Family Lawyer Arlington TX

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At Brandy Austin Law Firm, we look to understand the elements that are most critical to achieving the outcome you desire with an Arlington, TX family lawyer. We are here to educate you on the options you have and partner with you to develop the most promising strategy to meet your legal needs. Our Texas family law lawyers and legal team serve Arlington and neighboring communities. Learn more about Why choose a family lawyer in Arlington, TX?

Property Division Attorneys Serving Arlington And Nearby Areas

Property division and child custody matters are two large concerns for most divorcing individuals in Texas. Talk to a top family lawyer Arlington, TX has to offer. We find that the best resolutions often arise when parties meet in the middle rather than go to court. We can represent clients through the mediation process. Attorney Brandy Austin is a trained mediator, which means she is a neutral third party who can facilitate the process of mediating a challenge.

Working together can result in a negotiated settlement that meets the top concerns of both sides. However, we will not hesitate to advocate for you in court if necessary. Brandy Austin frequently litigates family law cases in Tarrant, Johnson, and Dallas counties.

Family Law Practice Areas

Brandy Austin is a family lawyer Arlington, TX can count on. Our entire firm partners with clients to resolve a range of family law issues, including:

The Texas Family Code can change with every legislative session. It is important to have a family lawyer Arlington, TX can count on to stay up to date on all the recent changing laws and how they impact family law clients so we can stay on top of the industry.  With an experienced family lawyer leading the firm, we know how to work hard for you.

Our free consultations provide an opportunity for all potential clients to explain their situation. If you choose our firm, we will create a detailed plan-of-action to get you closer to reaching your family goals. We will work tirelessly to get you the best possible result for your situation. Talk to a top family lawyer Arlington, TX has to offer today.

We have families, so we understand that these challenges can represent one of the most difficult periods in your life. Our lawyers have the knowledge needed to answer any questions that arise throughout this process.

Dedicated family lawyers Arlington TX residents recommend understand that legal matters that involve children, divorce, or other family issues can be emotional and stressful. In many family law cases, the issues are often life-changing events which lead to the end of a marriage, changes in child custody, or potential loss of financial security.

The compassionate Arlington family lawyers at the Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC have successfully represented many clients and their families in obtaining the best outcomes available. Some of the family law legal services we offer include:

Divorce

Even the friendliest divorce can quickly turn acrimonious and suddenly neither spouse can agree on anything. Our family lawyers Arlington TX community members depend on may help negotiate a fair divorce settlement agreement. When ending a marriage, some of the most common issues that need to be addressed in dividing the marital estate include:

  • Who will get the family home and how will other real estate a couple may own be divided
  • How will assets such as checking accounts, saving accounts, retirement accounts, pensions, stocks, etc. be divided
  • How will household property be divided
  • How will marital debt be divided
  • Who will get family pets

In some cases, a couple may make the decision to not live together anymore but are not ready to file for divorce. In this situation, a legal separation may be the best option.

Child Custody and Child Support

Whether a married couple is divorcing or unmarried parents are splitting up, child custody and child support need to be determined. Experienced family lawyer Arlington TX parents rely on understand that it is in the best interest of all parties to have a Texas family court make a legal ruling over the division of parenting time and parental responsibilities. It is also important to have a judge determine which parent will be responsible for child support and how much that support should be.

When it comes to child custody and support issues, there are often situations that arise that may require modifications of existing orders. For example, as a child gets older, he or she may wish to go live with the other parent. Or there may be issues where a noncustodial parent is not paying their child support obligations.

Other Family Law Services

In addition to the above services, the legal team from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC can also assist clients with the following family law issues:

  • Pre- and postnuptial agreements
  • Paternity
  • Adoption
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Domestic violence issues and temporary restraining orders

Benefits of Hiring a Family Lawyer Arlington, TX Trusts for Custody Issues

When you and your spouse are legally separating or getting a divorce and children are involved, you may want to hire a family lawyer to help guide you through the process. There may be a number of things to consider, but the two most important issues will be who will have the responsibility to make legal decisions and where will the children reside.

The latter can be a joint situation that involves the child living equally between each parent’s home. In other situations, one parent might be designated as the primary caregiver. If parents are unable to come to an amicable agreement, they might need to rely upon an Arlington, TX family lawyer to help them through legal proceedings that could include mediation or a court hearing.

By choosing not to have a family lawyer on your side, you could lose out on some of your parental rights including the time you will spend with your children. To speak with a family lawyer now, call  Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC.

What are some benefits to hiring a family lawyer for support?

A family lawyer will put the interests of the child first. An Arlington, TX family lawyer understands that this battle can be emotionally draining and a contentious situation. This means it is important to devise a plan that benefits everyone involved, especially the children. A family lawyer will be on your side, fighting for your rights, while also looking out for your children.

A family lawyer understands family law. Family law is complex and varies by state. By choosing a family lawyer in Arlington, TX, you can feel confident in knowing that he or she understands what might be expected in your case. They may be prepared for surprises or a counter argument from the other party. This knowledge is a critical asset, particularly when your situation is complicated or involves a dispute over the children.

A family lawyer is familiar with procedures of the court.If your case ends up before a judge, it will be important to have a family lawyer to present your side in the best light. A lawyer will understand how to navigate this process with confidence and ease.

Make negotiations for child support. A family lawyer can help to negotiate child support with your spouse’s lawyer. This could ensure you receive enough to support your children, or if you are the paying parent, ensure you don’t overpay.

Help to arrange a parenting plan. Many lawyers will advise parents on creating a practical parenting plan that ensures the children have an equal amount of time with each parent. If this is not possible, the parenting plan might help to organize a custody schedule that each parent can adhere to. If you are unable to reach a decision on who the children should live with or when the children should visit either parent, you may need to have the support of a family lawyer.

Ultimately, a family lawyer can help you to get what you want in the event of a divorce. If your spouse has already retained a family lawyer, you should too. To speak with a family lawyer Arlington, TX clients recommend now, call  Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC.

What Factors Affect Alimony?

Going through a divorce is hard on anyone, even if you and your ex-spouse did so in an amicable and friendly way. However, when it comes to receiving alimony payments, separating can get even more confusing. Can alimony payments be changed? Are there life events that can affect how much alimony you get paid or if the dependent ex-spouse does not receive alimony anymore? The answer to this is “it depends.” When you have questions regarding your alimony, it is best to speak with a family lawyer in Arlington, TX from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC to see how different life events can affect alimony after your divorce. For more information or to set up your first consultation, please contact our office today. For more general information on alimony and what might affect it, please read the article below.

What affects how much a court grants alimony?

When a court is determining how much alimony one spouse should give to another, there are various things that go into making this decision, as a family lawyer in Arlington, TX can explain. For example, a court will look at:

  • Standard of Living During Marriage. If possible, a court will likely look at what the standard of living for both spouses was during the marriage and try to maintain that for both of them during a divorce.
  • Ability to Pay. The court will look at whether the supporting spouse can pay the dependent spouse alimony.
  • Ability to Earn. The court will examine what both spouses earn and what their potential for earning in the future is as well.-
  • Children. A court will factor in whether the couple has children. The safety and care of children is of the utmost importance, and if it makes more sense for one parent to stay home and take care of the children (instead of going to work and earning a living or working full time), then they may grant that spouse alimony.

What affects how much a court grants alimony

What affects how much a court grants alimony


Situations That May Affect Alimony After It’s Awarded

When it comes to receiving alimony, the dependent ex-spouse should be aware that there are certain factors that can change how much they get or if they continue to get anything at all. Some of these factors are:

  • Remarrying
  • Cohabitation


Remarrying. The dependent ex-spouse remarries. Although alimony would typically end here, in some cases the spouses may have signed an agreement in court stating that the dependent spouse will still get alimony even if they remarry.

Cohabitation. The alimony recipient does not remarry but starts cohabitating with another partner. When this is the case, any number of things can occur. The court may determine that if the dependent ex-spouse cohabitates with someone else, their alimony should be reduced or even terminated completely. As an Arlington, Texas family lawyer can explain, this may happen if the cohabitation truly decreases their need for this spousal support. In other states, however, a court may determine that alimony gets cut off when you cohabitate regardless of whether there is an economic need. Finally, other states have court systems where cohabitation simply does not affect the dependent ex-spouse and they will continue receiving alimony.

Understanding the Divorce Timeline

As divorces are mostly emotional and bureaucratic processes, it is no wonder that most people want to know how long it will last. Unfortunately, there are a lot of variables to contribute to the divorce timeline. Therefore, to understand how long proceedings will take, you must understand what can contribute to their length.

Uncontested Versus Contested

Uncontested divorces take far less time than contested divorces. As the name implies, an uncontested divorce refers to an amicable nullification of the marriage. These proceedings do not require a trial, which allows the court to merely grant the divorce, and can typically be resolved in under a year. A contested divorce, however, is not mutual and will involve a trial, and the whole process can take more than a year depending on the requirements of your municipality.

No-Fault Versus Fault-Based

A no-fault divorce means that neither party takes the blame for the divorce. Like uncontested divorces, no-fault proceedings can move ahead quickly. However, if one spouse files for divorce based on fault, meaning adultery, cruelty, or abuse, then the process is slowed once again because a trial must be held on the accusations.

State Requirements

If both parties are cooperative, then a divorce typically does not have to take very long. However, even in willing situations, the process can be slowed down by municipal and state regulations. Not every state believes in easy divorce, and some require certain aspects be met before a divorce can be granted.

  • Cooling off period – Some states may require a cooling off period, which can vary by jurisdiction. This cooling off time is supposed to be spent trying to reconcile the marriage through counseling and other means.
  • Separation – A separation is similar to a cooling off period. However, the required time is not so much about reconciliation as it is adjusting to single-living. The separation timeline can be anywhere from zero to twelve months, depending on the state and whether you have children or not.
  • Residency Requirements – Many states have residency requirements. The court does not want to grant a divorce when both parties will not have basic needs, including shelter and finances. Therefore, you may be required to provide proof of residency before being granted a divorce.

County Work Loads

Beyond the cooperation of both parties involved and state regulations, a divorce timeline also may depend on county workloads. Again, if filing for an uncontested, no-fault divorce, it may be granted in one to several months. However, if not amicable, the timeline will depend on caseloads and a trial.

Divorces can be quickly resolved if both parties agree, but even one disagreement can lead to a lengthy timeline. Call a family lawyer Arlington trusts to discuss your options. For more information on alimony and what affects alimony payments, please reach out to an Arlington, TX family lawyer Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC now.

Representation from Arlington’s Premier Family Lawyers 

We strongly believe in a team approach to family law. Our team provides you the resources of our entire firm when the occasion arises. We may also bring in experts and professionals from disciplines including finance, accounting, parenting, trial consulting, tax planning, and psychology to develop a strong, effective case depending on your needs.

If you’re in need of family lawyer Arlington TX trusts, contact a professional team with experience in Texas family law that will save you time and money, as well as giving you the peace-of-mind by knowing your case is in capable hands. Negotiating property division and parenting plans in divorce agreements can be a long, intense process. You will likely want to exchange ideas over time with your lawyer. We offer personal attention, including a dedicated client happiness coordinator, combined with a state-of-the-art online legal communications portal to help you deal with issues as they arise, as well as share photos, videos, and any documentation, in real time. As family lawyers Arlington TX relies on, we represent professional services providers, business owners, medical professionals and their spouses, technology professionals, teachers, software and aerospace engineers, and many other community members. We do our best to serve the entire community.

Are You Considering Family Lawyers?

If you are considering a divorce in Tarrant, Johnson, or Dallas County, speaking with a Brandy Austin Law Firm divorce lawyer will prepare you for the long road ahead. We can help you move forward from a position of strength while protecting your assets and interests by meeting and helping you define your goals and desired outcomes. Our local family lawyers Arlington TX trusts are highly accomplished and compassionate legal advocates. As a full-service law firm, we not only handle family law cases, but multiple practice areas so we have a better grasp on the unique issues you may face, whether they include business, probate, criminal, bankruptcy, or injuries.

Communities We Serve

From our office, family lawyers Arlington TX counts on consults with and represents individuals in divorce and family law matters in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Burleson, Mansfield, Kennedale, and throughout North Texas. Centrally located in the heart of DFW, our office is easily accessible from several North Texas neighborhoods. Our top family lawyers Arlington TX counts on represent out-of-state and international clients in Texas State based matters. We also facilitate ongoing client meetings through video-conferencing for the convenience of our clients, which provides local clients an opportunity to avoid traffic, and out-of-state and international clients the ability to speak face-to-face with their attorneys.

There are few bonds in life as precious as those that come from families, but if you are having any type of familial disputes, an Arlington family lawyer may be of help to you. While family is the most important aspect in the lives of the majority of people, things do not always go as planned. As a result, familial disputes and major life transitions affecting families can be uniquely stressful events.

Thankfully, if you are in need of a well-experienced Arlington family lawyer, you can contact Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC where they can resolve a wide range of family law areas. The family lawyers can handle anything from paternity to legal separations, and you can count on working with a well-trained team who can understand your frustrations and work for the best possible outcome for you.

Arlington Family Lawyer

The Ins and Outs of Family Legal Matters

Although there are exceptions to this rule, there are three primary kinds of family legal matters.

Administrative Issues

Administrative issues are fairly straightforward and generally involve filing paperwork with the state. This is something an Arlington family lawyer can help you with. Obtaining a name change and formalizing uncontested paternity results are examples of administrative family legal matters.

Mediation

Relatively amicable family legal matters are more complex but can often be resolved through mediation and/or attorney-led negotiation. When spouses divorce and are willing to compromise with each other, they may benefit from one of these approaches to their marital dissolution. Similarly, relatively straightforward child custody, child support, and guardianship issues fall into this category.

Judicial Intervention

Contentious family legal matters can generally only be resolved through judicial intervention. Divorces and child custody cases impacted by fundamental differences between the parties are considered contentious. Similarly, certain domestic violence issues can only be resolved in a courtroom setting, as they are neither administrative nor are they appropriate for a mediation/negotiation approach.

No matter what kind of family legal matter you are currently facing, chances are that you could benefit from seeking legal guidance from a family lawyer Arlington, Texas trusts. It is important not to rush into a decision to represent yourself in a family legal matter, as the consequences of an inexperienced approach can be life-altering in the most negative sense of the word.

Divorce

Divorce is a hard time for both the spouses and the children. Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC can handle every aspect of your divorce including, child custody, child visitation, and child support. Following the finalization of the divorce, these skillful lawyers can fight to make sure that the child support is being paid and the visitation agreements are being followed. These attorneys feel that a divorce is better handled through the process of mediation where the parties will meet with a neutral third party to work and come to an agreement without having to go to court and let the decision be up to a judge.

As a family law counsel in Arlington Texas can explain, when it comes time for a family court judge to determine custody and visitation rights, the child’s (or children’s) well-being takes priority. The court will always choose in favor of the child’s physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional well-being, and custody and visitation will be granted accordingly. The determining factors of visitation rights are often based on the non-custodial parent’s:

  • Living location in proximity to the custodial parent (as well as the non-custodial parent’s relatives)
  • History of criminal behavior (if any)
  • History of substance abuse (if any)
  • History of child abuse and neglect (if any)
  • History of mental health disorders (if any)

It can seem entirely unfair for a mental health disorder to determine whether or not a parent will be able to visit their child on a regular basis, but that is often one of the factors that the court considers. After all, parents who suffer from certain mental illnesses pose a potential threat to their children’s mental and emotional well-being, according to various research outlined by the Institute for Family Violence Studies under FSU’s College of Social Work. Whether you suffer from a mental illness and are fighting for your visitation rights or, conversely, you believe that the child’s non-custodial parent, who is suffering from a mental illness, poses a threat to the well-being of your child, contact an Arlington Texas family law counsel today to discuss your visitation rights, a custody hearing, or any other visitation or custody issues.

Mental Illnesses are More Common Than You May Think

At some point in their lives, 10 to 25 percent of women are diagnosed with major depression, while five to 12 percent of men are diagnosed with major depression. Additionally, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illnesses, 18 percent of Americans have an anxiety disorder, 2.6 percent of the population lives with bipolar disorder, and 1.1 percent of the population lives with schizophrenia. One in 25 Americans have a serious mental illness.

An Arlington family lawyer understands that mental illnesses often have quite serious ramifications for an individual’s professional and home life. It is reported by some studies that 70 percent of parents living with a mental illness have lost custody of their children. And children who have a parent with mental illnesses are more likely to develop psychological problems, though, many mental illnesses are genetic. However, not all mental illnesses have the same impact on a person’s life. The debilitating effects of depression or bipolar II are almost always much less than that of schizophrenia. It may be that the court sees that the non-custodial parent is no risk at all to their child.

 

Whether you are seeking a dissolution of your marriage or are looking to legally adopt your stepchildren, the process may feel overwhelming and complicated. It is imperative that you choose a family lawyer in Arlington TX who is knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate. Our legal team can assist you in any of the following situations:

Mediation: The role of a mediator is not to decide on a resolution but to assist both parties in reaching a mutually fair resolution. Our family lawyer in Arlington TX will guide you through the mediation process by explaining the steps, paperwork, and negotiations.

Separation and divorce: Whether you choose to go through mediation or a Court to dissolve your marriage, our family lawyer in Arlington TX at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC will be by your side through it all. When it comes to separating you and your spouse’s assets and debt, we can  negotiate with them and their lawyer to seek the outcome that you deserve.

Child custody and support: Our family lawyer in Arlington TX will fight for the health and well-being of your children, including optimal living arrangements and an appropriate child support agreement. In addition, we know how important it is to establish a financial agreement during the initial proceeding because it can be difficult to modify the amount after the decree is finalized.

Spousal support (alimony): Our family lawyer in Arlington TX is knowledgeable about state laws surrounding spousal support. We will guide you every step of the way regardless of whether you are the one who will be paying or receiving the support.

Adoption: If you wish to adopt your stepchildren, our family lawyer in Arlington TX can guide you through the process. If you would like to adopt a child from an agency, we can help you locate a reputable organization. In addition, our team is ready to assist with the necessary paperwork which can be overwhelming and complicated for most people.

Prenuptial agreements: Often referred to as a “prenup,” this document is intended to clearly define the assets and debts of each party prior to their marriage and how things are to be handled should the marriage end in divorce. For example, most prenups include the division of assets and debt, who will reside in the home, and alimony payments.

How an Arlington Family Lawyer Can Help With Your Prenuptial Agreement

At one time, only the rich and famous considered putting together prenuptial agreements before walking down the aisle, but even then, there was often resistance because it was felt that having a prenup in place meant you had no faith the marriage would work out. However, in recent years, the role of prenuptial agreements has evolved, and many couples make sure they contact a family lawyer for their prenups before living happily ever after.

The following are some of the most common reasons why a couple should consider getting a prenuptial agreement. To find out more detail on how a prenup can work in your situation, contact a family lawyer from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC today.

One or Both Spouses Have Been Previously Married

One of the most common reasons why a couple will contact a family lawyer in Arlington, Texas for a prenuptial agreement is because either one or both of them have been married before. They are aware what the divorce process can entail and how it can often negatively impact a person’s finances. Having a prenuptial agreement in place offers security in knowing exactly how your life would be impacted if a divorce should happen.

One or Both Spouses Have Children from Prior Relationships

Another common reason why a couple will get a prenup is because one or both of them have children from prior relationships or marriages. Prenups can help ensure that your children’s future inheritance would be protected in case of a divorce. For example, if one spouse is bringing much more financial security to the marriage and they have children, a prenup would protect their finances in case the marriage does not work out.

One or Both Spouses Own a Business or Property

When one or both spouses already own property and/or own their own business, it is important to protect those assets in the event the marriage breaks down. A prenup can have clauses in which the couple agrees that these assets are not part of the marital estate.

One of the Spouses Has Significant Wealth

If one of the spouses has much more money than the other, it is critical to protect those assets in the event the couple divorces. Otherwise, the other spouse could end up with half of the wealthier spouse’s assets.

One of the Spouses Has Significant Debt

Just as a spouse needs to protect themselves if they have more wealth, a spouse also needs to protect themselves if they are marrying someone with significant debt (regardless of their own financial standing). A prenuptial agreement can specify which spouse the debt belongs to and who will be legally responsible if they split up.

A postnuptial agreement might make sense if a family business was started and you want to outline exactly how much of the business each spouse is entitled to in the event of a divorce. This can also be beneficial if one party finds they are in significant debt and they wish to protect their spouse from creditors. A postnuptial agreement can define what is community property and what is separate property so that time and money is saved in the event of a death or divorce.

Family law can also be used for joyful moments in life, like adoptions. Learn about the Types of Adoptions.

An Arlington family lawyer the community trusts can assist you with this, as well. Stepparent adoptions occur when a stepparent to a child wishes to legally adopt the child and become his or her legal guardian. In order for them to be able to adopt the child, the biological parent needs to surrender all parental rights, or they can be terminated. In order to terminate a biological parent’s rights, they need to be able to prove that the termination is necessary due to the parent being unfit or neglecting the child.

Relative adoptions are when a relative like a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or older sibling adopt a child following the death of a parent or if the parent is no longer able to provide for them. A lawyer still needs to prove that the adoptive parent is fit to parent the child and the judge will always rule in the best interest of the child. In domestic adoptions, lawyers assist with finalizing adoption, helping birth parents surrender their legal rights, and drafting the legal documents necessary to modify a birth certificate to reflect the new parents and if the child was given a new name.

A Family Law Firm to Help Enforce Court Orders

In the event of your ex-spouse failing to adhere to his or her court orders, or obligations, following a divorce, it may be a good idea to talk with an Arlington family lawyer about what you should do next. In general, if your ex is ignoring their duties, you may have to ask the court to enforce them; otherwise, consequences may result. Although this might seem like something you don’t necessarily want to do, or may come with financial concerns, sometimes this is the only option. If you would like to know more about enforcing court orders, please call an Arlington family lawyer now.

Enforcing Court Orders After Getting a Divorce

As a family lawyer, we at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, understand how challenging, and emotionally tiresome, a divorce can be. Once things are finalized you may be ready to move on with your life. However, what happens when your ex-spouse fails to live up to their side of the agreement? Sadly, this is very common. In fact, between 40 and 50 percent of divorce agreements will be short lived. Whether it’s related to the custody of your children, child support, alimony, assets, or other matters, when an agreement falls through, and your ex is no longer cooperating with you, turning to an Arlington family lawyer from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, may be the right choice.

In general, the Arlington, Texas Family Court has the right to enforce court orders that had been agreed to by the parties, but are no longer in good standing. Bare in mind that the agreement should have been noted in an official legal document. If you and your ex agreed to something over dinner, for example, but it was never made official, it will almost certainly not uphold in a court of law.

Issues That May Be Enforced By the Court

  • Child custody
  • Child visitation
  • Child support
  • Spousal maintenance/ alimony
  • Division of assets
  • Restraining orders

To enforce an agreement, the party who neglected the order must first be found in contempt. In other words, they knew they were neglecting the order, even willfully, but did so anyway. If this is true, and they continue to neglect their responsibilities, a judge may penalize the party through fines, wage garnishment, jail time, and more. If a judge believes the party was unclear about his or her obligations, it may be possible for the court to make them more clear and understandable; afterwhich, they may have another opportunity to adhere to them.

Arlington Family Law Statistics

According to national data, approximately 50 percent of children in the US experience the divorce of their parents. Generally, these children will live through some kind of child custody action between their parents.

It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of all custody cases are decided through mediation. Just under 5 percent actually end up in a trial before a judge.

No matter what kind of custody case you are facing, make sure you have a skilled family lawyer representing you. Call our office to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

What is the process for filing for divorce in Arlington, Virginia?

In Arlington, Virginia, the process for filing for divorce begins with one spouse filing a complaint for divorce in the Circuit Court of Arlington County. Virginia law requires at least one party to have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing. The complaint must outline the grounds for divorce, which can be either fault-based (such as adultery, desertion, or cruelty) or no-fault (living separately for the required period). After filing, the complaint must be served on the other spouse, who has an opportunity to respond. The court process will address the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, and support issues if applicable.

How is child custody determined in Arlington Family Law?

In Arlington, child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, a standard that considers several factors, including but not limited to the child’s age, physical and emotional needs, the relationship each parent has with the child, the parents’ ability to cooperate in child-rearing, and the child’s preference if of sufficient age and maturity. The court can award sole or joint custody, focusing on ensuring that the child maintains frequent and continuing contact with both parents, when it is in the child’s best interest. The aim is to provide a stable and loving environment for the child, with both parents playing an active role in their upbringing.

What are the guidelines for child support in Arlington, Virginia?

Child support in Arlington, Virginia, is determined based on the state’s child support guidelines, which take into account the income of both parents, the number of children, healthcare and childcare costs, and any special needs the child may have. The guidelines use a formula to calculate the obligation, aiming to ensure that the child receives the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the family were still together. Both parents are responsible for the financial support of their child, and the non-custodial parent typically pays support to the custodial parent to cover the child’s living expenses.

Can alimony be modified in Arlington, Virginia?

Yes, alimony (also known as spousal support) can be modified in Arlington, Virginia, under certain circumstances. Either party can request a modification of the alimony amount if there is a significant change in the financial circumstances of either party, such as a substantial increase or decrease in income, unemployment, or a serious health condition. The court will consider these changes and decide whether to adjust the alimony payments accordingly. It’s important to note that the ability to modify alimony also depends on whether the original agreement or court order allows for modification.

What is the role of a prenuptial agreement in Arlington Family Law?

A prenuptial agreement in Arlington, Virginia, is a legal document entered into by a couple before marriage that outlines the distribution of assets, debts, and the provision of alimony in the event of a divorce or death of one of the spouses. Such agreements are particularly useful for protecting premarital assets, inheritance rights, and business interests, as well as for clarifying financial responsibilities during the marriage. Prenuptial agreements must be fair, entered into voluntarily by both parties, and based on full disclosure of assets to be enforceable under Arlington family law.

Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, Arlington Family Lawyer

2404 Roosevelt Dr, Arlington, TX 76016

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Schedule Your Consultation Today

At Brandy Austin Law, we understand the complexity and sensitivity of family law matters that our clients face in Arlington. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal support tailored to the unique needs of each family. Whether navigating the intricacies of divorce proceedings, child custody and support, alimony modifications, or the drafting and enforcement of prenuptial agreements, we are here to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. With a deep commitment to professionalism and client-focused service, Brandy Austin Law stands as a pillar of support for individuals and families during their most challenging times, striving to deliver outcomes that pave the way for new beginnings and lasting resolutions.