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Family court cases touch the most important and personal aspects of people’s lives, from personal relationships to finances. So it is no wonder that going to court for a domestic matter can feel like everything is on the line. When you work with a LaPlace family law lawyer, you gain the support of an attorney who understands the stakes and how to protect what matters most.
When spouses and parents are preparing to go through a high-stakes family law case, they know to trust Marino Law Firm, LLC, to provide exceptional legal support. Our dedicated team of attorneys understands the complexities of adoptions, divorces, custody cases, and support disputes. We begin every case by taking the time to understand our clients’ concerns and goals before tailoring the right strategy for achieving their aims in court.
When you work with our legal team, you gain the steady support of a family law team that brings more than 50 years of combined experience. We have earned a reputation for delivering client-focused representation that always prioritizes the interests of the people we represent. We understand the importance of strategic negotiations, but are also not afraid to take matters before a judge when needed.
Family court cases are typically handled at the 40th Judicial District Court, which serves St. John the Baptist Parish. Given the state’s divorce rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, many family court cases oversee the dissolution of marriages. Adoptions are another matter handled at the 40th Judicial District Court, especially given the average of 4,100 children in the state in a given year.
Cases are initiated by spouses, parents, and other parties through a petition to the court. Once accepted, interested parties are formally notified and allowed to participate in the court process. Many types of cases can be resolved through negotiations between the affected parties, while contested cases may require mediation or direct involvement by the court.
During a divorce, the courts oversee the process of property division. The marital estate must be accounted for and classified as separate or community. Disputes can arise over how to divide large assets like homes, which have an average value of $202,443 in the city. Separate property includes things like gifts, inheritances, and assets that were brought into the marriage, while community property is jointly owned and subject to division through the courts.
Parents can agree on the terms of custody and the visitation schedule. When there is agreement on those matters, the judge overseeing the case reviews the agreement and approves it when it serves the child’s best interests. Custody disputes can lead to more direct involvement by the judge or the need for mediation. The courts decide such matters based on the child’s best interests.
Going to family court for any reason without legal representation could be a costly mistake. Attorneys play an active role in guiding court cases by filing motions, requesting hearings, and strategically managing negotiations with the other party.
When you hire a LaPlace family law lawyer, you gain the support of a legal representative who understands family laws and how they could affect your family law case. A LaPlace family law attorney can manage negotiations, mediation, or litigation to protect your rights and interests at every turn.
A: LaPlace sees the same types of family law cases as other cities in Louisiana. Divorces are a common reason why local residents would hire a family law attorney. Following a divorce, custody disputes can bring parents back to court, whether they are seeking an enforcement or modification. Adoptions are also handled through the family courts, along with name changes.
A: Child custody decisions in LaPlace can be handled through direct talks between parents or their attorneys. The courts encourage parents to compromise and establish custody and visitation rights based on their schedules and the child’s particular needs. When disputes arise, mediation may be needed, or a judge may make rulings based on the evidence and the child’s best interests.
A: Yes. Child or spousal support orders can be modified, but only when there has been a significant change in circumstances. One reason could be that the obligor becomes seriously ill or disabled and is no longer able to afford payments. Requests for higher payments can also be made when the child or receiving spouse takes on greater financial needs.
A: Court appearances are not always required for a family law case. An agreed divorce could be resolved with the help of attorneys and without the need for going to court. Contested cases are more likely to require court appearances. Even if you are called to court, your attorney can address the judge on your behalf. Although rare, parties to a case may be called to testify under oath.
The outcome of your family court case could affect your finances, the time you spend with your child, and your rights and obligations on important matters. When you work with the dedicated team of family law attorneys at Marino Law Firm, LLC, you can trust that we will advocate for your rights and interests.
Don’t delay securing the strategic representation that your case deserves. Contact our office today so we can meet, learn about your goals, and provide you with clear guidance on your next steps.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana’s river parishes. During regular business hours, call our Destrehan, Louisiana, office-toll free at 985-764-1515 with any urgent matters, including updates to an existing case. Our staff is available to take messages, schedule appointments and answer question about nonlegal matters. Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced Destrehan family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer.
call for consultation 985-764-1515
104 Campus Drive East
Suite 101
Destrehan, LA 70047
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