Family law is an area that Gibbons Law Firm is very compassionate about. We understand that the result of any legal issue involving family law has a deep impact on every member of the family. We are experienced in helping families through numerous legal issues, we never forget that we are dealing with people's lives and futures, and we always strive towards the best possible outcome. We are especially aware of the importance when we are working for a single parent. We want them to know that they don’t have to face a family law issue alone. Roger Gibbons offers free initial consultations, so you have the opportunity to learn what your rights are and where you stand in any given situation. If you are a single parent we would like to share with you several ways that Gibbons Law Firm could be a help to you.
1 - Last Will
Not only is it important for you to have a will, but it’s also important for you to keep it up-to-date. Having a will made may be one of the most important things you can do as a single parent. The reason being, you don’t want to leave such important decisions as who will raise your child, and what their inheritance will be to a stranger. You don’t want to take a chance on your child’s legal guardian being someone from the state rather than a close friend or family member.
2 - Guardianship
While this is a difficult topic, it is an essential part of your will and a decision that no one else should make except you. If your child’s other parent is not living, or is not willing or able to care for your child if something were to happen to you, our estate planning attorneys in mid-Missouri can make sure that your wishes are known and carried it out when it comes to who would take care of your child. Most often a parent chooses another family member, but sometimes they choose a close friend … usually with a focus on finding someone who will raise their child with a similar philosophy and parenting style as their own. They want a home environment for the child that is going to be as familiar as possible, safe, healthy, and nurturing. Once you have spoken with this person and know that they are in agreement, our family law attorneys in Lake Ozark can help you document it legally.
3 - Paternity
If a man and woman are unmarried when their child is born, the man will not automatically be given parental rights. He must first establish paternity. It is always advisable that he have an experienced attorney help him through that process for a more timely and positive outcome.
4 - Custody
Sometimes custody issues can come up with single parents. They may be trying to get custody, get more custody, or change the custody arrangement somehow. There are a number of do’s and don’ts that your attorney can share with you to help you strategize and improve your chances of getting the custody you are seeking. Your attorney can also be a huge asset when it comes to negotiating and keeping emotions under control, especially if there are opposing interests between two single parents.
5 - Child Support
Child support can be a challenging issue for single parents. It is a lot of responsibility just trying to raise your children as a single parent, but having to fight for child support at the same time can really be overwhelming. At our law firm in Lake Ozark, we are familiar with the process and I’ve helped countless clients towards successful outcomes. We know that your family’s well-being depends on a fair settlement, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
These are just a few of the ways that attorney Roger Gibbons is able to be a help to single parents in need of representation and legal advice at Lake of the Ozarks. He appreciates parents who care about providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for their kids and he wants them to know he is here to help with all their family law needs. If you have questions regarding any of these topics or others, he welcomes you to call his Lake Ozark law firm and request a free initial consultation. It’s a great opportunity to get to know him better, and to get a grasp on where you stand legally. If you found this blog helpful, you can always follow us on social media to hear more helpful legal tips and information on a regular basis from Gibbons Law Firm.
Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
