Divorce Attorney Bossier City, LA
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Experienced Shreveport & Bossier City, Louisiana Divorce Lawyers
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 Shreveport 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 our experienced Bossier City, LA divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis by calling (318) 698-3724 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, Shreveport, and beyond:
Contested Divorce in Bossier City, LA
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.
Uncontested Divorce in Bossier City, LA
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 Abogado de divorcios de mutuo acuerdo en Luisiana will use their knowledge of 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 blog: ¿El engaño afecta la pensión alimenticia?)
- Committing and being convicted of a felony crime met with death or imprisonment with hard labor
- Abandonando al otro
- A domestic violence protective order siendo emitido por el cónyuge que fue víctima de violencia doméstica
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, depending on your circumstances:
- Louisiana family law allows qualifying spouses to begin a no-fault divorce by serving papers directly.
- To qualify, couples without minor children must live apart for 180 días, while couples with minor children must live separately for 365 days before filing.
- A spouse cannot block or deny a valid divorce petition once it is filed.
- If you pursue an at-fault divorce, the filing spouse must prove misconduct that caused the breakdown of the marriage. When fault is established, the court may grant an immediate divorce.
If you are preparing for a divorce in Bossier City, compassionate counsel from an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and the steps required. Attorney Michael J. Vergis provides clear guidance through every stage of the process.
Key Issues in the Louisiana Divorce Process
Hay muchos problemas que pueden surgir en el proceso de divorcio. La manutención de los hijos, la custodia de los hijos, los derechos de visita, la pensión alimenticia y la división de bienes son solo algunas de las cosas que deben tenerse en cuenta. Un caso típico requiere una intensa evaluación, preparación, negociaciones y mediación.
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.
Child custody decisions can bring significant stress during a divorce because parents want to protect their children’s well-being and stability. Working with a Bossier City-Shreveport child custody lawyer like Mike Vergis gives you steady support during this process. He helps you understand your legal rights, prepares you for each step, and works toward a custody arrangement that supports your relationship with your minor children and their long-term needs.
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, seasoned Bossier City child support attorney Michael J. Vergis puede ayudar.
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.
In Louisiana property division cases, assets fall into two categories: propiedad conyugal, también llamado Propiedad de la comunidad, y propiedad separada. Understanding the difference is important because it affects what each spouse has a right to keep. An experienced property division attorney like Michael Vergis evaluates your financial records, identifies which assets belong in each category, and works to protect what matters most to you. His goal is to secure a fair distribution of property so you can move forward with confidence.
If you are thinking about prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements, or if you want clear answers about how these contracts work, speaking with a prenuptial and postnuptial agreement attorney in Louisiana can make the process easier to understand. Mr. Vergis explains how these agreements protect your interests, outlines what should be included, and guides you through each step of creating a legally sound contract. His support helps you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
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. Meanwhile, a fault-based 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 divorce 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 under Louisiana law, it is highly recommended to ensure a fair settlement and smooth proceedings. A knowledgeable Louisiana 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, an experienced 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 case moves forward, the outcome you reach, and the lasting impact it may have on you and your loved ones. 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 divorce attorney, Bossier City, LA residents should look for 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 de su posible abogado. No subestimes el poder de una reseña. La frase "su reputación les precede" ciertamente importa en la búsqueda de un buen abogado.
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?
When you want guidance grounded in knowledge and local experience, The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis stands out as a trusted choice in Northwest Louisiana. Michael J. Vergis has been practicing law and handling various family law cases in the Shreveport and Bossier City region for decades, giving him a clear understanding of how local courts operate and how different judges approach family disputes. This familiarity helps him tailor strategies to your specific situation.
He evaluates each case with care, builds a plan that reflects your priorities, and uses strong negotiation skills to work toward the best possible outcome. When litigation becomes necessary, his focused courtroom advocacy supports your rights at every stage. If you need support during a difficult chapter, you can request a confidential consultation to discuss your concerns and learn how Attorney Vergis can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact Bossier City, LA Divorce Lawyer Michael J. Vergis For Dedicated Legal Assistance
If you are facing a divorce, the decisions you make now can influence your legal rights and the favorable outcome you hope to achieve in the future. The best thing you can do for yourself is to contact a trusted Bossier City and Abogado de divorcio de Shreveport for steady support at a time when the stakes feel high.
The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis provides steady guidance to clients throughout Caddo & Bossier Parish, offering clear advice and committed representation every step of the way. Our team is happy to answer your questions and give you the support you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Michael Vergis provides dedicated assistance for all legal matters related to family law as well as personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights issues. Want to learn more about how he can help you? Llama (318) 698-3724 today or complete our formulario de contacto en línea para programar su consulta gratuita hoy.
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