Gonzales Family Lawyer

Gonzales Family Law Attorney

Innovative Solutions for Your Legal Concerns

Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support

You deserve honest, realistic advice from your lawyer. At my Louisiana law firm, Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, I will work to minimize the anxiety and expense of your case. With help from a Gonzales family lawyer, you can have the knowledgeable guidance you need to make informed decisions about your situation.

Family law issues, particularly divorce cases, are often emotional and frustrating. I will advocate on your behalf to reach a solution that meets your unique needs. Call 225-319-5541 or contact me online to schedule an appointment with an experienced Louisiana family lawyer.

Pursuing Your Rights in Louisiana Family Court

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Call Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law 225-644-7250

Dissolving a marriage involves a number of family law issues. I will help you identify the divorce matters that need to be addressed and protect your interests throughout your contested or uncontested divorce. With more than 25 years of family law experience, I can help you resolve issues including:

• Property Division: This involves the equal split of marital assets and debts during a divorce. The property division process considers many different factors, like how long the couple were married and any assets each spouse brought into the marriage. An effective division of property is one that is fair for both parties.
• Alimony (also called spousal support): Financial assistance provided by one spouse to another is considered alimony. It’s meant to help the lower-earning spouse keep the same or similar standard of living while the divorce is pending or in certain circumstance, after the marriage is dissolved. Alimony can be either temporary or permanent, and the amount varies depending on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s ability to make a living and provide for themselves financially and in certain circumstances, statutory fault.
• Child Custody and Visitation: One of the most important parts of a divorce involves where the children will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. The court tries to consider the child’s situation as well as the parent’s living environment. Visitation schedules are designed to help the child keep a relationship with both of their parents as much as possible.
• Child Support: In some cases, child support is paid by the parent whom the child is not living with or in the case of shared custody, the spouse who has a greater income. The purpose of child support is to help cover the child’s living expenses. This is usually a predetermined amount that is calculated with a specific formula.
• Enforcement and Contempt Proceedings: If one party disobeys court orders through actions like refusing to pay child support or not following custody arrangements, it can be considered contempt of court. The legal ramifications of these actions include fines, garnishing of wages, and even jail time. An attorney can help enforce aspects of a divorce settlement to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly.

When circumstances change, I can also represent you in cases involving modifications of custody and support agreements, as well as relocation matters. I represent both clients in Louisiana and out-of-state clients in these matters.

Guiding You Through an Uncontested Divorce

The way I handle these cases is quick and efficient, which can greatly reduce the cost, compared to a contested case. I can create the documents and ensure that all aspects of the situation have been addressed.

Other Family Law Issues

Divorce is not the only legal struggle families face. Working with my clients throughout their lives, I am available to guide them to positive resolutions for all family law issues, including:

• Stepparent and Intrafamily Adoptions: Adoptions involving a stepchild or a relative’s child usually require the consent of the biological parents unless the court terminates these rights. This process requires a detailed legal procedure to determine whether the child’s interests will be met via an adoption.
• Domestic Violence Protective Orders, Injunctions, and Restraining Orders: These actions are legal protections meant to help individuals suffering from domestic violence and abuse. They are intended to limit the abuser’s contact with the victim by making the abuser leave a shared residence. They can also temporarily alter custody arrangements to increase the safety of victims of domestic violence.
• Prenuptial Agreements: A prenuptial agreement outlines the division of assets and financial responsibilities in a marriage. It is created before the marriage and can be helpful in case the union ends in divorce. This document can help individuals protect their assets and clarify who owns what, which usually makes the divorce process move more smoothly. It can be particularly useful if there are high-value assets or previous marriages involved.
• Paternity Issues: Establishing the legal father of a child can affect many serious issues like child support, child custody, and even inheritance. Paternity is sometimes voluntarily established if both parents acknowledge it. However, in other circumstances, the court can order a DNA test to determine paternity. These actions can help protect the child’s legal rights and what they are entitled to.
• Property Settlement: If spouses can agree on how their property will be divided before going to court, it is considered a property settlement. This can be done through third-party mediation if both spouses are willing to work together for a positive outcome. It can save valuable time and money during a divorce.
• Contested Property Division: Sometimes, spouses disagree on how to divide their debts and assets, which typically leads to intervention from the court. A judge reviews their situation and makes a final decision based on value of the assets, the amount of debts as well as any reimbursement or other claims. This process can be complicated and requires dedicated legal representation.

Contact an Alimony and Divorce Attorney in Ascension Parish, Louisiana Today.

I will take the time to get to know you and your loved ones. Every family has unique priorities, and I will do everything I can to provide the personal attention you deserve. Call 225-319-5541 or contact me online to schedule an appointment if you are going through a family law issue in Ascension Parish.

Practice Areas

• Divorce & Family Law
• Succession/Probate Cases
• Succession/Probate Case FAQ
• Wills & Estate Planning
• Criminal Law
• Other Practice Areas

FAQs

How Is Child Support Calculated in Louisiana?

Child support is calculated in Louisiana based on a detailed model. This formula takes into account the combined monthly income of both parents as well as how many children need to be taken care of. Additional expenses, like healthcare and childcare costs, might also be added to the final amount. The courts also take into consideration the custody arrangements of the parties. The goal of child support is to make sure that the children’s financial needs are met as much as possible through the parents’ financial means.

What Is the Process to File for Divorce in Louisiana?

The process to file for divorce in Louisiana starts with a petition. Whether to file a 102 or a 103 divorce is one of the first questions to be answered as well. Once this decision is made and the initial divorce petition is filed, these papers must be served to the other spouse. Alternatively, the other spouse can choose to accept service instead of being served. After this, the spouses must negotiate or litigate on issues like property division, use of assets, child custody, and any child support or alimony obligations. If the spouses do not agree, then the case might have to go to trial. Once these issues are resolved and the required amount of time has passed, a judge issues a final judgment of divorce to end the marriage.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

Property settlements and partitions are a separate proceeding from the divorce. They are divided in a Louisiana according to the principle of community property. This means that all the assets and debts that were earned during the marriage are split in half between the spouses. If an asset was acquired before the marriage or was given to only one spouse, then it may be considered separate property and would stay with the original owner. Property settlements and partitions are generally decided based upon the numbers with outside factors like adultery or the financial situation of the spouses not being relevant.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Louisiana?

Judges in Louisiana typically favor a 50/50 custody arrangement unless there is a good reason why such a situation would not work. They consider several different elements, including the emotional bond between the child and their parents, as well as each parent’s ability to provide an environment where a child can thrive as well as more practical things like the work schedule of the parties. Occasionally and in rare circumstances if the child is old and/or mature enough, then the court might consider the child’s preferences. The court will determine how much weight, if any, to give to such a preference. You should speak to your attorney about voicing such a preference – NOT THE CHILD.

Secure Your Family’s Future

Family law matters often involve deeply personal and sensitive issues. By working with a family law attorney, you have the advantage of a third party to help you make decisions and take the emotions out of a difficult situation. Schedule a consultation with Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, to help you develop a positive resolution for your legal challenges.