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Family Law Information CenterOver 50 years of experience serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Alabama. Call us now or use the form below. Try Our Child Support Calculator Finders Frequently Asked Questions about Family LawQ: What is the legal definition of marriage? A: Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The standard way to marry is to get a marriage license from a state-authorized official and participate in a formal civil or religious wedding ceremony. As of June 6, 2007, Massachusetts is the only state that issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Q: What are the legal effects of marriage? A: There are several federal and state laws that benefit married couples. Some examples include the right to file joint income tax returns, create a family limited partnership (FLP) under federal tax laws, create a marital life estate trust, receive survivor benefits, receive a share of your deceased spouse's estate under intestate succession laws, and claim the estate tax marital deduction. Couples who are planning to cohabitate or marry should consider working with an attorney to draft a premarital or cohabitation agreement to establish a framework for handling financial and property issues that arise during marriage. By addressing these issues early, you may avoid conflict in the future.
Birmingham, Alabama, Family Law AttorneysIf you face divorce in Alabama, and tough decisions related to divorce, an experienced family lawyer can help to design workable and realistic agreements based on your goals and the unique circumstances of your situation. The family law attorneys at Burttram & Henderson in Birmingham, Alabama, provide a full-range of family law services, including advising and representing clients in divorce and related issues of child custody, visitation, property division, spousal support and child support. Our divorce lawyers also handle post-divorce modifications of support and subsequent motions to change custody. Our family law attorneys can assist you with an adoption or a paternity dispute. Family Law - An OverviewFamily law is the term applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships. Family law rules define not only the relationships between members of a family but also between a family and society as a whole. More than any other area of the law, family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other. When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of a family law attorney, like those at Burttram & Henderson in Birmingham, Alabama, often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome of your family law matter. Typically, family law attorneys assist people in making and breaking family relationships. Specific areas of representation include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, paternity, child custody, and child support. Some family law attorneys also provide assistance in the area of adoption. Child SupportThere are millions of divorced parents who have sole custody of their minor children. Federal legislation and uniform state laws exist to make enforcement and collection of child support easier for America's single parents. Because every state uses its own guidelines for establishing child support and each has various methods to set support amounts and recover support when it is overdue, it is often important to consult with a family law attorney who is familiar with the child support guidelines and child support enforcement laws in your state. If you have questions about the child support laws in your state, the rules for child support collection and enforcement that apply to your particular situation, or the process to establish paternity, contact a family law attorney at our firm to schedule a consultation. DivorceDeciding to pursue divorce is one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you will ever make, particularly if you have children. Divorce also involves financial matters that must be resolved and legal issues that must be addressed. A family law attorney at our firm can help you to understand the basic issues involved in divorce and to use a rational approach to the divorce process. Custody and VisitationWhen parents divorce, it is important to learn about the child custody and visitation options that are available and the legal standards that apply. In many cases, divorcing couples can ultimately agree on custody and visitation issues without the need for a court order. When an agreement cannot be reached, knowledgeable advice and representation from a family law attorney can often make the difference. MarriageMarriage is a voluntary, private contract between two adults. While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also a legal relationship that changes the legal status of both parties. A family law attorney at our firm can help you to understand the legal technicalities of marriage. Family Law Resource Links
American Bar Association - Family Law Section
The Legal Information Institute - Family Law
Office of Child Support Enforcement
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We conveniently serve clients throughout Alabama, including the communities of Birmingham, Bessemer, Hoover, Homewood, Anniston, Gardendale, Vestavia Hills,
Clanton, Pell City, Jasper, Tuscaloosa, Shelby County, and Jefferson County.
© Copyright 2008 Burttram & Henderson
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