Types of Family Law Cases We Handle
Family law matters can be complex. They often involve children, parents, spouses, and people with close relationships. Those relationships can become strained, so it’s important to work with an attorney who will manage your case quickly and efficiently. We understand the desire to help multiple parties, and we will work to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
Family law issues involve more than divorce. We can help you protect your interests at any stage in a relationship. Our Jacksonville family law attorney can help you with an array of issues, including:
Divorce
If you are ready to file for divorce — or recently received a divorce petition — it’s important to have a skilled family law attorney at your side. Divorces involve complex legal issues and emotionally-charged matters. A lawyer can help you quickly and efficiently wrap up your marriage in a way that protects your interests and treats everyone fairly under the circumstances.
Annulment
Instead of dissolving your marriage, an annulment can establish that your marriage never existed. Benefits can include avoiding division of marital property, retaining insurance and retirement benefits, and adhering to religious creeds. The process can be more costly and difficult than the divorce process; therefore, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced Jacksonville family law attorney. Importantly, you can still demand child custody, child support, and alimony in an annulment — even though the process will negate your marriage.
Legal Separation
Florida law does not recognize legal separations; however, you can still create an agreement that covers issues during your marital separation. You may want to address spousal support, child support, visitation, custody, and more. Sometimes, spouses will enter into a separation agreement before they file for divorce, and then use its terms as the basis for the final property division, custody, and support orders.
A separation agreement typically involves extensive negotiations, since you’ll have to resolve many of the issues involved in a divorce. It’s almost never in your best interest to sign a separation agreement unless you have consulted with a lawyer.
Dissolution of Marriage
If you want to dissolve your marriage, you need a Jacksonville family law attorney who will help you draft and file necessary paperwork that suits your wants and needs. We understand that your situation is complex, and we will guide you through the process of marriage dissolution.
Premarital Agreements
Premarital agreements, such as prenups and postnups, are important even if you do not have a considerable amount of assets. These documents define what assets and debts are separate property—which cannot be divided in a divorce. A nuptial agreement can help protect you from your spouse’s debt, ensure that certain assets remain within your family, and streamline negotiations if you file for divorce in the future.
If you’re interested in a nuptial agreement, consult with a skilled family law attorney. You may need to establish precedent for your business, debts, children, or other issues. Our Jacksonville family law attorney can help you develop a premarital or postnuptial agreement that meets your needs or enforce one if you separate from your spouse. We can also assess the validity of your nuptial agreement.
Child Custody
Temporary and permanent child custody matters may require multiple hearings and can take a significant amount of time. We can help you establish a child custody situation that benefits you and your children.
While it’s typically in you and your child’s best interest to resolve child custody issues out of court, this is sometimes impossible. An experienced family law attorney will help you negotiate with your spouse, assess your child’s best interests, and if necessary, present your custody claims to a judge.
Once a court issues a child custody order, you must follow it. However, a family law attorney can help you file a petition to modify a custody or visitation order if you or your child’s circumstances change significantly.
Child Support
Children deserve the support of both parents, both emotionally and financially. However, separation of support matters should be fair. Our understanding Jacksonville family law attorney can help you achieve an acceptable child support situation for you and your children.
In Florida, both parents’ income is considered when calculating child support. This “income shares” model requires each parent to disclose all of their income and earnings and assumes that your child would receive a share of this income if you had remained married.
Calculating your spouse’s income can be difficult, especially if it is highly variable or he or she hides income and assets from you. A skilled family law attorney can help you uncover the full extent of your spouse’s income and demand accountability. We also aggressively advocate for the enforcement or modification of child support orders when necessary.
Paternity Issues
Paternity comes with both benefits and obligations. While you’ll have to support your child financially, you’ll also have the right to make important decisions about their life and spend time with them. Other times, you might question paternity — or discover that a child is not biologically yours. Whether you need to establish paternity or disestablish paternity based on new evidence, we can help you obtain the necessary information to present to the court in your case.
Father’s Rights
Mothers and fathers both have equal rights when dealing with visitation, custody, and support. However, society often favors mothers. Even highly-trained judges can have subtle biases against fathers and their positive impact in a child’s life. We will make sure your parental rights are respected throughout the divorce process — especially concerning parenting time and child custody.
Modification of Judgments
People change and so do circumstances. Sometimes the judgments made in your family law case need to be modified due to a change in circumstances. We can help you obtain a modification of a judgment in your child support, child custody, alimony, or other family law matter.
Typically, you must show that there has been a significant change in you or your ex’s circumstances. In a child support or alimony claim, this might involve a decrease or increase in earning potential or income. In a child custody issue, changed circumstances could include a move out-of-town, changed preferences with an older child, or evidence of abuse. A family law attorney can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether you have grounds for a modification. Contact us today for more information and a free consultation.
Family Court Process in Jacksonville
Family law issues in Jacksonville are typically heard in the Family Law Department of the Duval County Court. Each court has specific rules and individual judges have preferences in their courtrooms. It’s important to obtain the help of a Jacksonville family law attorney who is familiar with the jurisdiction, or geographic area, where your case is being heard. If you fail to follow the correct procedures, you might complicate your family law case and cause unnecessary delays and expenses.
Your claim might also involve alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation. In a mediation, you negotiate an out-of-court solution with guidance from a trained, neutral mediator. Your family law attorney can help you understand the benefits of mediation, build a compelling claim, and resolve your issues privately and efficiently.
Our Jacksonville family law attorney has helped thousands of clients navigate family courts in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. We know how to effectively complete necessary court forms and develop arguments to support your case. We will make sure you are prepared for the family court process and guide you through step by step.
A Jacksonville Family Law Attorney Can Help You
When you work with a family law attorney at the Law Office of A. Sam Jubran, you get more than an advocate and counselor. We have compassion for you and are empathetic to your story. Our accomplished family lawyers will put themselves in your shoes and help you understand your legal options. We will work as a team to achieve your goals. Call the Law Office of A. Sam Jubran at (904) 574-4634 today to find out how we can help you.