How much a family lawyer costs in Louisiana will depend on certain factors, such as the type of case you are hiring them for, whether your case is litigated or not, and the attorney’s experience in the field. Most family lawyers charge an hourly fee, so a longer case will be more costly.
DeRidder Family Lawyer
DeRidder Family Attorney
If your family is facing a family law case such as a divorce, child custody determination, adoption, or protective order case, it can be stressful. Even when the case is a joyful experience, there are a lot of complex legal requirements to follow. More difficult family law cases have emotional turmoil on top of these complexities, and can potentially change the rest of your life. In these important cases, you need a compassionate DeRidder family lawyer to support you.
Protect Your Family’s Future With the Godley Law Firm in DeRidder
You need an experienced, empathetic, and dedicated family law attorney. At the Godley Law Firm, we have years of experience securing beneficial results for families and finding creative solutions to complex problems. Our lead attorney has spent over 35 years in law and has supported many individuals and their families. He understands how complex and frustrating family law cases are because he’s been through them himself.
Our team’s goal is to help you secure the ideal solution to your family law case that protects you and your family’s interests and helps you move forward. We aim for compromise and communication, and only use more aggressive approaches when it is truly the only option. Let us help you navigate your family law case.
Family Law Practice Areas at the Godley Law Firm
It’s important to get legal representation from a family law attorney experienced in cases similar to yours. At the Godley Law Firm, we practice several areas of family law, including:
Divorce
In 2023, the state’s divorce rate was 0.9 per 1,000 population, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While this was the lowest of all reporting states that year, there are still many divorces happening each year. Divorces are not easy, but couples file for a divorce when it is the right choice for them and their family.
Divorces are complex because they typically include several different family law cases, such as the division of property, spousal support awards, decisions about children, and requests for protective orders. When you hire a family lawyer, they can help you navigate these cases and protect your financial and personal interests. Whether you and your spouse are on bad terms or are willing to negotiate, you need experienced legal support.
Property Division
Property division is an important part of a divorce, where spouses separate their marital assets and debts. The more property and the more complex the property, the harder this division is. The median income for married-couple families in DeRidder was nearly $89,600 in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. When you get divorced, you want to protect your financial stability, and a DeRidder family attorney can help you do this.
Spousal Support
This is financial support that the court orders to be given by one spouse to the other, either during or after divorce, or both. It is not part of every divorce, but it may be awarded if one spouse needs financial support and the other spouse can provide that support.
Child Custody
Nearly 23% of the population in DeRidder is under the age of 18. For most parents, it is essential that a child custody case be negotiated outside of court. This limits the stress on children and helps parents create a parenting plan that works for them. An attorney can help parents review how the court considers the child’s best interests and how to create a plan that focuses on their children’s interests.
However, there are some cases where negotiation is not possible, and a parent or child is in danger from the other parent. In these cases, aggressive and effective defense in court is needed. Most family cases will be held at the 36th Judicial District Court on 201 West First Street in DeRidder.
Child Support
It is a child’s right to receive financial support from both of their parents. Child support exists to provide that support when parents live separately. There is a clear formula for fair child support, but an attorney can help determine if unique circumstances apply and how to check for hidden financial information.
Other Cases Our Firm Can Also Help With:
- Paternity determinations
- Adoptions
- Domestic violence cases and protective orders
FAQs
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?
What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Louisiana?
Both spouses in a divorce in Louisiana are entitled to an equally valued portion of marital property, and each spouse has the right to request spousal support, or alimony. When a divorcing couple has minor children, both spouses have the right to request custody of their children and child support for the children they have custody of. Spouses have equal rights to request these things, but the court will decide who gets support or custody based on many specific factors.
Is Louisiana a 50/50 Divorce State?
Louisiana is a community property, or 50/50 divorce state, because marital assets and debts are split equally between spouses. Marital property includes assets and debts secured during the course of the marriage, with some exceptions. However, this only applies when the court is responsible for the division of property. Assets and debts could be split differently if a couple negotiates a divorce decree outside of court, as long as the court decides it is fair.
Does My Wife Get Half My Money in a Divorce?
No, your wife does not get half your money in a divorce. In most jurisdictions, separate assets remain yours, while marital assets are split in half between you and your spouse. Marital assets generally include any assets obtained after the date of your marriage, as this is considered equally owned by you and your spouse. In some states, these marital assets are split in half. In others, the division of these assets may be unequal based on several factors.
Hire a Family Lawyer to Protect Your Future in DeRidder
At the Godley Law Firm, we want to help you navigate your family law case to the most beneficial outcome. We bring you dedicated and compassionate legal support. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation today.
Empowering Families One Step At A Time
For more information or to schedule a consultation at my law firm, please call 337-502-5144 or fill out the online form.
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Phone Number 337-502-5144
Office Location
616 Kirby Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
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