- DivorceMany times, couples that are not able to resolve all of their issues opt for divorce mediation (link to mediation/arbitration), which is typically less stressful and less expensive than a trial. The mediation process also gives couples more control over the process as their matters are resolved outside the court system. Denise VanLanduyt is a registered mediator and arbitrator and can help you determine if this may be an option for your situation.
- Child SupportDissolving a civil union typically involves the same procedures as a divorce. Prior to 2015, LGBTQ couples could not legally marry in the United States. While same-sex couples can now marry, there remain couples that have decided not to marry but may still co-mingle their assets or purchase property together and even raise children. Cases such as these can lead to complex legal questions when the parties decide to separate, especially since the state of Georgia has not recognized common law marriage since 1997. Even if there is no legal marriage, it is important to seek legal counsel to determine your rights and how best to approach separation and division of assets. Issues of child support and custody still apply even if the parents never legally married. Our experienced LGBTQ family lawyers are here to help.
- Child Custody and VisitationThe Georgia Equitable Caregiver Act, which was passed in 2019, gives third-party, non-family members such as stepparents the ability to seek standing to establish custody or visitation rights when they have acted as a parent or equitable caregiver to a child. Prior to the passing of the statute, Georgia only recognized biological relatives as caregivers and not stepparents.
- AdoptionAdoption can be a wonderful event in the life of a family. However, having the correct legal counsel to guide you through the process is important. As skilled family lawyers with experience in Georgia adoption law, VanLanduyt Law can assist in creating a plan of action to help streamline the process and address your family’s unique situation.
- PaternityWhen a child is conceived and born out of wedlock, that child must be legitimized. Unless a child is legitimized, a biological mother is entitled to physical custody of the child and exercises all parental control. In Georgia, there are two distinct levels of legally recognizing an illegitimate child: paternity and legitimation.
- Premarital AgreementNo matter what your situation is, our family law attorneys have many years of experience creating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We can guide you through the benefits of such a document and skillfully draft agreements that fit your needs.
- GuardianshipTo obtain custody of a grandchild, grandparents must show that parental custody would harm the child and that the award of custody to the grandparents will be best for the child’s health, welfare and happiness. If the parent is experiencing dependency, it also may be possible to obtain temporary custody of a grandchild while the parent addresses their substance abuse issues. And with consent of the parent, it may be possible for grandparents to obtain a temporary guardianship.
- Spousal SupportWhether you are seeking enforcement of an order or cannot comply with a court order, the family lawyers at VanLanduyt Law will skillfully represent you. Even if you are not able to comply with a family law order for a valid reason, you should not ignore the order and wait until an enforcement action has been ordered as the consequences can be severe. Many times, we work to see if we can resolve any failures to comply with a court order prior to filing an action. In addition, we can work to determine if a modification of alimony...
- Child Abuse
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- Restraining OrderDivorce can happen at any stage of the marriage. You may be raising young children, be empty nesters or only have matters of propertDomestic and family violence is abuse that occurs between family members or unmarried partners and is a very serious matter in the state of Georgia. Domestic violence covers both physical and emotional abuse.
- Property DamageThe firm also handles civil litigation matters for clients such as breach of contract issues, property damage and other small-claims court matters. In addition, Denise is an accredited arbitrator and mediator in the state of Georgia. Over the years, she has helped hundreds of families and individuals resolve their legal issues without going to court.
- Estate PlanningCouples in Georgia are permitted to enter into contracts that specifically address financial obligations and ownership of assets during the marriage. Prenuptial and postnuptial contracts can be effective tools for the preserving of certain assets for future estate planning and/or making the division of property more efficient in the event of a divorce.