Lafayette Family Law Attorneys

Helping Our Clients Secure Fair Outcomes in Emotional Legal Matters

Family law issues are some of the most complicated legal matters dealt with in Louisiana courts. From divorce and child custody disputes to alimony and property division, these concerns bring up complex questions of the law and elicit intense emotions. Unfortunately, anyone dealing with a legal journey through domestic issues likely already understands the challenges they’re facing. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. A family law attorney in Lafayette may be able to assist.

At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, our dedicated team of legal professionals can assist with most Louisiana family law issues. Our law firm has been serving the local community for three decades, and we know that empathetic and compassionate representation is essential in these cases. Of course, we also understand that a time may come in any family law matter when you need an aggressive legal advocate working on your behalf. We’re ready to assist in any way we’re needed.

What Family Law Matters Does Our Law Firm Handle?

When your family’s future is on the line, selecting the right legal representation to assist in your case is important. This choice starts with ensuring that the law firm you choose has extensive experience in cases like yours. Not every Lafayette family law attorney has the same practice areas. For instance, certain firms may only handle issues like child support and custody as part of a divorce. At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, our experienced legal team consistently handles the following cases – regardless of the relationship shared by involved parties:

Divorce

Whether you’re going through a contested divorce or trying to keep things amicable, our law firm can assist you and try to simplify the process. Even an uncontested divorce can encounter unexpected hurdles, so don’t hesitate to contact our Louisiana family law attorneys for any questions.

Temporary or Permanent Spousal Support

Not all divorces involve issues like child custody and support. However, spousal support (i.e., alimony) is possible whenever a marriage is dissolved. The courts want to ensure that the well-being of everyone is protected — and that former partners can maintain a relatively unchanged standard of living after their divorce. We will fight to secure a fair outcome on your behalf.

Child Custody

Parental rights are among the most contentious areas of family law. The courts will always make custody decisions based on the best interests of the children involved. However, they may make the wrong choice if they don’t fully understand the situation. Our law firm can help present evidence that allows the judge to make informed decisions in your and your child’s best interest.

Child Support

Every parent in Louisiana is expected to support their children financially. No matter how much experience your family lawyer has, they cannot change this fact. However, it is possible to present evidence to the court that can secure a more favorable outcome for our clients. We’ll review your case during an initial consultation and let you know your options.

Community Property

Property division is a family law issue that arises in every divorce. It’s important to know the difference between community and separate property. It’s also critical to ensure that the court recognizes the difference and doesn’t wrongfully divide properties that should be yours. A Lafayette family law attorney at our law firm can help you understand how property division will play out in your case.

Protective Orders

Some clients we represent reach out to us because they’re scared of something. Perhaps their children’s other parent has become abusive to the child, or maybe domestic violence is occurring in a relationship. Regardless of the specific circumstances, a legal professional from our law firm can help you seek a protective order that can provide a level of protection from an individual.

Grandparent Rights and Visitation

Grandparents frequently contact our law firm for guidance on securing rights and visitation to their grandchildren. Fortunately, state law provides protections for grandparents. Even if your own child isn’t in your grandchild’s life, you may be able to assert rights so that you can spend time with your loved one.

Post-Divorce Actions (Contempt, Custody/Visitation, Support)

In a perfect world, you’d be able to go on with your life after your divorce case concludes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. If your former spouse refuses to abide by a court order or changes become necessary in other family law matters, you may find yourself back in front of a judge.

“What If My Divorce Is Uncontested?”

A divorce will significantly affect the lives of everyone involved. However, a lot of heartache and disruption can be avoided when both parties are willing to work together. An uncontested divorce means that there are no significant disputes. Louisiana judges prefer this type of divorce since it is better for the well-being of former partners, children, and others affected by the dissolution.

However, far too many families make the mistake of assuming they don’t need a family law attorney in Lafayette for uncontested divorces. They believe they can simply download a form online and submit it to the courts. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. There are legal requirements that must be met in any divorce, and simple mistakes can derail and delay the entire process.

Put simply, you should at least schedule an initial consultation with a family law attorney to better understand your options. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, having a legal professional handle your case provides various benefits — from cost savings to better long-term outcomes. No matter what situation you find yourself in, our law firm is here to help.

Are Family Law Orders Permanent?

If there’s one thing that Louisiana family lawyers wish everyone knew, it would be the fact that court orders are rarely permanent. This knowledge is particularly critical when it comes to fathers’ rights — since many men face unfavorable outcomes in their first family law encounter — but the truth is that everyone should know that orders can be modified. For instance, the courts supposedly always make decisions that are in a child’s best interest — but what if those interests change?

Suppose a child’s living situation has deteriorated due to a custodial parent’s lost job, drug use, or other negative factors. In that case, the courts will consider a request to change child custody or visitation orders. In more severe cases, a child abandonment claim may be made. This example is true for other areas of family law as well. Just consider a few of the significant life changes that could justify an order modification in Louisiana family courts:

Changes in employment or income of either party
Changes in a child’s needs
New relationships or remarriage
Relocation of one or both parties
Changes in living conditions
Failure to comply with a current order
Changes in parental involvement
Changes in the child’s preference
Health issues of either parent
Substantial changes in childcare arrangements

All these family-related issues create a situation where an initial order may no longer be appropriate. In fact, any current circumstances that would have affected a court order when it was first mandated could justify a modification. However, discussing your options with Lafayette family law attorneys is essential. Having the right legal representation in these cases is critical — because courts will demand a high threshold of evidence in order to change their prior decrees.

The Louisiana family law attorneys at The Law Office of Tony Morrow are ready to assist in this process.

Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Lafayette Today

All aspects of the legal system are complicated in one way or another. However, family law presents unique challenges. All parties involved may believe they’re focused on building a brighter future, and this belief can result in significant disputes, damaged relationships, and broken families. An excellent attorney will be able to help you navigate these difficulties and work tirelessly to help you reach an outcome that’s genuinely beneficial for your family.

At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, we’re always focused on the best interests of our clients. We’ll work hard to help you avoid the headaches and expenses of ongoing disputes in family court. When we’re able to help our clients reach amicable solutions for everyone involved, it’s a reason to celebrate. Unfortunately, this will not always be possible. Sometimes, your best interests and those of the opposing party cannot be reconciled. Whichever situation you find yourself in, we’re here to help.

Contact us at (337) 201-9222 to schedule your confidential consultation today. Our family law attorneys in Lafayette will help you understand your rights and how to best move forward.