Family Law FAQS

Legal separation allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married, often for financial, religious, or personal reasons. Divorce, on the other hand, permanently ends the marriage, allowing both individuals to remarry. Both processes can involve child custody, asset division, and support arrangements.

Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors like each parent's relationship with the child, stability, financial capability, and any history of abuse or neglect. Custody can be joint (shared responsibility) or sole (one parent has primary custody) based on these considerations.

Child support is determined by state guidelines, considering both parents’ incomes, the child’s needs, and time spent with each parent. Courts may also consider factors like healthcare, education, and special needs expenses to ensure proper financial support for the child.

Alimony is awarded when one spouse needs financial assistance after divorce, often due to a disparity in income or earning potential. Factors such as marriage duration, standard of living, and each spouse’s financial situation influence the court’s decision on whether, how much, and for how long alimony is granted.

Guardianship grants a responsible adult the legal authority to care for a minor or an incapacitated person, including making decisions about their welfare. Conservatorship specifically deals with managing an individual’s finances when they are unable to do so themselves, typically for elderly or disabled individuals.

These agreements protect each spouse’s assets and define financial responsibilities in the event of divorce. A prenuptial agreement is created before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is made after marriage. They help clarify expectations, protect business interests, and prevent financial disputes.