Family Law Overview

At the Law Office of James M. Levine, we devote a significant portion of our practice to family law matters, regularly appearing in family courts throughout Central and Southern Oklahoma.  We focus on:

Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a very painful experience.  Beyond the emotional issues involved, there are numerous legal questions that must be determined.  A “Dissolution of Marriage” must be obtained, assets must be classified and divided, and spousal support may be ordered.  When the divorcing parties have children together, there are also custody, visitation, and child support issues that must be resolved. 

• Custody
  The court will determine how to award custody based on what it believes is in the best interests of the child.  Where full physical custody is awarded to one parent, regular visitation arrangements may also be ordered.
• Child Support
  Typically, a non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay some amount of child support.
• Spousal Support
  Sometimes referred to as alimony, spousal support is financial support of one former spouse by another.  The availability of spousal support will depend on the length of the marriage, the age, skills, and earning capacity of the spouse, and other factors.
• Modification of Custody, Child Support, or Spousal Support Determination
  A modification to an existing order may be available whenever there are changed circumstances.  For example, if a custodial parent wishes to move out of state, the court may change the custody order in the case.  Similarly, if a supported former spouse remarries or becomes financially self sufficient, the court will likely modify or terminate the support order.

If you are experiencing marital difficulties or going through a divorce, an experienced family law attorney can protect your rights and best interests by effectively presenting your financial information and needs, ensuring that community property is allocated fairly, and advocating for a favorable custody arrangement.  If you are unhappy with a support, custody, or visitation order, a lawyer may be able to request a modification.

Adoptions

Adoption transfers parental rights from the birth parent to the adoptive parent. Adoptions require filing a petition in court, in addition to a myriad of additional steps and procedures.  Whether you are participating in an agency adoption, independent adoption, inter-country adoption, step-parent adoption, or adult adoption, a lawyer can simplify and expedite the process for you. 

Paternity

A presumed father is obligated to support his child unless he or the child’s mother proves that he is not the biological father.  Today, DNA tests can establish or rule out paternity almost without error.  A knowledgeable family law attorney can facilitate the process for anyone seeking to contest or establish paternity. 

Collections

Spousal Support / Alimony Arrearages

Unfortunately, some parents who are ordered to pay child support fail to do so.  In these cases, an experienced family law attorney can take action to help the child or children receive the financial support to which they are entitled.  For example, a lawyer can help locate a parent who has disappeared and obtain a court order to garnish the parent’s paycheck. 

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer who understands the delicate nature of these cases and is committed to helping you achieve a satisfactory result, while providing responsive, compassionate representation.  If you need assistance with a divorce, custody, support, adoption, paternity, or other family law matter, we have the knowledge and experience to help.  Contact The Law Office of James M. Levine today or call us at (405) 213-0238 to schedule a free initial consultation.