Family law attorneys
louisville KY

While it is possible to go through a divorce without an attorney, it is highly advisable to seek legal representation, and here’s why:

1. Complex Legal Process: Divorce involves navigating a complex legal process that includes filing paperwork, understanding state laws, and adhering to court procedures. An experienced divorce attorney can guide you through these complexities and ensure that all necessary documents are properly prepared and filed.

2. Protecting Your Interests: A divorce can have a significant impact on your financial and personal life. A lawyer can help protect your rights and interests in matters such as property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and visitation rights.

3. Mediation and Negotiation: Many divorces involve negotiation and settlement discussions. An attorney can act as your advocate during these negotiations to help you achieve a fair and favorable outcome.

4. Legal Advice: Your attorney can provide you with legal advice tailored to your unique situation. They can explain the legal implications of various decisions and help you make informed choices throughout the divorce process.

5. Reducing Stress: Divorce can be emotionally challenging. Having an attorney can alleviate some of the stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your well-being and your family’s needs.

6. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Mistakes in divorce proceedings can have long-term consequences. An attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your divorce is handled correctly from the start.

7. Ensuring Compliance: Divorce orders and agreements must be followed. If your ex-spouse fails to comply, or if you need to modify a court order, an attorney can help you navigate these issues and ensure compliance with the law.

8. Streamlining the Process: With an attorney’s guidance, you can often streamline the divorce process, potentially reducing the time and costs involved.

In summary, while it’s not legally required to have an attorney during a divorce, having one is highly recommended. Your attorney can provide invaluable legal expertise, protect your rights, and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Divorce is a significant life event, and having a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney by your side can make a world of difference in the process and its ultimate resolution.

At TCM Legal, our experienced divorce attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in your divorce proceedings.

Child custody laws in Kentucky, like in many states, prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. While specific details may vary based on individual circumstances, here is a general overview of how child custody works in Kentucky:

1. Types of Custody: Kentucky recognizes two primary types of child custody:

   • Physical Custody: This pertains to where the child will live and spend their time.
   • Legal Custody: This relates to the authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion.

2. Joint Custody: Kentucky favors joint custody arrangements when it is in the child’s best interests. Joint custody can involve both joint physical and legal custody or a combination of the two.

3. Child’s Best Interests: Courts make custody decisions based on what they determine to be in the child’s best interests. Factors considered may include the child’s age, their relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment, and any history of abuse or neglect.

4. Custody Orders: Custody orders, often part of the divorce decree or a separate court order, outline the specific custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority of each parent.

5. Modification: Custody arrangements can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances that warrants a revision of the existing custody order.

6. Enforcement: Courts can enforce custody orders if one parent fails to comply with the terms outlined in the order.

7. Mediation: In some cases, parents may be required to attend mediation to attempt to reach a mutually agreeable custody arrangement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will make the final determination.

It’s important to note that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. If you are facing a child custody matter in Kentucky, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for the best interests of your child.

At TCM Legal,  our dedicated family law attorneys are well-versed in Kentucky’s child custody laws and are here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need to achieve a favorable custody arrangement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific child custody concerns.

Child support is a financial obligation that one parent may be required to pay to the other for the care and well-being of their child or children following a separation or divorce. The primary purpose of child support is to ensure that children continue to receive the financial support they need for their basic necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare.

In determining child support, several factors are typically taken into consideration:

1. Income of Both Parents: The income of both parents, including wages, salaries, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and other sources, is a significant factor in calculating child support. This may also include potential income, such as imputed income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

2. Custody Arrangement: The amount of time each parent spends with the child or children (custody arrangement) plays a role in determining child support. In some cases, the custodial arrangement can affect the financial responsibility of each parent.

3. Child-Related Expenses: Child support calculations often include an assessment of additional expenses related to the child’s needs, such as daycare, medical insurance, medical expenses not covered by insurance, and educational expenses.

4. State Guidelines: Many states, including Kentucky, have specific child support guidelines and formulas that are used to calculate child support amounts. These guidelines take into account the factors mentioned above and provide a standardized framework for determining child support.

5. Special Circumstances: In some cases, special circumstances or extraordinary expenses, such as a child’s medical condition or educational needs, may be considered in the child support calculation.

It’s important to note that child support calculations can be complex, and the specific rules and guidelines can vary by state. Consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney is highly recommended to ensure that child support is calculated accurately and in accordance with the laws of your jurisdiction.

At Turner, Coombs & Malone PLLC, our experienced family law attorneys have a deep understanding of child support laws and regulations in Kentucky. We can assist you in determining the appropriate child support amount, whether through negotiation or court proceedings, to ensure that the best interests of your child are protected. If you have questions or concerns regarding child support, we are here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.