Compassionate And Skilled Family Law Counsel

Are you facing a divorce? Is your child’s mother or father failing to pay you child support? Are you concerned that you will not be able to get custody of your children? You do not need to face this difficult time alone.

Seek the help of our experienced and understanding attorney from Grainger Hawley & Shinbaum, LLC, in Prattville, Alabama.

Divorce Options In Alabama

Regardless of your situation, the consequences of your divorce can far outlast the length of your marriage. Let us help you prevent problems before they arise, keep more money in your pocket and regain control over your life.

In general, there are three different types of divorces. Your particular circumstances will determine which is appropriate for you.

• Uncontested: While the most cost-effective and fastest way to obtain a divorce is an uncontested divorce, it is not possible in all cases. Both parties must have reached an agreement concerning all issues related to property division, debt allocation, child custody, child support and alimony, and must have approved the required documents before they are filed with the court. A final decree of divorce can be issued thirty days after the documents are signed and filed with the court.
• Contested: If you and your spouse are unable to agree to the terms of your divorce, a contested divorce may be necessary. One spouse files a complaint, and the other spouse files an answer. Both will present their cases in court with the help of their lawyers, and the court decides the outcome.
• Undisputed: An undisputed divorce is what happens when one of the spouses fails or refuses to file an answer with the court within the allotted 30-day period. Failure to respond to a petition for divorce can result in a default judgment against you, allowing your soon-to-be ex-spouse to determine your rights and obligations.

Child Custody And Child Support

Whether or not parents are married at the time they go their separate ways, if they have minor children, issues of child custody, visitation and child support must be ironed out. Child custody and financial support matters are typically the main reason couples end up in court.

Don’t leave your fate and the future of your children in the hands of a court. Our lawyers have years of professional and personal experiences with issues of child custody and support — and modifications of orders following a change of circumstances. Let us help you with your family law matters.

Adoption Matters

Our law firm can also help you with an adoption matter. Once you make the decision to adopt a child, we can help. Our focus is on assisting with step-parent adoptions and relative adoptions.

Planning For The Future

Closely intertwined with issues of family law are those of planning for the future. If you have children and do not have a will or an estate plan, you should consider setting one up as soon as possible. You should be able to choose who takes care of your children if you are no longer able to, not a court. Don’t wait until it is too late. An estate plan is less expensive than you might think.

Contact Us Today For A Free Initial Consultation

Whether you are seeking to start a divorce or child support or custody action, or you are attempting to modify a prior agreement or order, we can help you. Send us an email, or call us now at 334-361-7750 to schedule a free consultation so you can learn about your rights. We will use our experience to help ensure that your rights are respected while tailoring our services to achieve your goals.

Attorney Brad Hawley

Attorney Brad Hawley possesses years of practical experience focused on bankruptcy, civil and criminal defense. He has prosecuted and defended clients in state court, and is a former enlisted member of the United States Army. Brad is driven by his desire to help people that have been hurt by the legal system, and is dedicated to fixing injustices he sees around him. [ Attorney Bio ]