There are many legal phases to a marriage, and they involve the same phases with which you are familiar. You court someone, fall in love, become engaged, get married, start a family, etc., and believe it or not, you need an attorney all along the way – well, not during the dating part admittedly. If you are planning on proposing to your significant other, keep reading to find out how the best family law attorney in Daphne, AL, can protect you and your love one(s).
Prenuptial Agreement
No, a prenup does not mean you and your future spouse doesn’t think the marriage will last; it means the opposite. When you draft a prenuptial agreement, you draft a legal document that protects both of you throughout the marriage and in the unfortunate event the marriage does eventually collapse. With everything understood from the get-go, you and your fiance enter into the union solidly rather than trying to hash things out as you go along. This builds rather than destroys a happy marriage.
Estate Planning
Once you begin your family, it’s time to begin some estate planning. You will likely purchase a bigger house and start saving for your children’s futures. You need to make certain you have life insurance to protect your family should something happen to you. You also need a will, even if you’re young, and the best family law attorney in Daphne, AL, can help you draft one. He or she will sit with you (and your spouse if you wish) to discuss your future and how a will can protect your family and your estate.
Separation
Should you and your spouse hit a rough patch, you may want to separate for a limited time. In some cases, this actually helps repair the marriage, as you basically go through a “practice” divorce. Under a legal agreement, you will live in separate quarters and share custody of your children. You will also share responsibilities and support, including spousal support where needed. This puts things in perspective, and you may decide marriage counseling is the preferred route.
Divorce
If you find the separation leads you to divorce, get in touch with your attorney to file the final paperwork. You’ve already set the stage for most of your divorce agreement through the separation paperwork. You will need to sit down with your spouse and determine the best way to end your marriage for good and split your assets. You will also need to finalize all custody arrangements. The best family law attorney in Daphne, AL, will help you through this phase, too, even if it is heartbreaking.
Based in south Alabama, COUMANIS & YORK is a litigation law firm specializing in the areas of Federal & State criminal defense, Healthcare & Whistleblower actions, and Family Law. Our best family law attorney in daphne al can help you in issues related to laws on child custody in Daphne, Mobile, and Montgomery.
