For a parent, nothing is more important than ensuring that your children are protected and cared for. Disputes over child custody can be emotional and trying.

When you find yourself in such a situation, you need an attorney that can be relied upon for steady and calming advice. Our attorneys not only have the experience to advise you throughout your custody case, but are also prepared to zealously represent you as you seek a custody arrangement that is in your child’s best interests.

In Louisiana, child support is determined using a formula which takes into consideration the income of each party as well as some for the individual expenses incurred by raising your children.

Our attorneys have nearly 70 years of combined experience in representing individuals in child support cases. In addition to establishing initial child support awards, our attorneys also have experience with:

- collecting child support arrearages;

- defending requests for increases in support;

- State child support cases;

- establishing income assignment orders;

- reducing child support as children age or circumstances change; and

- minimizing punishments and damages in cases involving clients behind on child support.

In Louisiana there are two types of statutory spousal support: temporary support and permanent support. Temporary support is more common, usually continues until the divorce is final, and is not dependent upon fault. 

Permanent support can continue indefinitely and the recipient must prove that they are free from fault in the break-up of the marriage. The issue of receiving support, or limiting support, can be crucial to a litigant's financial well-being. Our attorneys are well versed in dealing with spousal support issues and can assist both payors and recipients with their various support issues.

Louisiana is a “Community Property” state. This legal rule means that most property acquired during a marriage is owned equally by the spouses. In addition to the assets, the debts are also equally owed by the spouses. When a divorce occurs, the law requires that the spouses either divide their property by mutual agreement, or seek a division through the courts. 

Our attorneys regularly advise clients through their property divisions. When various assets, retirement plans, mortgages, and other debts are considered, property divisions can quickly become complex matters. Through our attorney's experience and knowledge of the issues facing spouses going through a divorce and property division, our attorneys are often able to work with our clients and facilitate an out of court settlement. However, when litigation is required, our attorneys are prepared to zealously pursue our client’s interest with the courts. 

Some items that our attorneys assist clients with in property divisions are:

- drafting Community Property Settlement Agreements in out of court settlement;

- compiling information on assets and debts;

- obtaining payoffs on loan and mortgage accounts;

- working with financial planners and retirement account managers;

- implementing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders to divide IRA’s and 401(k) accounts;

- assisting with Home Mortgage companies;

- division of personal items and household property; and

- referrals to qualified appraisers to value assets.

There are three types of domestic adoptions in Louisiana: Private Adoptions, Adoptions through a licensed agency, and adoptions involving family members. Our attorneys have experience handling each type of adoption. Our attorneys have handled numerous agency adoptions and private adoptions. Our attorneys also represent family members seeking to adopt a relative such as step-child or grand-child on a regular basis.

In addition to domestic adoptions, our attorneys can assist you with the United States portion of International adoptions.

In some cases, individuals desire to change their first name, last name, or both. Our attorneys are familiar with the unique process and rules involved in filing for a name change and can assist you with this process.

Normally, person under the age of 18 does not have legal capacity to contract or conduct other legal activities. However, the legal process of emancipation allows a minor to be considered an adult in the eyes of the law. This allows a minor to enter into contracts and manage his or her own affairs. Emancipation can also be a valuable legal tool in limiting the liability of parents.

Our attorneys can discuss the benefits of emancipation with you and file the necessary legal documents to emancipate a minor.

One of the most prudent ways to guard against future disputes is through careful advance planning. For many couples contemplating marriage, especially couples with blended families, substantial assets, family land, or financial concerns, a prenuptial agreement can be the planning tool to remove the risk associated with future disputes and problems. 

Couples can decide in advance how separate assets will be managed and how future problems will be resolved, should problems arise. Prenuptuial agreements can also protect children from prior marriages, and assist with the division of property upon the death of a spouse. Utilizing a prenuptial agreement in advance of marriage can alleviate the need for stressful decision making during the marriage. 

Our attorneys are prepared to assist with your prenuptial planning and can advise you on the issues that will benefit you.