying roles for a family law attorney is helping families grow and come together through the adoption process. But the process is not always simple and not always without controversy. Vesting parental rights in new parents may require the termination of parental rights in the biological parents, which can involve complicated legal proceedings. Our attorneys help with private placement and international adoptions, agency adoptions and stepparent adoptions, handling the complex legal procedures and frustrating red tape so you can focus on welcoming and bonding with your new family member.
Paternity and the Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Fathers
A child’s biological or legal father has the legal obligation to provide financial support and may also have the legal right to custody or visitation as well. When questions surround a child’s legal parentage, they often surface in the midst of a divorce, child custody dispute or child support determination. Our lawyers provide strong, effective advocacy to protect our clients’ rights and look out for their best interests in any paternity proceeding.
Alabama Domestic Violence Law
Domestic violence includes not only actual physical abuse, but also emotional abuse and threats of violence directed at a member of the family and committed by a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. We can help stop or prevent abuse with Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs), which can be used to keep a harasser or abuser away from you and your children. As experienced family law and criminal defense lawyers, we also understand the rights of the accused and how allegations of domestic violence can impact a divorce in areas such as child custody, the payment of support, and even the division of property, including who gets to keep the family home.
Caring and Confident Alabama Family Law Attorneys
Whatever family legal matters you are facing, The Alsobrook Law Group can handle it. You will find a sympathetic ear and competent advice from skilled and knowledgeable Alabama family law attorneys.
In Opelika, Auburn and surrounding communities, contact our office at 334.737.3718 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation regarding your divorce, adoption or other family law matter.
