Ocean County Family Lawyer
Legal issues involving family members are often emotionally challenging. Family law attorneys specialize in representing individuals going through divorces, disputing custody of minor children, and other highly personal domestic matters.
If you need help navigating an area of family law, you should speak to an Ocean County family lawyer. The outcome of your case will continue to influence your daily life for many years to come, but the support of a skilled legal advocate can remove some of the stress related to negotiation or litigation of these issues.
Settling and Litigating Divorce Cases
Divorce is a complex and stressful experience for the family involved. When two spouses decide to end their marriage, they must divide their property and potentially pay alimony or support. The financial impact is significant, as both parties will have a vested interest in negotiating favorable terms.
Property division in Ocean County will typically be fair, but may not always involve a 50/50 split of all marital property. The court will have to find an equitable distribution based on each party’s economic circumstances, age and health of the individuals, and the marriage duration. If one party earns significantly less, the court may award that individual a greater share of the marital property.
In the case of long-term marriages, a party may have to pay alimony to the other spouse. It will be necessary for individuals to understand their potential obligations to pay spousal support or their ability to obtain such support from the other party. An Ocean County family law attorney can represent an individual when negotiating any of these central issues.
Negotiating Custody Disputes
Child custody is one of the major factors that divorcing spouses must often negotiate. Parents who never married may also need to determine the custody of their minor children. Custody will refer both to where the children live and the ability of each parent to make important decisions regarding medical issues, education, and religion.
Custody disputes are incredibly personal and parents often differ in their opinions. Courts will look at what living situation is in the children’s best interest when determining the outcome of these cases. A judge will not favor a parent because of their sex or gender.
In some instances, the court will select a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who will advocate for the children’s best interests. A family law attorney in Ocean County can protect a parent’s rights when it comes to determining custody, modifying custody, relocating with children, child support, and working with the GAL.
Marital Agreements
Marital agreements include both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. These contracts determine how the parties will address key issues in the event of a divorce.
A marital agreement can safeguard business interests and determine how property will be divided if the individuals choose to end their marriage. Many people find that entering into a marital agreement provides some peace of mind and relieves stress in their relationships.
If spouses have a marital agreement, that agreement will significantly impact property division and alimony disputes. However, these contracts cannot address child custody or child support. There are technical requirements involved in these contracts, so it could be crucial to speak to a family law attorney in Ocean County to learn more about drafting one.
An Ocean County Family Law Attorney Can Be Your Legal Advocate
If you and your partner are struggling with a family law dispute, you may need the professional advice of an experienced family law attorney. Divorce, custody, and additional family law matters are complicated, and you should not attempt to enter a legal proceeding on your own. A family attorney can act on your behalf and answer any questions or concerns throughout your case. Call an Ocean County family law lawyer today to learn more about how they can help.
