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Family Law
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St. Petersburg Family Lawyer

For most, family is the most important aspect of life.  Challenges to your family such as divorce, child support, adoption, or more can seriously impact your mental and financial well being.  If you are going through a critical time like one or more of these, you need to consult with a lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights, and has the experience to guide you through your situation.  Matters concerning family law often overwhelm those involved;  this makes an attorney dedicated to your best interests a valuable asset.  Call the skilled family law attorneys at Khonsari Law Group for a free consultation at (727) 269-5300.

What is Family Law?

Family law is the broad area of law concerned with family-related issues.  Often this includes the relationship between spouses, or parents and children, but grandparents, relatives, government agencies, and numerous other parties may be involved in a family law case.  Most family law attorneys represent individuals going through a divorce, and deal with issues related to divorce like division of property, child support, and child custody;  however, there are many areas of property, child support, and child custody; however, there are many areas of family law.  Some of the most common practice areas in family law include:

Khonsari Law Group’s Results in Family Law Cases

Khonsari Law Group has a history of representing clients in a wide variety of family law cases.  We understand that each is unique, and pride ourselves on learning about your specific needs so we can properly advise you through this complicated process.  We have helped past clients negotiate the terms of their divorce including child support, child custody, and alimony;  we have also helped clients grow their family through adoption, and negotiate terms of prenuptial agreements and divorce settlements.  Regardless of your situation, we are committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients.

What Types of Cases are Heard in Family Courts?

Family cases are civil cases that are often focused on spouses or children, but may include other parties such as grandparents.  Some of the most common types of family issues Florida courts hear include:

  • Dissolution of Marriage – Most often this refers to divorce proceedings, but dissolution may also refer to annulment or legal separation.  The State of Florida, however, does not recognize legal separation.
  • Paternity / Child Custody – In Florida, when couples are unmarried, the father, even if he is listed on the birth certificate, has no parental rights without a court order.  In some cases, a mother needs to establish paternity to collect child support.
  • Child Custody Enforcement / Modification – Divorce and paternity proceedings include agreements about child custody, but sometimes they require adjustments.  Those who have joint custody and want to fight for sole custody, or want more visitation, are cases for family court.
  • Child Support Enforcement / Modification – If a couple was married when they had children, child support is typically part of the divorce agreement;  however, life circumstances require modifications on occasion.  Often, child support cases outside of the umbrella of divorce proceedings include enforcement of back child support, or a new support order for unmarried parents.
  • Guardianship – In guardianship cases, the court determines who is responsible for a child or dependent adult.  This may include orphaned children or children whose parents are incarcerated, but it can also include any adult that cannot make medical and financial decisions on their own, including the elderly and disabled.
  • Termination of Parental Rights / Adoptions – If a child was abandoned, neglected, or abused, the court may terminate the rights of one or both parents and place the child in foster care. Similarly, when a mother puts her child up for adoption, the court must terminate the parents’ rights before an adoption can be granted.
  • Name changes – A person may want to change their name for several reasons, including reverting back to a maiden name after divorce, changing a name when getting married, or adoption.  Others may want to change their name for their career, or simply because they don’t like or want their given name.
  • Protection Orders / Injunctions – In the case of domestic violence, a family court will issue protective orders to keep an abuser away from a victim.  This is one of the exceptions where criminal proceedings may overlap with family courts.
  • Child abuse / Child neglect – The abuse or neglect of a child is another example.  Family and dependency court handles all of these matters, including placing a child in protective custody, or hearing cases where a minor was engaged in illegal activity.  The court will also hear cases surrounding child labor, such as a minor who wants an exemption from age or hour restrictions for special circumstances.
  • Emancipation – Minors who want to be legally released from their parents’ control state their case in front of family court.  Under Florida law, a minor must be 16 years old or older, and financially independent to petition the court through a parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem to be legally emancipated.  This also removes parents from the obligation of supporting their child.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

Consultations with our team of experienced family law attorneys are always free.  During this time, one of our associates will examine the circumstances of your case, suggest possible steps for moving forward, and can explain what to expect in hiring an attorney.

Whether you are considering filing for divorce, adopting a child, pursuing child custody, or another family law matter, contact Khonsari Law Group in St. Petersburg for a free consultation at (727) 269-5300 or write to us online.  Our skilled attorneys understand the best course of action in family law cases, and can serve as an ally and advocate throughout your case.