Experienced Huntsville Attorneys Help Clients Obtain Legal Separation

Alabama lawyers represent individuals in custody and support discussions

Legal separation is available in Alabama for couples who would like to remain legally married but prefer to live apart. Whether the motivation is religious, financial or emotional, spouses who separate must address many of the same issues as those who opt for divorce. At Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. in Huntsville, we represent husbands and wives to establish fair terms covering child support, property division, spousal support, visitation and other concerns. No matter what people say at the outset of the separation process, it’s important to formalize these arrangements so that you are not put at risk if circumstances change.

Knowledgeable firm assists married clients who choose to live apart

As in a divorce, one or both spouses must petition the court for a Decree of Legal Separation. Regardless of whether a couple opts to maintain their legal bond for religious, financial or other reasons, an experienced family law attorney gives you the best chance to create a fair, reliable agreement addressing:

• Child support — Both parents are responsible for funding their children’s needs. During the separation process, we look at factors used in Alabama child support calculations as well as individual expenses that might otherwise be overlooked.
• Alimony — Separated couples might no longer share bank accounts, so a spouse who is not employed could face financial peril. In these instances, we pursue appropriate arrangements to last during the separation period.
• Child custody and visitation — Minimizing stress and disruption among their children should be a shared goal when parents opt to reside in different homes. By setting forth clear child custody and visitation terms, our firm clarifies questions about decision-making authority and time spent with each parent.
• Property division — Certain assets and debts are easily divisible during a separation, but the marital home, investments, retirement funds and education accounts might raise difficult questions. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to develop creative solutions to the property allocation challenges that stem from a legal separation.

The decisions you make when your marriage is in transition have lasting consequences. Our firm is committed to arming you with the knowledge and support you need to emerge successfully.

Skilled advocates represent spouses who seek to end their legal separation

Our firm offers comprehensive counsel when clients choose to end a legal separation. Couples who have received a separation decree remain legally married, so if they reconcile, they can petition the court to terminate the decree and go back to living together as husband and wife without remarriage. A separated husband or wife who wants to marry again must obtain a divorce to do so. Sometimes, the terms governing the separation can be carried over for the divorce. Alternatively, one or both parties might seek an adjustment in terms when the marriage is terminated completely.

Schedule a consultation with a Huntsville family lawyer about legal separation

Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. in Huntsville advises Alabama clients who are considering legal separation and handles negotiations and court actions for spouses who wish to take this step. Please call 256-529-4437 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.