Our family is perhaps the most vital aspect of our lives. It is who we turn to when we are in need of comfort and support. However, nothing is perfect, and there will inevitably be conflicts. Thankfully, many of these can be resolved with the help of a St. Augustine family lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A.
If you are going through a divorce, custody dispute, or need guidance before you get married, our attorneys have decades of combined experience to provide you with sound legal advice. We take the time to fully understand your situation and goals so we can work towards finding a fair solution.
Before and After Marriage
Getting married is a time for celebration, but it is easy to get lost in the moment’s happiness and forget about the future. Although some people think of prenuptial agreements as an early sign of trouble, the truth this that they offer both spouses an opportunity to develop a plan before things become too emotionally charged.
Having a valid prenup could provide a roadmap for the couple if they were to ever get divorced or separated. Without such a plan in place, they must go through the Florida court system. It is here that they need to find a way to split their lives, including dealing with issues such as property division, alimony, and the children.
Florida operates under the ideal of equitable property distribution in a divorce. This may not always mean equal; rather, the court aims to divide the divorcing spouses’ assets fairly. To do so, the judge considers a range of factors, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s personal financial situation
- The contributions to the family each spouse brought
- Career or educational support one spouse provided to the other
Whether it is drafting a contingency plan with a prenup or navigating the divorce process in St. Augustine family court, it is essential to have a knowledgeable family law attorney to help you navigate the challenges.
Legal Matters Involving Children
Family legal issues are tough for everyone, but it is especially difficult for children because they may not understand what is going on and may feel like it is their fault. This is a common issue when parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody, visitation, or child support. Having the guidance of a seasoned family lawyer is vital for parents in St. Augustine to reach an agreement without putting the children at the center of the battle.
The number one thing to remember when determining parental responsibility is that judges will base their decisions on the child’s best interests. The court considers several factors, including each parent’s ability and history of raising children, the children’s reasonable preference, and the overall stability of the current living situation.
Situations change, just like everything in life, and a custody agreement that worked before may not fit when one parent has to move to another state for something like a job opportunity. When this happens, there must be a separate relocation agreement that sets a new parenting plan, and a skilled attorney could help work this out.
Reach Out to a St. Augustine Family Attorney for Legal Guidance
Family law matters are often the most emotionally charged events for everyone, and it is common for one or both sides to use the process to hurt the other. Retaining a St. Augustine family lawyer from the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., could provide an objective voice and keep things on track.
If you have an issue, our attorneys are here to help find a solution. Contact the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter and tell us your story. Problems? Pick Porter!™