Family Law & Divorce Attorney

Lucas Law Firm advocates for its clients in issues related to family relationships and the law. We are here to help with divorce, child support, child custody, visitation, spousal support, property division, and more. Taking on both contested and uncontested divorces, we stay up to date on any new laws that may help your case. Also, we will diligently negotiate complex property and debt divisions on your behalf while staying focused on your goals.

Some of the specific areas of family law practice for Lucas Law Firm include:

• Divorce - We can assist with the legal aspects of ending a marriage, such as property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
• Child custody and support - We can help negotiate and litigate child custody and support arrangements, including parenting plans and modifications.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements - We can assist with drafting and negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect the interests of both parties in a marriage.
• Guardianship - We can assist with the legal process of establishing guardianship over a child or incapacitated adult.

The divorce process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. However, in general, the divorce process typically involves the following steps:

• Filing a complaint - One spouse, referred to as the plaintiff, files a complaint for divorce in the appropriate court. The complaint will include information about the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and the requested relief.
• Service of process - The complaint must be served on the other spouse, known as the defendant. This can be done through personal service, or in some cases, by mail or publication.
• Answer - The defendant has a specified time to file an answer to the complaint. The answer can include an agreement with the complaint or a counter-complaint, in which the defendant requests relief or raises counterclaims.
• Discovery - This is the process of gathering information and evidence to support each spouse's position. This may include the exchange of financial information, such as tax returns and bank statements, and the taking of depositions.
• Mediation - Sometimes the parties are required to attend mediation before going to court. Mediation is a process where a neutral third-party mediator helps the parties reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution. 
• Trial - If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial. The court will hear evidence and testimony from both sides and make a decision on the issues in the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support.
• Final judgment - After the trial, the court will issue a final judgment, which will include the court's ruling on all of the issues in the divorce.

It's important to note that the divorce process can be complex and can take several months to complete. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.