An Overview of My Birmingham Family Law Practice
As a family law attorney, my job is to help you understand the divorce process and come out of it in the best position possible. For more information about a topic, please click on the heading.
Divorce in Alabama
Many people who are facing divorce are worried that they will have to go to court and air their differences with their spouse in public. However, very few divorces end up in court. I am able to resolve the vast majority of divorce cases I handle through negotiations without the need for a trial. However, when a trial is in the best interest of my client, I am willing and able to provide top-notch litigation to those I represent.
Child Custody & Child Support
As difficult as it can be for parents to resolve child custody issues, it is even more difficult for a judge who does not know you or your family. For this reason, Alabama courts want families to decide parenting time issues for themselves. Going to court is a last resort — and a costly one. That said, custody and support may be the most important issues in a particular case and for that reason, it's paramount to get it right—the first time. If that means litigation, we will be ready.
Spousal Support
Alimony (also known as spousal support or maintenance) is an emotional issue in divorce. Since a spouse's bad behavior can be a factor in whether or not alimony is awarded in Alabama, it can also be a highly contested issue in court and can often lead to the breakdown in any settlement discussions. After an evaluation of the facts and circumstances of each particular case, a candid opinion on the issue is always offered, and, if in the best interest of the client, alimony is pursued vigorously.
Division of Marital Property
When you get divorced in Alabama, all of your marital property — from real estate to retirement accounts — must be divided equitably with your spouse. A lawyer's advice is crucial to ensure that you keep all of the property you are entitled to keep and that you obtain a fair distribution of assets that must be divided.
Division of Marital Debt
Just as you are entitled to an equitable division of marital property in divorce, you are also obligated to assume an equitable share of marital debts. Even if you did not create the debt, you may be responsible for paying back half of it.
Planning for a Divorce
Some marriages get to the point where they are a divorce waiting to happen. If you think divorce is inevitable, it may be better to talk to a lawyer early on so that you can know what to expect and the best ways to prepare both yourself and your family for what lies ahead. At the Davis Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama, I offer a free initial attorney consultation in order to minimize the unexpected.
Using Experts in Your Divorce
When a family business that had been profitable for years suddenly becomes a money loser during a divorce, financial experts can help sort out the facts and protect your financial interests. I have a network of impartial experts that I work with to help resolve marital property division and child custody disputes. It is also important to have a professional assess the issues in a contested custody situation so that if necessary, she may be called as witness to help prove your case.
Uncontested Divorce
Divorce doesn't have to be a lengthy and expensive process. I represent clients who want to have an uncontested divorce with minimal or no attorney involvement. I also review divorce documents for parties who aren't represented by a lawyer. But it is key to remember that unless you and your spouse have agreed on absolutely everything, the divorce isn't "uncontested."
Understanding Attorney Fees
I tend be very candid with my clients about the cost of divorce. Litigation can be expensive, and since you and your spouse will soon be maintaining two households instead of one, you need to know what to expect.
Free attorney consultation: To schedule an appointment at my office, call 205-822-9334 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. Your initial consultation is always free of charge.
