Lafayette Divorce Lawyer

Lafayette Divorce Attorney

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated during a divorce, both by the legal processes and the changes to your personal life. These emotions can affect your ability to make sound decisions that prepare you and your family for the future. This is why working with a Lafayette divorce lawyer is so important. The assistance of an informed third party can help you wisely manage and navigate an already taxing process.

Navigating the emotional and financial complexities of divorce can be overwhelming, whether it is expected or whether it catches you by surprise. My name is Chris Villemarette. As an experienced divorce lawyer in Lafayette, I have been representing people with these troubling issues. I am here to provide you with guidance and legal expertise that you can trust in order to forge a path for your future.

Whether you have a contested or uncontested divorce, we can assist you.

When you are facing divorce, important questions arise such as:

How will assets like the marital home, vehicles, household possessions, and bank accounts be divided?

What happens to retirement accounts, investment properties, and business interests?

What property division will be approved by the court?

What custody plans will be approved by a family law judge?

Even if you and your spouse initially agree on the terms of your divorce, disagreements may surface along the way. Whether your divorce remains amicable or becomes contentious, it is crucial to have an experienced and reliable family law attorney by your side who can provide you with sound legal advice and support.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Working through something as difficult as a divorce requires a deep understanding of family law. Every case is unique. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and duties during the divorce process to protect you and your family’s interests.

If you are involved in a contested divorce where you and your spouse cannot agree on the central issues, it might be necessary to involve the court. This might require complicated negotiations and even litigation. An experienced attorney can make a large difference in the outcome of your case, regardless of whether you and your spouse can agree to a settlement or you have to receive a ruling from a judge.

Even uncontested divorces require diligence from a legal professional. Even though these divorces tend to be smoother than contested divorces, it is still important to make sure that the agreements are fair for both parties to avoid issues in the future. This is especially true if children are involved. Working with an attorney can make the divorce process easier for children because lawyers can make sure their rights are protected and prevent excessive conflict.

Why Choose Me As Your Lafayette Divorce Lawyer?

With the exception of my college years in a neighboring state, I have dedicated my life and career to Lafayette. I deeply care about our community and consider it an honor to assist families in navigating the challenging divorce process with decisiveness and respect. As a skilled litigator, I am always prepared to vigorously advocate for my clients.

My background in accounting, coupled with my legal expertise, allows me to offer comprehensive assistance to individuals and couples in dividing their assets. I understand the importance of considering various factors in property division, such as:

1. Tax implications and advantages: It’s important to understand what your tax obligations are and how they might change due to a divorce. Some assets are treated differently by the IRS, and it is important to consider the potential implications of splitting certain assets to avoid potential tax issues. A divorce attorney with a tax background can help make sure the divorce process is fair and financially sensible.
2. Health and health insurance coverage: Many individuals do not think about the impact divorce can have on their access to health insurance and other health-related benefits, especially if they receive their health insurance coverage from their spouse. It is important to make sure that both parties have access to health insurance after the divorce, and this can be achieved through either employment or government programs.
3. Maintaining a reasonable standard of living for you and your children: The needs of your children are incredibly important, so it’s necessary to make sure that the division of assets maintains each individual’s standard of living, especially if you are considering joint custody. If your children have unique needs that must be met, this must also be taken into consideration when considering the division of assets.
4. Fairness when one spouse has contributed significantly to the other’s education or professional endeavors: Many spouses make sacrifices for their partner by contributing to their future. These actions should be compensated if spouses are considering a divorce and splitting their financial assets while ensuring an equitable split that maintains each individual’s quality of life.

Most of these issues benefit from an attorney who is experienced in financial and tax law. Working with an attorney who can see the complete picture when going through divorce proceedings can give you the confidence and knowledge you need in the midst of your divorce proceedings.

The Benefits of Mediation

We are often able to resolve matters prior to trial through negotiation and mediation. Divorce mediation, in particular, offers a private and flexible alternative that can promote civil dialogue and facilitate co-parenting arrangements in the best interests of your children.

While a trial might be necessary in some contexts, it also creates more conflict between individuals going through a divorce. Instead of fighting your spouse in court, consider mediation as a way to work together with them on the same problem. A neutral third party can help encourage understanding between the two parties and make it easier for them to agree on important issues.

Since the mediation process typically takes less time to resolve than a traditional court case, it is also often less expensive, making it an attractive option for many individuals going through divorce.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?

A: The difference between a contested and uncontested divorce lies in the attitudes of each spouse. If spouses cannot agree on important issues in a divorce, like the division of assets, child custody, or spousal support, it is considered a contested divorce. These types of divorces often involve decisions made by a judge and often cost more and take more time to resolve. An uncontested divorce, where spouses agree on all aspects of their divorce, tends to be resolved faster.

Q: How Is Child Custody Determined in a Divorce?

A: Child custody is determined in a divorce based on what the court thinks is in the best interest of the child. They consider things like the child’s age and health status, their emotional bond with each parent, and the parent’s situations and how they affect how they can care for the child. Usually, courts prefer joint custody, but sole custody is occasionally awarded if one parent is deemed to be unfit to take care of the child.

Q: How Can You Protect Your Assets During a Divorce?

A: To protect your assets during a divorce, make sure your financial information is all gathered into one central location so you are sure of what you own. This includes things like bank statements, deeds to any property you own, and records of investments you have made. It is also a good idea to wait until after the divorce is resolved to make large financial decisions, such as securing large loans or making large purchases, in order to avoid additional complications.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

A: Legal fees can be intimidating, and you may wonder how much a divorce lawyer typically costs in Louisiana. Lawyer costs vary based on the complexity of the case, the experience the lawyer offers, their educational background, and other factors. The easiest way to estimate how much a lawyer will cost you is to speak directly with a qualified divorce lawyer about your specific case.

Contact Our Lafayette, LA Divorce Lawyer Today

It’s never easy to get a divorce, but consulting with a professional can make the process go more quickly and smoothly. Move onto the next chapter of your life by taking the next step and working with a divorce attorney.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney experienced in divorce, child custody, and child support matters, reach out to my law office via email or call 337-232-3100. I am here to support you as you navigate the complexities of divorce and secure a brighter future.