FAMILY LAW

Most people do not require assistance with every aspect of their family law case. We offer cost-efficient unbundled legal services for people that do not need full representation. Unbundled legal services, the more affordable option, allow you to receive assistance on specific parts of your case when you need it. If your case is a good fit for unbundled services, we are the firm for you. No more paying thousands in advance for legal services. No more paying retainers for full representation. CW Law Firm offers flat-fee rates for all of your specific needs. You will know the cost of your legal fees from the very beginning.

Uncontested and Contested Divorces and Separations

Divorce can be hard, but we are here to help you understand the process and the decisions you have to make. You have to think about how the divorce will affect you and your entire family. Divorce is no simple matter. The affects are long-term.
An uncontested divorce is when spouses are agreeable to divorce and the matters involved in a divorce. This is the simplest form of divorce. Ask yourself can we agree on custody? Visitation? Child support? Splitting our property? Alimony? If the answer is yes, you sound like a good candidate for an uncontested divorce. We can help you fill out the paperwork, parenting plans and any marital separation agreements.
If you cannot agree on this, a contested divorce is on the way. This takes more time because you and your spouse are not in agreeance on everything. We are able to take on the specific areas that are troubling you step by step. We can help you file for divorce. We can help you answer to a divorce. We can help you mediate. We can have an hour-long consultation to help you prepare for what to expect. We know that this can be tough on you, but with our advice, you will be well on your way to understanding the different laws surrounding divorce and separation.

Child Custody, Visitation, and Child Support

Child custody, visitation, and child support are elements of a divorce when minors are involved. In some cases, they are separate actions. When parents do not agree on arrangements with their children, they can file actions with the court to help them come to a conclusion. We are able to draft petitions for child custody, visitation, and child support as well as helping to negotiate a parenting plan between parents.

A parenting plan allows the parties to make the decision amongst themselves instead of relying on a judge to make a decision. The parenting plan includes arrangements regarding custody, visitation periods, decision-making, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and child support.

Modification of Child Support, Alimony, and Child Custody

As time progresses, a pre-existing order for child support, alimony, and/or child custody may need to be changed. This can be due to be many outside influences. Examples include the cost of living, minor children expenses, and/or the minor child aging. We can evaluate your individual situation and help you decide if it is time to seek a modification of any time.

Child Legitimation and Paternity Rights

Paternity is the legal establishment identifying the father of a child. When a couple is married, it is presumed that the husband is the father. However, when the parents are not married, it is not as simple. Although a man may be the biological father of the child, it does not make him the legal father. Depending on the state, paternity can be established in different ways.
Without establishing paternity, fathers do not have any legal rights to the child. It is important for fathers to establish paternity if they want custody of a minor child and/or visitation. Moreover, it allows the child to receive more benefits from the father including life insurance, social security, and health insurance.

Pre and post-nuptial agreements

While most people have heard of pre-nuptial agreements, many do not realize there is a such thing as post-nuptial agreements. A pre-nuptial agreement is a contract agreed upon before marriage whereas a post-nuptial agreement is contract agreed upon after marriage. Regardless of which one the parties agree to enter, it is extremely important for the agreement to contain specific and necessary language for the court uphold the agreement as valid. If written correctly, the contract will govern the divide of the parties’ property and assets upon a divorce. Other important issues can be contained in pre and post-nuptial agreements as well.
It is important for pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements to be fair. There cannot be any undue influence on any party, or the contract will be held as invalid. A spouse cannot force the other spouse to sign a pre or post-nuptial agreement.

Offering guidance in domestic matters

Sometimes people just need help. We are able to guide clients to make the choice that is needed to better their life. We offer hour long consultations where we will talk to you one-on-one. We can discuss paperwork and court proceedings.