Family Law Attorneys in Daphne, Alabama

Family legal matters can be some of the most complicated and difficult to resolve. Often times, it is far more than a win/lose situation; there are many other factors to consider, such as the cost of a long and drawn out court battle, preservation of valued family relationships, and protecting any children that may be involved. Every family has unique dynamics, and no two situations are exactly alike. For this reason, it is important to work with an attorney who is willing to listen and understand the specifics of your situation and work hard to develop a personalized resolution.

Understanding the sensitive nature of family law, custody issues and adoptions, Coumanis and York, PC, offers professional services tempered with understanding and compassion, to help you achieve the best solution available for you through trial, settlement, or alternative dispute resolution. Recognizing the stress and uncertainty that often accompany these types of cases, we treat our clients with courtesy and respect while working to get you the results you want.

We offer skilled guidance and representation for the following family law matters:

• Contested & uncontested divorces
• Child custody disputes and alternative custody agreements
• Child support (including enforcement and contempt proceedings)
• Alimony
• Division of Assets
• Visitation arrangements
• Paternity (establishing or defending)
• Adoption (step-parent or grandparent adoptions, termination of parental rights)
• Child custody modification
• Prenuptial agreements for couples to designate community and separate property before marriage (as with second marriages)
• Restraining orders (ex-spouses, estranged spouses, etc.)

Paternity and Father’s Rights and Responsibilities in Alabama

While generally there is never a question of who a child’s mother is, determining the father can be more complicated. This is particularly true if the mother is not married and/or there is a dispute over who the father is.

A man is presumed to be the father of a child if:

• He is married to the mother and the child is born during the marriage;
• He was previously married to the mother and the child is born within 300 days after the marriage was dissolved;
• The couple attempted to get married before the child’s birth, but the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid;
• He has acknowledged the paternity of the child in writing in accordance with the appropriate legal statutes.

Of course, the simplest and easiest way to establish paternity is voluntarily, with both the mother and father signing the appropriate documents. However, this is not always possible if there is a dispute about who the father of the child is.

In such cases, the mother may want to establish paternity in order to receive child support, but the father disputes the claim. Or the father may want to establish paternity in order to become involved in the child’s life, but the mother disputes it.

In either case, the question is best resolved through a genetic paternity test. If either the father or the mother does not want to cooperate with the genetic testing that is ordered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the dispute will likely end up in court. Whether you are looking to establish or defend paternity in situations where the parties are not in agreement, our lawyers are there to guide you through this process.

Contact a Knowledgeable and Compassionate Daphne , AL Family Law Attorney

If you have any type of family legal issue in Alabama, Coumanis & York is here to help. We will work closely with you to thoroughly understand your unique needs and customize a solution that addresses your needs and fully protects your interests. For a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, message us online or call our office today at 251-990-3083 (Daphne) or 251.431-7272 (Mobile). We look forward to serving you!