If you are contemplating divorce, seeking to modify an existing child support order, or wish to have your custody or visitation rights legally recognized, it is advisable to consult with the attorneys at Shakhan & Wilkerson Law. Our firm is equipped to provide assistance in these areas of family law.

Indeed, our firm can assist with support payment modifications. When circumstances change significantly from those that formed the basis of the original decree, such as job loss or business closure, the court may consider granting a modification. It's important to note that without filing for modification, the original decree remains binding regardless of changed circumstances.

Eligibility for custody modification typically requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the child. Additionally, if a child has reached the age of fourteen and expresses a preference to live with the other parent, this may also be grounds for modification. Our firm can guide you through this process.

Our firm is experienced in handling various types of adoptions. We can provide legal assistance for families pursuing private or agency adoptions, as well as for family members, stepparents, or foster parents seeking to adopt children currently in their care.

Prenuptial agreements are legal contracts established before marriage, while postnuptial agreements are created after marriage. Both types of agreements outline how assets would be divided in the event of a divorce. For these agreements to be valid, full asset disclosure is required, and both parties must receive some benefit. Our firm can assist in drafting both types of agreements.

Legitimation may be necessary if you are an unmarried father paying child support but lack legal rights to custody or visitation. Even if you're named on the birth certificate, have confirmed paternity, or are paying support, without marriage to the child's mother at birth, you may need to file a petition for legitimation to be legally recognized as the father and gain custody or visitation rights. Our firm can assist with this process.

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses have reached a complete agreement on all terms, including property division, alimony, and child custody, before filing for divorce. If there's disagreement on any issue, the divorce becomes contested. Our firm can assist in drafting the necessary legal documents for an uncontested divorce, though we can only represent one spouse in the process.

A contempt action may be appropriate when one party violates a court's judgment decree. While certain circumstances like job loss might explain non-compliance, any failure to adhere to the final decree can be grounds for a contempt action. This includes late payments, failure to divide assets as ordered, or not following through on property sales. Our firm can advise on filing or defending against such actions.