You never expected to be here. Nothing is more important than your family, and you're walking through one of the most vulnerable experiences of your life. Your battle is as unique as your fingerprint, and you need someone who understands that. Someone to stand for you, for your family, and for your future. You want someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate, honest, and someone who - like you - truly wants what's best for their children, and for the other individuals involved.
Divorce, Legal Separation, and Annulment
Whether you are initiating an action or are a respondent to someone else’s petition, divorce is inevitably a time of emotional turmoil. An attorney can be a zealous advocate for your best interests as you navigate the complex legal concerns that come into play before, during and after your time in court. But a good attorney will go a step further, helping you shoulder the burden of stress that results, and pointing you to the proper resources to ensure you get the support you need as you transition into a new phase in life.
Some things you may want to consider before and during the legal process:
Where will your children live, go to school, and how will they be provided for?
How will you work together as co-parents to provide for your children?
How do you divide real property, retirement, savings accounts, and life insurance policies?
Will you need to write or rewrite a will or trust to provide for your family in the future?
What is a fair division of the property you own? How do you put a value on the property you own?
What property is considered your separate property, and what is considered marital?
Are you entitled to spousal support?
In cases of domestic violence, abuse, or harassment, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from further harm?
Modifications to Custody, Placement and Child Support or Other Actions Concerning Children
Let's face it: things change. Kids grow up - they join sports, make new friends; they start driving and voicing their own opinions on where they live. Parents move to new homes, start new jobs and new relationships, all of which change the family dynamic. Occasionally, abuse, neglect, substance abuse or other factors may be discovered, and steps may need to be taken to protect children. Life changes, and so naturally, parenting plans should, too.
Whether your co-parent is in agreement with you or not, my office can help you navigate the process of altering legal custody, physical placement and/or child support.
Paternity Actions
When a child is born outside of a marriage, a paternity action can establish legal rights and responsibilities for the father and child. My office can help you understand your legal rights as either a father or a mother in a paternity action, and help you determine when and if to file an action.
Proactive Family Planning and Prenuptial Agreements
Not all legal advice revolves around a lawsuit. Are you engaged or planning to be married? Are you expecting a child? Are you considering divorce or legal separation? Contact our office to discuss your legal rights and how to protect your interests as your family changes.
In Wisconsin, a prenuptial agreement is referred to as a "Marital Property Agreement" or "MPA" for short. An MPA can be a helpful planning tool to control what assets are considered separate vs marital. An MPA can be drafted prior to marriage, or during the course of a marriage. Any couple may enter into an MPA, and it can be a particularly helpful tool in blended families when the parties enter a marriage with children from previous relationships.
Victims of Crimes, Domestic Abuse and Restraining Orders
Are you the victim of a crime, either reported or not? Do you need help understanding your rights? What will happen if you contact the police? Is there another avenue besides the criminal justice system? How can you protect yourself and your family in the future? How do you find the resources you need to stay safe?
You don't have to navigate these questions alone. Contact my office today to schedule an appointment.
For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:8
Adams Law & Mediation, LLC 100 Wilburn Road, Suite 108 Sun Prairie, WI 53590 262-716-1335 [email protected]