Family Law

Few legal areas are as emotionally charged as family law, primarily for the litigants, but also for the lawyers and judges involved in the cases, and even the public at large. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both litigation and other non-adversarial alternatives, such as mediation, which can save time and money and preserve relationships to the extent possible. We provide sound legal advice and representation to our clients in a full range of family law matters, including:

	Divorce
	Paternity
	Child custody
	Child support
	Visitation and placement
	Temporary orders
	Parental kidnapping
	Legal separation
	Premarital or prenuptial agreements
	Domestic abuse and violence issues
	Child abuse and protection
	Temporary protection and restraining orders
	Maintenance, alimony, or spousal support
	Post judgment modifications
	Judgment enforcement
	Marital property and property division issues
	Qualified domestic relations orders
	Grandparent rights
	Termination of parental rights
	Wills
	Trusts

Divorce Info: 

Divorce affects not only the divorcing couple and family but extended families as well. The divorce process is arguably the most emotionally charged of legal processes. It is easy for parties during this process to make decisions based upon feelings of anger, resentment, guilt or shame over things that may have occurred during the marriage. During this time it is crucial that you have someone on your side who can keep a sharp focus on protecting your rights and fighting for what you are entitled to.

The decision to terminate your marriage is a decision not easily made, nor is it a decision that should be made lightly.

The process of divorce can be overwhelming and one should not undertake to obtain a divorce without the guidance and advice of an attorney trained, knowledgeable and experienced in the divorce arena. At The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, PLL, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for equitable and appropriate results.

Annulment:  An annulment differs from a divorce or dissolution in that a divorce or dissolution ends a legally valid marriage whereby an annulment declares the marriage illegal in the first place. While the process of annulment will declare a marriage illegal or void, an  annulment does not affect the legitimacy of children.

Dissolution:  A dissolution is an agreed proceeding in which the parties negotiate the terms of the termination of their marriage through their attorneys. Once an agreement has been reached, the necessary paperwork is drafted for the parties signature and is filed with the Court. A final hearing is held which is generally a very quick proceeding lasting no more than ten to fifteen minutes and the marriage is terminated that day.

Divorce:  A divorce is a contested proceeding in  which the parties do not agree either to terminate the marriage or the terms upon which the marriage will be terminated. The process of divorce begins with the filing of a Complaint. During the course of the litigation, the Court can issue Temporary Orders to either party. A divorce proceeding will require a number of Court appearances.

Legal Separation:  A legal separation is a proceeding by which the rights of the parties are determined and established on issues relative to the termination of the relationship and the parties are essentially treated as though they are divorced, although, legally still married. The process of legal separation is most widely used in circumstances where religious beliefs prevent the parties from being divorced or where elderly or military personnel are involved and one party cannot afford to lose the health insurance benefits of their spouse. A legal separation does not prevent either party from later filing for a divorce.

Prepare for meeting your attorney:

	Obtain a credit report copy.
	Obtain copies of your tax returns from the three previous years.
	Obtain statements from any and all investment holdings.
	Obtain an up to date statement of your retirement benefits.
	List, and photograph the contents of the marital home.
	List all property that you owned prior to the marriage.
	Obtain copies of your bank statements for any and all accounts for the prior year.