Bossier City, Louisiana Divorce Attorney
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Experienced Divorce Attorney - Bossier City, LA
No one likes to think that their marriage might end in divorce. Unfortunately, divorce is a very common occurrence. In fact, approximately 40% of marriages end in divorce in the United States today. While divorce rates in Louisiana have decreased over the past decade (likely due to a decline in marriages), the need for divorce attorneys remains prevalent.
Divorce is often a fraught experience, bringing a lot of stress and tense emotions. Handling the complicated legal aspects of divorce in addition to coping with the personal pressures associated with ending a marriage can be especially difficult. Experienced legal representation can alleviate the frustration of divorce by providing the support you need. Fortunately, here at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our Bossier City lawyers proudly provide the region with dedicated legal services regarding and related to the divorce process in Louisiana.
Led by experienced abogado Michael J. Vergis, our law firm understands the delicate nature of divorce proceedings. We know it often requires heavy litigation and mediation to protect your assets and ensure you receive a fair distribution of property, and when minor children are involved, things can get even more complicated. If you are considering filing for a divorce or have been served with divorce papers from your spouse, contact an experienced Bossier City, Louisiana divorce lawyer from The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis at (318) 618-8129 hoy dia.
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle
Divorce is a deeply personal matter that deserves personal attention. Seasoned Louisiana family law attorney Michael J. Vergis has extensive experience in representing spouses seeking divorce. He understands that the divorce process can differ depending on the unique circumstances of those involved, and he is prepared to offer personalized legal representation.
Our law firm is prepared to handle the following types of divorce cases in Bossier City and beyond:
Divorcio impugnado
Divorce can be a difficult decision for families to arrive at. However, the decisions aren’t over once spouses choose to proceed with divorce. Decisions regarding their family, assets, property division, and finances must also be made. A contested divorce occurs when spouses can’t reach an agreement on these important decisions.
For example, one common cause for contested divorce is child custody. If the divorcing couple has minor children, they must decide custody terms for those children. When they cannot come to an agreement on their own, they must rely on guidance and help from attorneys, mediators, and judges.
Whatever the cause of the dispute, contested divorces can be mentally and emotionally draining. The legal assistance of a Louisiana contested divorce lawyer like Mike Vergis can make the process go smoother, allowing you to settle legal matters and finalize your divorce.
Divorcio no disputado
In uncontested divorces, spouses agree on the terms of the divorce. This allows for a streamlined process that is generally easier to navigate. However, it is still recommended to seek out the services of a divorce lawyer in cases of uncontested divorce. Your lawyer will use their knowledge of Louisiana family law to make sure all of the appropriate paperwork is filled out correctly and that your best interests are protected throughout.
No-Fault and Fault-Based Divorce in Louisiana
No-fault divorce is a type of divorce that allows spouses to separate without proving the other did any wrongdoing. In an at-fault divorce, however, one spouse is claiming that the other spouse is responsible for the breakdown of their marriage.
Under Louisiana family law, the following are considered legitimate causes for at-fault divorce:
- cometer abuso doméstico (un cónyuge abusa física o sexualmente del otro cónyuge o de su hijo)
- Committing adultery (See our blog: ¿El engaño afecta la pensión alimenticia?)
- recibiendo un condena por delito encontrado con la muerte o encarcelamiento con trabajos forzados
- Abandonando al otro
- A orden de protección siendo emitido por el cónyuge que fue víctima de violencia doméstica
If you have cause to file for an at-fault divorce, contact a Bossier City divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis as soon as possible. Our law firm will work diligently to ensure your family’s safety and achieve the best outcome possible for your divorce case.
How Do I File for Divorce in Louisiana?
If you are planning to divorce your spouse in Bossier City, there are a few ways to initiate the process.
Louisiana family law allows those who qualify for no-fault divorce to serve papers directly to their spouse. If one spouse issues a Louisiana divorce petition, the other spouse can’t just deny it. However, a no-fault divorce requires the couple to live apart for a specified period of time before filing for divorce. Couples who don’t have any minor children and who have lived separate for 180 days may divorce one another. Spouses who have minor children must live separately for at least 365 days before they can file for divorce.
To file for an at-fault divorce, Louisiana law requires the individual who filed the divorce petition to prove that the breakdown of their marriage has resulted from the fault of their spouse. Only then will the court grant a judgment of divorce with fault. If an individual meets the requirements for fault-based divorce in Louisiana, they can be granted an immediate divorce.
If you’re facing divorce in Louisiana, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bossier City law firm. Experienced divorce lawyer Michael J. Vergis is prepared to guide you through the many complex matters of divorce and family law, including the process of filing for divorce.
Key Issues in the Louisiana Divorce Process
Hay muchos problemas que pueden surgir en el proceso de divorcio. Manutención de los hijos, custodia del niño, visitation rights, pensión alimenticia, y división de propiedad are just some of the things that must be considered. A typical case requires intense evaluation, preparation, negotiations, and mediation.
Sometimes the matters that must be tended to, even in an uncontested divorce, far surpass what the couple going through it can handle on their own. This is why it is important to have a qualified Abogado de derecho de familia de Bossier City working for you and defending your best interests in your divorce case.
Manutención de los hijos
If one parent gains primary or sole custody of their minor children after a divorce, the other will be held responsible for child support. There are a number of reasons why it is so important to seek legal help when dealing with matters of child support. Whether you need help determining a fair child support arrangement, want to lower your child support amount, or seek to collect overdue payments, Abogado de manutención infantil de Luisiana Michael J. Vergis puede ayudar.
Manutención conyugal
La manutención conyugal, también conocida como pensión alimenticia, es un pago mensual que se hace de un cónyuge a otro una vez que la sentencia de divorcio es definitiva. Si se acaba de divorciar y está buscando manutención conyugal permanente, definitiva o provisional, necesita apoyo legal de un Abogado de pensión alimenticia de Bossier City que luchará por los cheques mensuales de pensión alimenticia que te mereces.
Custodia del niño
Desafortunadamente, las cosas pueden complicarse rápidamente cuando se trata de determinar los arreglos de custodia de los hijos en casos de divorcio. obteniendo un Abogado de custodia de menores Bossier for this delicate matter ensures the best possible outcome for you and your minor children.
División de la Propiedad
En División de propiedad de Luisiana cases, property falls into two separate categories: marital property (also known as community property) and separate property. An experienced divorce lawyer like Michael Vergis fights to protect your assets and ensure you receive a fair distribution of property.
Acuerdos Prenupciales y Postnupciales
If you are considering a pre-marital or post-marital agreement, or if you have any more questions regarding these legal documents, consider consulting with an experienced postnup and abogado prenupcial like Mr. Vergis. Mr. Vergis can give you a better understanding of the importance of an agreement like this and help you get started with one.
Louisiana Divorce Law FAQs
Divorce lawyers dedicate their entire careers to understanding Louisiana family law, which is why it is crucial to rely on an experienced attorney like Michael J. Vergis. If you need help preparing for divorce civil litigation, our team is ready to answer your questions.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Louisiana?
How long your divorce will take depends on the circumstances of your case. No-fault divorces require spouses to live separately for a period of 180 to 365 days prior to filing for divorce. At-fault divorces allow for "immediate" divorce without requiring the spouses to spend a period of time apart beforehand. However, in both cases, finalizing the divorce may take time. The process of proving fault, reaching agreements on custody or other similar issues, or simply filing the necessary paperwork can delay your divorce. With the right attorney, the divorce process is more likely to proceed in a timely manner.
¿Se puede solicitar el divorcio en un matrimonio de pacto?
Yes, Louisiana family law allows for divorce in a covenant marriage. Covenant marriages are very similar to regular marriages, except they require more legal steps to “ensure” that the marriage will last forever. This does not mean you cannot file for divorce from a covenant marriage. However, because there are more steps in order to get into a covenant marriage, there are naturally more steps to get out of it. Experienced Louisiana attorneys are often necessary in cases like these.
What’s the Difference Between Community and Separate Property?
Separate property, or property that an individual gained before marriage, is typically not subject to property division after divorce. It will usually remain with the person who brought the property into the marriage. Community property, on the other hand, is property gained during the marriage. This includes assets, income, and debts. This property is subject to division between spouses during a divorce.
Experienced legal representation can help settle property issues that arise during divorce proceedings. Don't hesitate to contact Michael J. Vergis to help with your community property case.
Is a Louisiana Divorce Attorney Necessary?
While having a lawyer during divorce proceedings is not required by Louisiana family law, it is highly recommended to ensure a fair settlement and smooth proceedings. An experienced divorce lawyer such as Michael Vergis understands the challenges that can arise in divorce proceedings and works to resolve potential issues on his clients' behalf in an efficient and amicable manner.
¿Necesito un abogado para un divorcio sin oposición?
In some cases, an uncontested divorce can proceed smoothly without the assistance of an attorney. However, even if the terms of the divorce are mostly agreed upon, a divorce lawyer can still be extremely beneficial when it comes to protecting your legal rights and overall looking out for your best interests.
How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in Louisiana?
The price of a divorce attorney varies significantly due to the various factors and considerations that come with these types of cases. Costs may total a couple of thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Overall, the cost of an attorney and court fees largely depends on your own specific situation.
Expenses also depend largely on the skill and experience of the lawyer you choose to represent you. Their reputation and track record of litigating divorce matters will contribute to how much you’ll pay in attorney fees.
How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney in Bossier City, LA
Having a good divorce lawyer on your side can dramatically impact the process of a divorce, including how the divorce progresses and the outcome of the case. It can also be the difference between feeling as if you’re alone in this battle or knowing you have someone advocating for you and protecting your interests.
When searching for a good attorney, you want someone experienced in family law matters. It is important that your lawyer fully understands the ever-changing nature of divorce and family law in Louisiana. Once you narrow down your search, make sure to read revisiones de clientes y pares of your prospective attorney. Don’t underestimate the power of a review. The phrase “their reputation precedes them” certainly matters in the search for a good lawyer.
Lo que otros en su profesión tienen que decir es importante, pero lo que los clientes tienen que decir a veces lo es aún más. Desea obtener una buena perspectiva de cómo es trabajar con esta persona y cómo podría manejar su caso. También debe realizar una investigación sobre casos anteriores similares y qué tan exitosos fueron.
¿Por qué elegir el bufete de abogados de Michael J. Vergis?
If you’re looking for a reliable local law firm, consider the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis. Licensed to practice law in Louisiana, Michael J. Vergis has extensive experience with family law cases. Moreover, his years spent serving Bossier and the surrounding Parishes have granted him unique insight into family courts in Bossier Parish and the surrounding areas.
Michael J. Vergis carefully considers the case of each client, using personalized legal strategies particularly suited to their case. With strong negotiation skills and meticulous courtroom advocacy, he will work hard to achieve a favorable outcome on your behalf. Family law attorney Michael J. Vergis is dedicated to protecting your rights and future.
Call Bossier City, LA Divorce Lawyer Michael J. Vergis Today
If you are in the process of a divorce, you need the experience of a professional Louisiana family law attorney such as Mr. Vergis. The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis provides families with unparalleled legal service in divorce cases and all related practice areas. Our Bossier City & Shreveport divorce attorneys work diligently to provide the best possible outcome for local clients in our community, as well as communities throughout the North Louisiana region. Allow our dedicated legal team to help you during this difficult time.
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