Divorce

Upon agreeing to divorce, if filing with your local family or divorce court is the next step for both of you, then filing a petition can begin. This typically requires providing at-fault grounds or no-fault grounds as justification, along with some state specific statutory information that varies by jurisdiction.

Once served with divorce papers, your spouse has an established timeframe within which to respond. They may accept or dispute it based on one or more issues raised in your petition for dissolution such as property division and custody arrangements.

Your spouse and you must both complete financial affidavits to reveal all financial information. In addition, your lawyer may interview any third-party witnesses with knowledge about your case at depositions.
Child Custody

Child custody arrangements establish who will care for a child on an everyday basis. Judges can award physical or legal custody arrangements. Legal custody gives one parent rights to make decisions regarding education, healthcare and religion for their child while physical custody establishes where their children will live and a time-sharing schedule, commonly referred to as a parenting plan.

Bryce Cook can assist in your pursuit of custody or visitation as part of a divorce, paternity, separation, adoption or guardianship proceeding. He has extensive experience altering existing support agreements when circumstances change such as remarriage, relocation, significant illness/injury and financial instability.
Child Support

Child support is an ongoing financial responsibility that covers basic expenses like healthcare and day care costs for a child living with one of both custodial parents, or covering some portion of that parent's housing expenses.

Spousal support typically ends when its recipient turns eighteen, while child support obligations continue until their child emancipates. If either parent believes the other is misusing child support payments improperly, they can file a support violation petition with the court and our attorneys can guide them through the process. In addition, our legal services also offer modification of existing agreements when extraordinary circumstances arise.
Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements (prenups) often get the reputation for being cold-hearted or suspicious, yet they can bring peace of mind to many couples. Prenups protect assets such as your business or professional practice that should remain separate from marital property, limit liabilities associated with creditors, and safeguard inheritances for children from previous relationships or marriages.

Prenups can also provide for spousal support (alimony) during or upon divorce; however, prenups that encourage divorce tend to be unenforceable due to public policy. Prenups also serve to clarify ownership of retirement benefits and life insurance policies.
Property Settlements

When it comes to divorce, property settlement is of great significance. Your settlement should address many different aspects of finances pertaining to both parties involved - assets and debts division, spousal support payments and child custody agreements are just a few considerations that go into it.

Contrary to popular belief, courts do not use a predetermined formula when deciding a property settlement case. Instead, a judicial officer will consider what would be fair and equitable in your specific situation.

As soon as your relationship has come to an end, it is crucial that property settlement proceedings commence immediately. Couples seeking divorce must file an application with the court within 1 year or 2 years (in case of de facto relationships).
Adoption

Adopting a child can be one of the most joyful events for families, yet also requires legal expertise. Working with an experienced point cook family lawyer will ensure all required steps are completed correctly so you can feel secure that your adoption will go through and without issue; furthermore they will address any problems along the way to save heartbreak from happening during adoption process.

Whenever you require assistance with family law issues, Bryce Cook is available 24/7 to offer peace of mind and help fight for what is right.