Family Law Attorneys in Athens, Alabama
Welcome to our family law firm located in Athens, Alabama! Our law firm is proud to serve the community of Athens and the surrounding areas. We understand that family law matters can be emotional and stressful, and our experienced Athens, Alabama family attorneys are here to provide compassionate and experienced legal representation to help you navigate these difficult times.
If you need legal guidance in Athens, lawyers who know the applicable laws and local courts in Limestone County, we can guide you through the legal process. You do not have to try to navigate this difficult and often-painful process on your own. A family law attorney from Summit Family Law can support and advocate for you from start to finish.
Whether you need help with a divorce, child custody, child support, or modification of a previous order, we are there for you. Our law firm offers confidential, no-obligation evaluations. Contact us to get the answers you need as soon as possible.
Call (256) 829-7829 or send us an online message today.
The Summit Difference
Our compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorneys help clients navigate the family law courts in Limestone County and elsewhere in Alabama. At our Athens family law firm, we help clients file for divorce, respond to a divorce complaint, handle alimony matters, pursue child support or custody, or modify existing orders.
We understand how to navigate your case, meet all applicable deadlines, and pursue the outcome that best suits your interests. We know how emotionally difficult these legal actions can be and will provide the necessary support you seek throughout the process. We want you to know you do not have to go through this alone.
Our goal is to ensure all parties hear and recognize your voice, including the family law judge. We know how to develop a strong argument, gather the necessary evidence, and present it effectively in mediation or court. We ensure the judge and others involved have the information needed to understand your point of view and make decisions based on that information.
Understanding Family Law in Athens, Alabama
Family law refers to a segment of civil law that deals with marriage, divorce, and child-rearing. Our services generally fall under one of two categories: divorce or child custody. Our attorneys manage all aspects of family law proceedings for our clients, from start to finish.
We not only handle all legal needs but provide compassionate comfort and support along the way. We understand how difficult this process can be. We can stand beside you.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Navigate an Alabama Divorce
Both parties in a divorce—and their children—often face emotional challenges following the loss. Our goal is to limit the hardships our clients and their children may suffer, protecting their best interests throughout the proceedings. Each case involves unique factors, and every family’s circumstances differ. Our team listens to you, helps you prepare important paperwork, represents you during mediation or in court, and takes all the steps necessary to represent your voice and concerns.
Our attorneys focus on divorce cases that other law firms may not have deep experience with.
This includes:
We file cases based on fault as well as no-fault grounds.
Our team regularly works on:
- Uncontested divorces
- Divorces with alimony
- Contested divorces
- Divorce cases at trial
We also prepare, file, and defend divorce modifications. Aside from child custody concerns, alimony is another common reason individuals file for a divorce modification after the case finalizes. Over time, circumstances change, and one or both parties may believe the agreement or order no longer works. This leads to filing a Petition to Modify and asking the judge to reassess the situation.
Common Concerns of Our Athens Clients in Family Law Proceedings
Every family law case comes with unique circumstances and concerns. We understand this and want to take steps to hear your questions and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Our clients commonly worry about:
Unfair Property Distribution
Alabama provides for equitable distribution during a divorce. Per Alabama Code § 30-2-51 and § 30-2-52, the judge must distribute the marital assets fairly between you and your spouse. While this does not mean you will split everything 50/50, you should not receive all the debt while your spouse walks away with all the assets.
In some cases, clients have special requests related to property distribution. For example, wanting to keep the children in the family home often drives the desire to receive that asset. Family heirlooms or high-value collections are often on this list, as well. You could retain prized marital assets and maintain rights to your personal property with help from our team.
Spousal support, otherwise known as alimony, is often a highly-contested topic in Athens divorce cases. At Summit Family Law, we know alimony can help one spouse get back on their feet following a separation and divorce. We request alimony when needed for our clients or can argue against it if no good reason exists to support this type of award.
Concerns About How Alabama Awards Child Custody and Visitation in Divorce
Summit Family Law knows the factors Alabama family law judges use to determine custody, visitation, and child support. We know how this process works, the evidence considered, and other factors that could affect the outcome. In general, under Alabama Code § 30-3-150, Alabama law favors parenting plans that involve both parents, including joint decision-making, shared custody, and the presence of both parents in a child’s life.
As long as both parents demonstrate an ability to act in their children’s best interests and manage the responsibilities related to caring for their child, Alabama requires judges to consider allowing frequent and ongoing contact with both parties. If you have concerns about the other parent’s ability to provide a safe and loving environment for your children, one of our attorneys can explain your options.
When a parent puts the children in danger, the court could limit their visitation, require supervised visits, or award sole custody and no visitation. The judge will not do this without strong evidence to show the parent endangers the child’s emotional or physical health. Our attorneys know what this evidence looks like, where to find it, and other steps to evaluate the other party’s fitness to care for your children.
Getting a Necessary Divorce Modification in Athens and Limestone County
Alabama family law judges know that circumstances change, especially as time passes and children grow up. The law allows for divorce and child custody modifications for this reason. While many families never need to alter their original agreement or court order, others require several changes throughout the years. Nothing is wrong with either situation.
To change a previous agreement or court order, the court in Limestone County will require you to show:
- A significant change in the circumstances since the current order
- The effects that change has on the ability to follow the current order
- How another plan will better suit the best interests of those involved
The judge will likely approve your request without changes if you and your former spouse agree on the order. Our attorneys handle these petitions regularly and know what the courts look for to approve them. If you do not agree, we provide supporting evidence for the positive nature of the change and its necessity at this time, advocating on your behalf.
Alabama Family Law Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below, you will find some of the most commonly asked questions our family law attorneys serving Athens receive from clients and potential clients. This list is not comprehensive. Our team provides private, no-obligation consultations if you have additional questions or need answers based on your unique situation.
Does Alabama Favor the Mother or Father in Custody Cases?
Alabama law does not consider the gender of the parents when determining custody, visitation, or other factors related to child-rearing. Instead, there is a list of factors the judge must weigh to determine the child’s best interests. This includes many factors related to the child’s previous activities, success in school, and the parents’ abilities to provide the necessary care.
Never assume that a mother or father will or will not get custody, decision-making, or visitation rights in an Athens custody case based on gender alone. Alabama law prefers joint decision-making and continued quality time with both parents.
How Does Alabama Determine Child Support?
Alabama uses strict calculations for tabulating child support payments.
The court considers several factors, including:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of children
- The cost of childcare, insurance, and medical care costs
Other factors can also affect child support payments.
You may have unique concerns about child support or questions about modifying your current child support order. We can address these questions during your no-obligation case evaluation with our team.
How Can I Get Alimony?
Alabama awards spousal support in divorce cases under Alabama Code § 30-2-56 and § 30-2-57. These statutes outline the circumstances that make alimony possible. In general, most spouses who receive alimony get these payments only for a relatively short time. The courts award alimony to allow them to find a job, finish school, begin a new career, establish a new home, or take other similar actions related to the divorce.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Alabama?
Under Ala. Code § 30-2-8.1, Alabama requires a 30-day cooling off or waiting period. This begins the date you file a divorce complaint and summons. This is a very short time, and spouses may not reach agreements on all the necessary factors.
The more contested aspects of the divorce, the longer agreements could take. Even when the partners agree on most factors, the process takes time. Obtaining all the necessary documents, such as bank statements, home appraisals, and debt balances often takes longer than you might have anticipated.
If the case needs to go to trial because the two parties cannot agree, it could take a year or longer to receive a final judgment and decree. The judge will likely enter temporary orders for custody and support.
Does Alabama Make Me Use an Attorney for a Divorce?
You need a lawyer to file divorce complaints and modifications simply because the process and requirements are so complex that most people make terrible mistakes when they try to do it themselves. We recommend meeting with our team to learn more about the process. Your divorce may require solving far more complex legal issues than you realize.
Most people hire a lawyer when facing a contested divorce. We also recommend it when the couple has children or significant assets. A family law attorney from our team knows how this process works, the evidence necessary to support your argument, and the judge’s considerations when reviewing the case.
How We Handle Child Custody and Related Cases
Child custody cases can result from two situations: a dispute or a divorce. Our attorneys understand how to represent you in these cases, keeping your goals and the best interests of your children central to our work.
When you come to us with a child custody, visitation, or child support concern, our first job is to listen. Our compassionate team will seek to understand your needs and concerns for your child’s well-being. We then work with you to identify the factors that could influence the judge’s decision, documenting all relevant supporting evidence.
When necessary, our attorneys handle custody modifications the same way. We develop an argument to show why the change is best for the child, petition the court, and present our evidence to the judge.
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Team
Experience has taught us that family law issues are often emotionally draining experiences born from loss. These experiences usually do not afford people the ability to think and act logically and without heavy emotion at the same time. That is why it is crucial to rely on a legal advocate that will care and passionately represent you during your time of need.
Our guiding principles of trust and excellence and our proven track record for exceeding expectations set us apart from our peers. It is what drives our vision of helping families like yours feel secure again, create a new life following a loss, and enjoy the bright future you earned and deserve.
Get Help From a Family Law Attorney in Athens, AL Today
Discuss your case or get answers to your questions about Alabama family law during a confidential, no-obligation evaluation today. Our attorneys in Athens, Alabama represent individuals and families in many family law matters.
We can assess your circumstances, talk about your goals, and listen to your most pressing concerns. We are here to help you navigate the process and get the support you need every step of the way.
Contact us online or call (256) 829-7829 today to learn more about your options.
Overview of Athens, Alabama
Athens, Alabama is a beautiful and historic city located in Limestone County. Founded in 1818, Athens has a rich history that is reflected in its charming downtown area, historic homes, and museums. The city was named after Athens, Greece, and it is known for its beautiful antebellum architecture, scenic countryside, and warm southern hospitality.
Key Points of Interest in Athens, Alabama:
- Athens Historic District: Take a stroll through the historic district of Athens and admire the beautiful architecture of the homes and buildings. You can also visit the Athens Visitors Center to pick up a map and brochure that will guide you through the district.
- Athens State University: Athens is home to the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in Alabama. Athens State University was founded in 1822 as a female academy, and it is now a coeducational institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Limestone County Courthouse: The Limestone County Courthouse is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1914 and is still in use today.
- Big Spring Memorial Park: Located in the heart of downtown Athens, Big Spring Memorial Park is a beautiful park that features a natural spring, walking trails, and picnic areas. It is also home to several community events throughout the year.
- Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives: The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives is dedicated to preserving the history of Alabama veterans and their contributions to our country. The museum features exhibits and artifacts from all branches of the military.
- Houston Memorial Library and Museum: The Houston Memorial Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of Sam Houston, who was born near Huntsville, Alabama. The museum features artifacts and exhibits related to Sam Houston and his life.
For more information about Athens, Alabama and its key points of interest, please visit the following links:
- City of Athens, Alabama
- Athens-Limestone Tourism Association
- Athens State University
- Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives
- Athens-Limestone Public Library
- Limestone County Courthouse
- Big Spring Memorial Park
Our Athens family lawyers know every case is different, and we’re here to help you make informed decisions about important family law matters such as divorce, property division, child custody, spousal support, and more. The attorneys at our family law firm in Athens are skilled negotiators and litigators and will fight for your rights and interests in court.
Related: The Best Athens, Alabama Divorce Lawyers
Counties Served
- Limestone County
- Madison County
- Morgan County
- Lauderdale County
- Cullman County
- Marshall County
- Jackson County
- DeKalb County .