Top Grand Forks AFB, ND Family Law Lawyers Near You

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What Are Family Law Issues?

There are many legal matters that are handled in family courts, such as child custody, child support, divorce, domestic violence, legal separation, marital agreements, domestic partnerships, alimony or spousal support, and adoption. Family law issues can be more complicated than other legal issues because the people may have to continue communicating or living with each other after the dispute is settled.

How Long Do I Have To Wait To Get a Divorce?

Different states have different waiting periods for divorce cases. The divorcing couple may have to be living separately for enough time before the court will enter an order of dissolution of marriage. Other states have no waiting period and either spouse can seek a divorce. There are other requirements for a divorce, including residency requirements. Talk to a divorce attorney for legal advice about how to get a divorce.

Will I Get Shared Custody?

Custody matters can include legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody involves making legal decisions for the child and how the child is raised. This includes decisions about the child’s education, health care, and religion. Physical custody is where the child lives. In many North Dakota divorces, one parent will get physical custody and the other will have visitation rights.

How Much Will Child Support Cost in North Dakota?

Child support is generally determined by North Dakota child support guidelines. The amount of support and which parent pays support can be based on parenting time, parent’s income, additional support obligations, and the needs of the child.

Can a Lawyer Help With an Adoption?

An adoption attorney can help a family through the adoption process. For private adoptions or international adoptions, an adoption lawyer can help the prospective parents understand the process, the costs involved, options, and help avoid problems that may come up during adoption.

Should I Sign a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial agreements can be a very sensitive topic in marriage. Many couples do not like to discuss financial matters, which can later cause problems in the relationship. In some cases, a prenuptial agreement can help both spouses understand how their individual property will be treated if they separate. However, you should consult a family law attorney individually before signing a prenuptial agreement.

What Is Contempt of Court in Family Law Cases?

In family court, a judge can hold you in contempt of court if you fail to comply with any court orders. This could include refusing to follow your custody plan, failing to pay child support, or contacting a former spouse against court orders. If a family law judge finds you in contempt of court, it could mean fines, jail time, or even garnishing your wages to pay back child support.

How Does Family Court Resolve Disputes?

Family disputes can get complicated. In many cases, the best person to resolve a family dispute is the family members themselves, with the help of a mediator. Many family court issues are referred to a mediator, including child custody disputes. A mediator can help the people involved come up with their own plan. If the family cannot resolve their dispute, it may be left to the court to decide the legal issues.

How Can a Grand Forks AFB Family Law Attorney Help?

An attorney can often resolve your individual legal issue more quickly and efficiently than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. When talking to a lawyer, you should seek out an attorney in a practice area most relevant to your issue and in your area.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney’s hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For “routine” legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.