FAMILY LAW
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
IN ROGERS, AR
DIVORCE
The dissolution of a marriage can be a very stressful and emotional event in a person’s life. When a marriage ends, there are several questions that must be answered such as:
- What happens while divorce is pending?
- What will custody and visitation look like for the children?
- How will property and debts be divided?
- How much child support will be ordered and is there a need for alimony?
- Is mediation an option?
Our divorce attorneys are prepared to help you answer these questions as they pertain to your situation. We understand that there are numerous factors that can come with a divorce; whether that is child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, alimony or spousal support, or post-decree modification and enforcement. With over 40 years of experience, you can trust MCRMT Law to defend your rights and assets. Hire a divorce lawyer that will fight for your interests and can get you on the right path to a brighter future.
CUSTODY
In Arkansas, joint custody is favored. Joint custody generally means that both parents enjoy equal time with the child and the parents are able to work together to make decisions jointly regarding the children. However, joint custody is not appropriate in every situation. Sometimes there is a need to appoint a primary custodian; that is, one parent who has the authority to make the final decisions on matters affecting the child. In some instances, a court may later change custody if it finds a material change in circumstances and the modification is in the best interest of the child. At MCRMT, we will evaluate your situation and goals to help determine what is in the best interest of your children.
VISITATION
When parents are divorced, the court has the final say on what the visitation schedule will be for each parent. Sometimes the court requires that a certain schedule be followed and in other instances, the court will allow the parents to determine amongst themselves appropriate visitation; provided that if the parents can’t agree then the court will determine the schedule. Often times, the court will order that one parent be allowed visitation pursuant to a standard visitation schedule. These standard schedules differ among each county. For example, the Benton County Schedule
is different from the Washington County Schedule. Let us help you determine what visitation schedule is most appropriate for your children.
CHILD SUPPORT
In most situations, a court is likely to order that child support be paid by one parent on behalf of the minor children. The amount of child support depends on several factors such as the amount of time spent with each parent, the income of the parents, and whether the child receives any income from other sources. Determining child support can be a complicated calculation
as it often times involves several exemptions and deductions in order to arrive at the correct amount. The State of Arkansas has issued a child support worksheet
that determines the appropriate amount of child support. A court will often require a person to complete an
Affidavit of Financial Means
in order to determine the correct child support amount. The family law attorneys at MCRMT will work with you to analyze all appropriate financial information to arrive at the correct amount of support for your children.
ALIMONY
In some instances, a court may award alimony. Alimony is an amount that a person pays to a former spouse to make up for the inequity in incomes post-divorce. Alimony is often determined by looking at the need of the spouse requesting alimony versus the ability of the other spouse to meet that need. Alimony may have tax consequences for both spouses. Our family law attorneys are equipped to analyze your financial situation and discuss with you the possibility of alimony.
GUARDIANSHIP
Sometimes, neither parent is fit to have custody of the child. In those instances, the court will appoint a third-party as guardian of the minor child. Guardianships over an adult may be appropriate if that adult does not have the capacity to manage their financial affairs or provide for their own physical well-being. A guardian essentially becomes the individual’s custodian of and has the authority to make financial, medical and educational decisions. A guardian must file an annual report to the court regarding financial and medical issues. At MCRMT, we can represent you in guardianship cases and help you file annual reports with the court.
ADOPTION
Every child deserves a safe, stable, loving and permanent home and family. Sometimes, the parents not able to provide this and so another person or family steps in and becomes the legal parents of the child in order for the child to have a forever family. In some situations it may be grandparents, in other situations it may be a step-parent and in some cases it may be a non-family member. The MCRMT attorneys will walk you through every step of the adoption process from the initial filing of the petition to completing the paperwork for a new birth certificate.
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
In certain situations, individuals, prior to marriage, enter into an agreement regarding the division of their property should the marriage end in divorce. This is commonly called a prenuptial agreement. Prenuptial agreements are common in situations when parties bring property into a marriage that they want to make sure they would receive back should the marriage end in divorce. In addition to property division, a prenuptial agreement can address alimony. Our family law attorneys can help you draft a prenuptial agreement tailored to your unique situation.
