Family Concerns First
If your residential situation or relationship becomes unhealthy and cannot be restored, or a person responsible for the care and /or support of a child does not due their duty, seek immediate legal advice.
Family law cases include unmarried partnerships, legal separation, divorce and in appropriate circumstances a court’s declaration that no marriage exists. There is no more difficult legal challenges than addressing family relationship breakdowns. Seeking expert attorney advice can lead to swift legal intervention, which can avoid further problems and preserve rights. Cases involving children will usually require establishment of a custody order or parenting plan, and order of child support. Parenting plans and support orders can usually be modified based on changes of circumstances. In cases of harassment, a civil order of protection may be appropriate. Where there is abuse, violence or other serious threats, a domestic relations restraining order should be considered. If the parents opposed to each other never married, their child’s paternity must be ruled on by the Court. If no parent is a suitable custodian, friends or relatives may need to petition for third party custody and/or adoption. Step-parents may also wish to adopt their step-child. When an adult cannot adequately care for themself, relatives may petition for an order of guardianship. Any bad faith violation of a valid court order may be enforced by contempt. For many years, Mr. Gobel was a credentialed Guardian ad Litem appointed by the Superior Court to investigate cases or child abuse and neglect, and make recommendations regarding child custody and visitation.
Legal Separation When divorce is not a viable option, a party can have nearly all the protections without dissolving the marriage. These include, division of debts, award of property, spousal maintenance, child support, a parenting plan (residential schedule), name change and restraining orders. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult Legal Separation cases.
Custody There is no more important legal determination than who should be the primary parental figure in a minor child’s life. Non-parental custody cases are the most difficult, because biological parents have fundamental rights under the constitution. Visitation modification can help parents stay synchronized with their child’s best interests. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult custody and parenting plan cases.
Relocation Since 2000, most Parenting Plans (residential schedules) require the primary parent give special notice in writing to the other parent before moving a child’s residence outside the school district where they live. There can be penalties if notice is improper or untimely. In some circumstances, the non-primary parent can object to trigger adequate cause for major modification of the Parenting Plan. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult relocation cases.
Child Support Whether in paternity, legal separation or divorce cases, Courts mandate that child support be paid for minor children. Obligee parents usually seek the most money from the other parent. Obligor parents usually seek the most reasonable obligation. Support laws are complicated and intertwined with tax regulations. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult child support cases.
College (Post-Secondary Education) or Graduation Support Courts may order parents to provide after-high school support for a dependent child, usually up to age 23. There are several statutory factors, which usually includes college or university enrollment and good academic standing. Post-Secondary Education Support laws are complicated, intertwine with tax regulations and take into consideration the adult child’s resources. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult college and university support cases.
Enforcement of Decrees Many family law trial attorneys succeed in obtaining from the Court orders favorable to their clients. However, few understand how to enforce those orders to actually seize items of untransferred property, change title to real estate, collect money judgments, secure pension rights and otherwise enjoy the benefits of their victory. Deprived parties may be entitled to contempt of Court, intransigence sanctions and award of attorney fees against the wrongdoer. Support laws are complicated and intertwined with tax regulations. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience prosecuting and defending even the most difficult decree enforcement cases.
Contempt Actions When a person knowingly and voluntarily violates a valid court order, that person may be subject to contempt of court. Every alleged contemnor is entitled to the right of allocution. Potential sanctions can include specific performance, attorney fees, sanctions, monitoring by the court and jail time. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience bringing and defending even the most difficult contempt of court cases.
Collection of Family Law Money Judgments Trial attorneys may succeed in obtaining from the Court money judgments for their clients. However, few understand how to execute the various legal tools to collect cash from judgment debtors. Gobel Law Office, PLLC has years of experience employing supplemental proceedings, garnishment, foreclosure and other legal options to collect cash for clients in even the most difficult family law collection cases.