Family Law Benefits

Time Frame:

Spousal Support: Spousal support is typically taxable income to the spouse receiving the payment. Support is based upon a variety of factors including number of years married the relative income of the parties.

Child Support:

Custody: Custody is both legal and physical.

Domestic Violence/Restraining Orders

Service: Service may be by mail in person. The court must receive notice that the oppossing party has been properly served prior to your case being heard. The paperwork that you are filing will usually specify what type of service is necessary. For example the Petition and Summons will need to be personally served.

Appraisals: An appraiser will need to be appointed in cases where either there is a house or one party has been living in the house for a period of time. The appraiser will help the parties value the house and determine the reasonable rental value of the home. An appraiser can be agreed upon by both parties or each party can hire their own expert. For more information see…penny web page

Business Valuations: If you have a business, ie self employed, and unless the parties can agree on the value of the business, a business valuation will need to be obtained. The parties may need to hire an accountant, appraiser or other experts that can help quantify dollar figures.

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Experts:

Custody Evaluations:

Family Court Services: (mediation): Where custody and/or visitation is in dispute, both parties will be required to go through Family Court Services for mediation. Mediation takes place at the court house. No lawyers are allowed. Mediation is an opportunity for parties to discuss their views on custody and/or visitation. At the conclusion of the session, if an agreement is reached, the parties will sign an agreement. If not, the mediator will prepare a report with recommendations. Typically the reports are not available until the date of the hearing. The reports are not usually ready in advance.