The Kaplan Family Law Firm practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, focusing on the following types of cases:
Divorce
Divorce, by definition, is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Rarely, though, are divorces as simple as people would like them to be. Most divorces involve the division of property between spouses and/or the arrangement of child custody and support. There are many other matters that can be affected by divorce including family businesses, social security, retirement benefits and health insurance. In addition to material issues, the emotional aspect of a divorce may well have its own timetable. Ideally, a divorce settlement will be reached without the intervention of the court. If, however, agreements cannot be reached, we offer aggressive legal representation to ensure that your personal needs are addressed. As divorce issues can be very complex, we can help you use a rational perspective to approach the process.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law is a non-litigation approach to divorce. In cases where ongoing relationships are needed, collaborative law can be especially effective in maintaining an open and respectful relationship for both parties. A collaborative law case consists of four-way meetings in which both parties and their respective lawyers work together. Although each attorney still represents his or her own client and their interests, both attorneys are focused on the big picture of resolving the matter in an impartial environment. I am certified in collaborative law and will work with you, your spouse, and your spouse's attorney to resolve your divorce equitably outside of the court room.
Family Law
The term family law applies to legal matters that relate to family relationships, rights, duties and finances. In addition to relationships between members within a family, family law rules also apply to the relationship between a family and society. Family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related treat each other. By definition, a family law attorney aids the creation or termination of family relationships. Because family law is the only area of law in which we practice, we can offer advice and assistance on many of the intricacies involved. Since you are dealing with a life-altering situation such as divorce, we want to assist in your understanding and resolve the matter to your satisfaction.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Spousal support, or alimony, is payment that one person in a marriage must pay to the other when the couple separates or divorces. The purpose of alimony is to avoid any unfair economic consequences of a divorce, even after property is divided.
Child Support
Child support is a payment by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to contribute to the cost of raising children. Recent research has indicated that more than 13 million divorced parents have sole custody of a child in the United States. Luckily for those 13 million, there are strict laws in each state that dictate the collection and enforcement of child support. Because these laws vary from state to state, it is crucial that you meet with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your child support issues. Whether you are seeking child support for your child or are required by law to pay child support, we will fight to secure a final disposition that is sufficient and fair.
GA Child Support Law »
Custody and Visitation
After a divorce, the parent to have primary physical custody of the children is one of the most difficult decisions a couple can agree upon. Primary physical custody is the set of parental responsibilities regarding day-to-day care in addition to the rights to direct the child’s daily activities, while legal custody is the set of rights and responsibilities regarding the child’s upbringing. As a family law attorney firm, we routinely work with child psychologists, parenting coordinators, guardians ad litem and other mental health professions to develop parenting plans which are in the best interests of the children. Ideally, an agreement can be made without the need of court intervention. The agreement reached by the parties (either with the assistance of a mediator, the parties respective attorneys or by the parties alone) can then be incorporated into a court order.
Paternity and Legitimation
Paternity and legitimation are important not only for establishing a healthy relationship between a child and its parent, but also in determining responsibility for the upbringing and support of the child. We will work with you to obtain all of the required tests to ensure that your child receives the support he or she deserves.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people prior to marriage. The purpose of this agreement is to establish the division of property or spousal support arrangements should the couple divorce. If you and your significant other are considering a prenuptial agreement, we encourage you to meet with us to discuss your rights and wishes.
Adoption
Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents and terminating the legal rights of the birth parents. Whether you are an adoptive parent or a birth parent, we will put the interests of your children first and foremost.
