Cottonwood Heights Divorce & Family Law Firm
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We understand how difficult it is to go through tough family issues and the heartache and emotional burden associated with legal proceedings. There is enough to worry about when you’re dealing with difficult circumstances, let us worry about the rest. Our attorneys are on your side every step of the way.
With over 25 years of experience we have many resources, valuable knowledge, and expertise in family law. We are aggressive and proactive to get the best possible outcome, while offering advice, compassion, and understanding for each person’s legal issues.
Our attorneys are a vital asset on your side, providing wisdom and knowledge concerning legal proceedings. Family law can be chaotic. You may feel lost and unsure of where to go. Let our office relieve some of the stress associated with what is already a trying period in life.
Our office is conveniently located off the East side of the 215 freeway in Cottonwood Heights. It is easily accessible and away from downtown Salt Lake traffic and parking.
We specialize in all family law matters to include but not limited to adoption, child support, custody disputes, divorce, and prenuptial agreements. We are also versed in various criminal matters such as DUI or Traffic violations.
Adoption
Adoption is an amazing process and we work with you every step of the way. Children are truly beautiful, and we love assisting new parents-to-be in legal matters.
While the movies show Adoption as being instantaneous, Adoption is a much longer and more tedious process than most realize. The Adoption process can take at least six months to finalize.
Expectations of all parties involved must be met, including:
- The biological parent(s)
- The adoptive parents
- The adoptee
- The agency
In other cases, where grandparents and stepparents might try to adopt a child, the legal process is even longer because the court may have to address custody disputes. Additionally, if the child is twelve years old or older, they must give consent to their adoptive parents.
Having an adoption attorney by your side helps ensure a smoother transition — no matter what your situation. Your attorney can help you avoid missteps and errors and will also be there looking out for your best interest. It’s also easier to go through the lengthy process if you have a lawyer that is knowledgeable of the adoption laws and procedures.
Child Support
Child support is a court-ordered payment plan that is made by the non-custodial parent to support a child in a divorce. It helps cover the living expenses of the child, such as food, diapers, clothing, school supplies, and personal care items. If a parent refuses to pay, they can face consequences like license suspension, property seizure, or even jail time.
Although child support can be expected no matter the case, the amount paid varies on both of the parents’ incomes, wages, tips, bonuses, pensions, or benefits.
Sometimes, a parent may also request to change the amount of pay. Payment modification can be a complicated process since that party has to prove why they need to change the amount. In these instances, it’s best to have a family law lawyer on your side.
Child Support Custody Disputes
Custody disputes happen when parenting parties can’t agree on custody times and visitations.
For example, a mother might request that their child’s daycare teacher doesn’t let them go home with their father. Unless otherwise specified by the court, this is considered illegal and could cause a custody dispute.
Issues within this section of divorce that your Cottonwood Heights family law attorney may cover include:
- Physical custody
- Legal custody
- Joint legal custody
- Joint physical custody
- Parent-time enforcement
- Establishing a parenting plan
- Restraining Orders
Divorce
Divorce can be extremely emotionally draining and a chaotic battle — but with the right Cottonwood Heights divorce attorney, it doesn’t have to be.
Aside from legal separation, divorce always includes the division of property and alimony awards. If a child is involved, then the court and both parties will have to address child custody visitation, child support, and mediation.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative to litigation, specifically when divorce is on the table. Litigation can get messy and expensive, divorcees who remain civil prefer mediation as the process is less expensive and is a necessary first step in any divorce.
In mediation, you and your spouse will work with a neutral third party to come to an agreement on your issues. The attorneys at Schmidt Law Firm also act as legal negotiators and have the wisdom, expertise and resources to assist you during this process to ensure the agreement is fair and in your best interest.
Contact Schmidt Law Today
If you need counsel for your family case, give us a call at 801-990-6390 for a consultation so we can discuss how to best approach your situation. If you prefer, you can contact us online to learn more about what we can do for you.
We understand that each case within divorce and family law is unique and personal, we will do our best to assure a smooth process and produce the best result possible.