Family law is a complicated subject matter that not just any lawyer can tackle. Rather, if you’re in the midst of a complicated divorce or custody battle, it’s imperative that you seek the services of an Elizabethtown family law attorney. Only an attorney that specializes in this field will be able to guide you through this difficult process.
Clagett Law Attorneys at Law are two of the most highly skilled family law attorneys in all of Elizabethtown. With over 30 years of experience in law, we can handle all family law cases, big or small. We provide a modern and progressive approach to law that helps us achieve the best results for you.
What Is Family Law?
At its core, family law is any legal proceeding that involves familial relationships. Some of the most common issues it might cover are divorce, child custody, child support and adoption. Because of this wide range of delicate subjects, family law can often get very emotional, as life-changing decisions and rulings will be made.
Specific Family Law Issues: Your Path to Resolution
At Clagett Law, we understand that family law matters can be complex and emotionally charged. We’re here to provide guidance and support through a variety of legal issues that may arise within your family:
Spousal Support/Maintenance
In some divorces, one spouse may be entitled to financial support from the other. We can help you determine if spousal support is appropriate in your situation and advocate for a fair and reasonable amount based on factors such as income, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage.
Property Division
Dividing assets and debts accumulated during a marriage can be a complex process. Kentucky follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. We’ll work with you to identify and value marital property, negotiate a fair division, or present your case in court if necessary.
Visitation Rights
Maintaining a relationship with your child after a divorce or separation is essential. We can help you establish a visitation schedule that works for both parents and prioritizes the child’s best interests. We can also address issues such as supervised visitation or modifications to existing visitation orders.
Relocation
If you or your ex-spouse are considering relocating with your child, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and potential impact on custody arrangements. We can advise you on the legal process for requesting or opposing relocation and advocate for your child’s best interests.
Domestic Violence
If you or your child are experiencing domestic violence, seeking legal protection is crucial. We can help you obtain protective orders, navigate custody and visitation issues in the context of domestic violence, and connect you with resources and support services.
At Clagett Law, we strive to provide compassionate and effective representation in all family law matters. Our goal is to help you achieve a fair and just resolution that protects your rights and the well-being of your family.
Why Hire a Family Law Attorney?
For those dealing with any of the above issues, hiring a family law attorney is vital because they know exactly how to represent clients both in court and through negotiations. Trying to deal with these matters without the help of a lawyer is extremely discouraged, as it’s often easy to get swept up in the emotional factors at play. A family law attorney provides a clear head and will be able to see the bigger picture, which might be impossible for the client to think about with so much going on.
In particular, clients should hire a family law attorney in the following instances:
Divorce
In many cases, divorces are contested, meaning that both parties can’t agree on an equitable division of assets or child custody. A family law attorney in Elizabethtown can help their client create a separation agreement to keep the battle out of court.
Child Support
Determining child support requires a complicated worksheet that includes personal financial information from both parents. Having a family law attorney draft this worksheet reduces tension and ensures the calculation will be correct.
Child Custody
From the onset, Kentucky law presumes that joint custody with shared parenting time is in the best interests of the child. If there are circumstances that merit a change from this presumption, then a family law attorney is crucial in helping navigate custody and visitation issues.
Maintenance
When two adults divorce, a judge can sometimes rule that one party owes the other maintenance support. A family law attorney can present evidence of misconduct, debt, and financial health that either frees their client of paying maintenance or shows that their client could greatly benefit from maintenance payments.
Family Law Attorneys Serving Kentucky
Clagett Law is a trusted family law firm, proudly serving clients in the Elizabethtown, Kentucky area. Our lawyers boast more than 30 years of experience in divorce law, child custody, adoptions, estate planning, and more. To speak with the trusted family law professionals at Clagett Law, reach out to us at any time.
What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney
Choosing a family law attorney out of a phonebook is not the best approach. Rather, potential clients should scope out the field and find an Elizabethtown professional that meets certain qualities. First and foremost, the family law attorney should have a thorough knowledge of family law, otherwise, they might miss important points or loopholes that could transform the case. Additionally, the lawyer should have specific knowledge of Kentucky law. They could be the best lawyer in the country, but if they don’t have the laws of Kentucky memorized, it simply won’t do much good.
Family law attorneys should also be able to provide a clear, impartial view of the case at hand. Often, clients are unable to see what’s really going on because they are too emotionally invested. On that note, a good family law attorney should also provide emotional support during rough times, whether that’s a shoulder to cry on or the moral support a person needs to keep fighting.
For members of the Elizabethtown community, Clagett Law proudly displays all these qualities and more.
Family Law FAQs: Your Questions Answered
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What Is The Divorce Process Like In Elizabethtown?
The divorce process in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, can vary depending on the specifics of your case, such as whether it’s contested or uncontested. Generally, it involves filing a petition, serving your spouse, negotiating or litigating key issues like property division and child custody, and ultimately obtaining a final divorce decree. Cassie Clagett of Clagett Law can guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
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How Is Child Custody Determined In Elizabethtown?
Kentucky courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Factors considered include the child’s wishes (if they are of sufficient age and maturity), each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment.
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What Factors Are Considered When Calculating Child Support In Elizabethtown?
Kentucky uses child support guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and other relevant factors. The team at Clagett Law can help you understand these guidelines and advocate for a fair child support order.
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How Long Does It Take To Finalize An Adoption In Elizabethtown?
The adoption process can take several months to a year or more, depending on various factors such as the type of adoption, the child’s age, and whether the birth parents are involved. Your family law attorney will guide you through each step, ensuring all legal requirements are met and prioritizing the best interests of the child.
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What Should I Do If I'm Experiencing Domestic Violence?
If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also seek a protective order from the court to prevent further abuse and ensure your safety. Cassie Clagett and the team at Clagett Law can help you understand your legal options and connect you with resources and support services.
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How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Family Law Attorney?
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the services you require. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and provide an estimate of potential costs.
If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Clagett Law. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Get Help From a Family Law Attorney In Elizabethtown
Whether you’re going through a divorce, child custody or support issues, or another family-related legal problem, hiring just a regular lawyer won’t cut it. You need the knowledge and expertise of an experienced family law attorney like Clagett Law. With our help, you’ll be able to navigate the complicated Kentucky legal landscape and get the outcome you’re hoping for in your case.
We’d love to get to know more about you and your issue before we take your case, which is why we offer a free consultation to see if we’d be the right match for you. Just call us today at (270) 900-0533 to schedule your appointment.
