Family Law Attorney
Change is a part of life. When change has to do with family, it can become even more difficult and confusing and the legal impact more complex. In these cases, the services of an experienced family law attorney can guide you through the unexpected events of life. Our offices handle a variety of family changes including additions to a family through adoption, or other changes that may not be as pleasant such as custody, support, and divorce. If you or your family are preparing for any of these instances, please reach out to our offices today.
Family Law Services
The Law Offices of Douglas G. Miller can assist with:
Adoptions
Preparing for adoption can be both an exciting and a scary time. There are a lot of things to consider and do when welcoming a child into your heart and home, either through a private adoption process or when working with an adoption agency. Adoption may even be an option for someone who is legally an adult. Regardless, the legal requirements for adoption can be extremely complicated, with significant variations in procedure from one county in Pennsylvania to another.
Guardianship
Guardians may be necessary for minor children, children and adults with special needs, or the elderly who may be having difficulty caring for themselves. Before you make any decisions on your own, learn about possible alternatives to guardianships or become prepared for the steps involved when asking a court to appoint a guardian by contacting the Law Offices of Douglas G. Miller.
Custody
In Pennsylvania the custody of minor children depends in each circumstance by what is in the best of interests of a child of any age. If you are facing separation or divorce, learn about the differences between legal and physical custody, the factors that courts consider when determining sole, primary, partial, and shared physical custody, as well as visitation and possible grandparent or other family rights. The well-being of children is very important, and consideration should be given to the possible options of a trial, conciliation conference, mediation, or private agreement to resolve custody issues.
Divorce
Divorce is never easy. Unfortunately, you may find yourself involved in a divorce action filed by your spouse, or be the person filing for divorce. Terms like separation, fault divorce, no fault divorce, and equitable distribution are commonly used, but often misunderstood. The decision to end one chapter in your life is hard enough but then add in the actual legal process of doing so, and it can easily become overwhelming. An experienced divorce attorney can help you through whatever the process and assist you in the legal process of a divorce, and understanding how custody, support, alimony, and asset allocation are resolved either by the courts or the parties themselves.
Support
Child support and spousal support are issues that can arise even when a divorce action has not been filed. And a separation can occur even while parties are still living in the same residence. In the event of a divorce, alimony and alimony pendente lite may also be legal issues to understand and consider. There are many factors that impact each type of payment, so regardless of whether you may be the person paying support, or the person looking to receive it, an experienced family law attorney can be a valuable asset.
Legal proceedings that deal with family tend to come with high emotions and complicated situations. Avoid making a situation worse by acting without knowing your legal options or agreeing to terms you will later regret. Instead, ensure you are prepared for the path ahead and the forthcoming changes. It is a role we take seriously, so contact the office today.