Family Law Attorneys in West Virginia
Client-Focused & Compassionate Legal Help with Family Law Issues from Our Offices in Beckley, Charleston, and Lewisburg
Family law is a practice area that requires sensitivity and an in-depth understanding of the unique aspects of each individual case. Your family dynamics and history, your goals and perspectives, and the emotional challenges you may be facing all factor into the context of handling your divorce or other family law issue. These are some of the most difficult and life-changing issues that you may ever face which is why it essential that you have a trusted advisor throughout the process.
Our West Virginia family law lawyers always remember that your life and often the lives of your children are at the heart of your case. That is why we take a broad view while honoring the intimately personal nature of our work. From divorce and prenuptial agreements to child custody and adoption, your attorney will be your point of contact from the moment you consult with us to the final resolution of your case. At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we believe in remaining client-focused and accessible at all times; you will never be handed off to an associate or paralegal.
Facing a divorce or other family law issue? For a free, initial consultation, call (304) 407-2249 or provide us your contact details in our online request form.
What Does a Family Attorney Do?
A family law attorney provides a wide variety of services to families facing legal issues. They assist in the negotiation and preparation of prenuptial agreements, provide guidance with divorce filings, represent clients in court cases, and help resolve matters related to child custody, parenting time, and adoption. Family law attorneys also work to protect their client's financial interests in a divorce. They take into consideration each client's individual needs and work to ensure their rights are protected throughout the process.
Divorce & Family Law Issues in West Virginia
At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we represent clients in all family law issues, such as the following:
- Divorce. This includes uncontested as well as contested divorce that requires litigation in court. It also includes divorces involving high net-worth, family businesses or professional practices, and other complex financial holdings.
- Prenuptial agreements. These written contracts are negotiated and drafted prior to marriage listing each party’s assets, property, and debts and their property rights and obligations should the marriage end in divorce. They require full financial disclosure and must follow other legal standards.
- Child custody and visitation. Parents can create their own parenting plans outside of court providing those plans serve the child’s needs. Courts base custody and visitation on what is in the best interests of the child and generally favor joint custody arrangements to ensure the child maintains a continuing relationship with both parents.
- Child support. Parents are obligated to financially as well as emotionally support their children. Financial support is calculated according to a formula provided by West Virginia state guidelines that takes into consideration various financial factors.
- Spousal support/alimony. This support is ordered by the court based on many factors and may be paid in a lump sum or through installments. Factors can include the duration of the marriage, the earning capacities of both parties, and more.
- Modification of previous family court orders. Parties to child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support can seek modifications to these orders through the courts where justified by substantially-changed circumstances.
- Protection of parenting rights outside of a marriage. Parenting rights for unmarried individuals can be established through paternity actions. These rights include child custody, visitation, and support.
- Adoption. Adopting a child, whether through a private or public agency, can be a challenging process. Our firm can help you navigate the process of adopting a child, foster child, a child related to you by family, or a stepchild.
- Guardianships. Guardians become the legal caretakers of minors, disabled adults, and the elderly with diminished mental capacity. We can provide legal assistance in seeking or contesting a guardianship.
- Domestic violence. Family abuse involves acts of violence or threats of violence against various family and household members and romantic partners. We provide legal support through the courts to protect victims of such abuse with Protective Orders.
West Virginia Child Custody Cases
Child custody cases are among the more common family law issues, and the Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC team can help you find a solution that's best for your family. Custody cases often take place in the midst of a divorce, but also in instances where parties were never married. West Virginia courts will use a "best interests of the child" standard to determine which party is awarded custody. Contact our attorneys to discuss the specifics of your family's child custody case.
How to Find a Good Family Lawyer
Finding a good family lawyer is an important step in resolving any family law issues. Taking the time to research and find an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can provide the best representation for your unique situation is critical. Here are some steps you can take to find a good family lawyer:
- Ask for referrals: Start by asking your friends, family members, colleagues, or other trusted advisors if they have any recommendations for a good family lawyer in West Virginia. Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about their experience with the lawyer, such as how long they worked with them, how effective their services were, and what kind of results were achieved.
- Look up local lawyers: Once you have gathered some potential leads from referrals, use online tools like Google Maps or LegalMatch to find family lawyers in West Virginia who specialize in the area of law related to your case – whether it’s divorce proceedings or adoption hearings. Be sure to read reviews and search out additional background information on each attorney before narrowing down your list of candidates.
- Contact potential lawyers: When you are ready to contact potential lawyers for your case, keep in mind that the initial consultation is typically free and allows you to get more information on their services and fees prior to deciding which one is best for your needs. During this consultation process, ask plenty of questions so you feel confident about hiring them as well as make sure they provide additional resources that could help with your case outside of legal representation – such as therapy referrals or financial planning services.
- Do further research: Before making a final decision on which lawyer will best suit your needs, do some independent research into their background including credentials, qualifications, awards and recognitions received from professional organizations within the legal field – these all serve as indicators that the attorney has been successful in prior cases handling similar matters. Additionally, consider reading through past court decisions involving the specific attorney so you have a better understanding how they handle cases similar to yours professionally as well as emotionally during the court proceedings.
By taking these steps during your search process, it should make it easier for you to find an experienced and reliable family lawyer who can give sound advice during this difficult time while also advocating on behalf of your legal rights within the courts system throughout West Virginia!
Why Choose Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC?
Our firm is well-known and respected throughout the state for the strength of our professionalism, dedication, and successful track record. Our legal team are established trial lawyers who can fiercely advocate for you both inside and outside the courtroom. Our family court lawyers in Charleston offer compassionate care throughout all stages of your family law case because we understand how profoundly these issues can affect you, your children, your finances, and your future.
No matter how complex or challenging your divorce or other family law issue may appear to be, we can provide creative, competent, and results-driven solutions. If you need legal assistance of any kind with a family law matter, we can help. For help with your divorce or child custody case, contact our West Virginia family court attorneys.
To speak with a family law attorney in West Virginia, contact us at (304) 407-2249 to arrange for your consultation today.