West Palm Beach Family Lawyer

West Palm Beach Family Attorney

When you are facing any type of family law case, such as a divorce, custody dispute, or relative or stepparent adoption, experienced legal counsel you trust is an invaluable asset. You need an attorney who has proven experience resolving cases like yours to have the greatest chance of reaching your intended results. A West Palm Beach family lawyer can help you make sense of your situation and approach your case with peace of mind.

Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A., has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to provide compassionate and responsive legal representation in the most challenging family law cases. When you need a West Palm Beach family lawyer to represent you, our firm can provide cohesive legal counsel through all stages of your case and can help you secure the results you hope to reach.

Types of Family Law Cases We Represent in West Palm Beach, FL

Rosalie M. Cruz and her team in West Palm Beach have years of experience helping clients through all types of difficult family law cases, including:

• Divorce. Ending a marriage is more difficult than many people expect. This will require property division according to the state’s equitable distribution law, resolving issues related to child custody and support and various other matters that can vary from case to case.
• Child custody disputes. Resolving a custody dispute can be incredibly difficult for any parent. The family court in West Palm Beach has a duty to ensure the best interests of the child their order will affect. Your attorney can help you make a compelling case for the custody rights you hope to secure.
• Paternity. Establishing legal paternity is necessary for securing parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation rights, and child support. When parents are unmarried at the time of birth, further legal action is required to establish the legal father. An attorney can guide you through voluntary acknowledgement or court-ordered genetic testing to confirm paternity.
• Prenuptial agreements. An experienced attorney can help protect each spouse’s assets and prepare a contract to address how the couple’s assets, debts, and spousal support should be handled in the event of their divorce or a death.
• Postnuptial agreements. An attorney can explore this type of post-marital legal contract discussing how assets and debts will be divided if the couple divorces or one party dies.
• Divorce order modification. It’s possible to modify the terms of a divorce order through the modification process. Your attorney can explain your options and the process for securing needed changes.
• Modification and enforcement of foreign orders or decrees. A family lawyer can assist with domesticating foreign judgements to ensure they comply with Florida law. If you have an existing family court order from another state or country, registering it in Florida for enforcement or modification will help you enforce custody, support, or divorce orders.
• Stepparent or Relative Adoption. Adopting a stepchild or relative offers many personal and legal benefits. Your attorney can guide you through this process and help you resolve any unexpected complications you might encounter.
• Name change. A legal name change may be necessary due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or other personal reasons. A family lawyer can help you navigate filing a petition with the court, completing background checks, and attending any necessary hearings.

Many family law cases are multifaceted. For example, a child custody dispute is likely to be the most contentious aspect of a case involving divorcing parents. You need a West Palm Beach family lawyer who has proven experience handling cases like yours. Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A., can carefully review the details of your situation and prepare you for the difficult proceedings ahead of you.

What to Expect From Your West Palm Beach Family Lawyer

The steps you need to take to build your case will largely depend on the type of case ahead of you. For example, if you are divorcing your spouse in West Palm Beach, one of the most important aspects of building your case will be financial disclosure to ensure fair property division. This is a complex issue that typically requires the attention of an experienced attorney.

It’s possible for a family court case to evolve in many different ways. For example, divorcing spouses may appear amicable toward one another at first, but the situation can quickly devolve once their divorce proceedings have started. It can be difficult in this situation for them to make calculated decisions about their case. You can rely on your West Palm Beach family lawyer to help you remain focused on what’s most important.

FAQs

Why Should I Hire a West Palm Beach Family Lawyer?

You should hire a West Palm Beach family lawyer to ensure the greatest chance of reaching a successful result in your case. Family law is more complex than many people realize, and the circumstances of your situation are likely to be emotionally straining. You need an attorney on your side who understands family court procedures and who can help you make more informed decisions about your case.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Family Court Case?

The time required to resolve a family court case will depend on multiple factors. For example, a divorce could take several months to resolve, or divorce proceedings could take longer than a year to reach a conclusion due to the specific details of the case. Having an experienced attorney representing you can not only increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome, but you can also be more likely to resolve your case efficiently.

Can I Change a Family Court Order in West Palm Beach?

Yes, it is possible to have a family court order changed in West Palm Beach under certain circumstances. The modification process enables a party to petition the court to change elements of a standing family court order to reflect new life events or a change in circumstances. Modification petitions can be used to request changes to child custody and child support or to address issues such as relocation with a custody order.

What Happens if You Violate a Family Court Order?

The penalties for violating a family court order can be severe and are usually assigned at the discretion of the judge handling the case. The offending party could be held in contempt of court, they may lose custody or visitation rights depending on the nature and severity of their violation, and it is also possible for them to face jail time and additional prosecution. It is imperative to comply with the terms of any family court order to avoid such penalties.

When Should I Contact a West Palm Beach Family Lawyer?

You should contact a West Palm Beach family lawyer at your first opportunity after you realize you are facing any type of family court dispute. Whether it is a divorce, custody battle, or any other issue that must be resolved in family court, it is crucial to speak with an attorney you trust as quickly as possible. The more time and flexibility your attorney has in handling your case, the more likely they are to guide you to a positive outcome.

Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A., can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel for a wide range of complex family court cases in West Palm Beach. Our team can listen to the details of your situation and explain the legal services we offer that can help you resolve your case. It’s important to connect with reliable legal counsel as quickly as possible, so contact us today and schedule your consultation with a West Palm Beach family lawyer you trust.