Several issues could give rise to the need to hire a family law attorney. Family law lawyers help with a range of legal matters, including divorce, property division, and child custody.
Our law firm’s family law lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI, could assist you with all of your family law needs. We offer comprehensive family law services to clients in Kalamazoo and the surrounding counties of Barry, Allegan, Calhoun, Van Buren, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, and Jackson.
Should I Hire a Family Lawyer When Considering a Divorce?
Ending a marriage is a major life decision, and the divorce process can be complex, even when the parties can do it amicably. There are many things to consider when working through a divorce settlement, including the division of property, assets, and spousal support.
Our law firm’s divorce attorneys could help you negotiate your divorce, including representing you during mediation. If you must have a divorce trial, we could fight for your rights and seek the most advantageous resolution possible. We could also ensure your final divorce decree is accurate and binding.
Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer to Assist With Child Custody and Guardianship?
Legal matters surrounding child custody and child support can be emotional and challenging. Hiring an attorney could help you navigate these issues with less stress and burden.
Child custody refers to both physical custody and legal custody, which is the ability to make decisions on behalf of a child. Parents can seek sole custody or joint custody. When physical custody is joint, they must devise a parenting plan for dividing the child’s time between them.
In general, family courts encourage joint custody whenever possible. However, sole custody may be necessary in instances involving abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Overall, the courts decided on custody based on what is in the best interest of the child.
According to the Michigan Courts, factors considered include:
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The love, affection, and emotional ties between the child and each parent
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The capacity of each parent to provide for and support the child
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The mental and physical health of the parents and the child
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The child’s ties to their current school and community
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The child’s preferences
Family law lawyers also assist with adoptions and establishing legal guardianships for minors and individuals with disabilities.
If you need to resolve issues related to child custody, our law firm could help you develop a parenting plan, seek child support, and represent you during custody proceedings. We also assist with other types of legal guardianship.
Family Law Firms Help With Long-Term Legal Matters and Protections
A divorce can lead to longer-term legal issues. For example, you may need to work with a family law firm to alter the terms of a custody agreement or to make changes to child or spousal support. You may also need help enforcing existing orders.
Additionally, family law is not only about divorce and child custody. Sometimes, it is also about protecting clients from dangerous situations. For example, if you or your child is experiencing abuse, domestic violence, or stalking, you may need to hire a family law attorney to obtain or enforce a Personal Protection Order (PPO).
If you need long-term services or help with protection from domestic violence, we could assist you.
Contact Herbert Machnik Law Firm Today
If you are going through a divorce or separation, have issues involving minor children, or need long-term legal protections, you may need to hire a family law attorney.
Herbert Machnik Law Firm is a full-service legal practice. Whatever your family law needs, we could help you resolve them. We put clients first. We are here to listen to you and help you protect what matters most. Contact us for a consultation with a family lawyer serving Kalamazoo and the surrounding nine-county area.
