Family Attorneys Tampa FL

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Family Attorneys Tampa FL

The McKinney Law Group are family attorneys Tampa FL residents can count on for honest and trusted advice. Having represented clients and their loved ones for decades, we understand the complexities that often arise during family legal matters. If you are looking for Tampa FL family attorneys who take a special focus and interest in this area of the law, please contact The McKinney Law Group to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

Why It’s Important To Retain Qualified Family Attorneys in Tampa FL

More than likely the most important thing in your life is your children. Finances, property, and material items may be less important but at risk after a marriage is over. During a separation, divorce, or timeshare challenge, you may experience conflict in these areas. When that occurs you may benefit from retaining a Tampa FL family attorney who is prepared to fight as aggressively as necessary to protect your interests and your children’s future.

Regardless of what you may be going through, family attorneys Tampa FL offers from The McKinney Law Group can use their skills to build a solid case on your behalf. In this way you can feel confident knowing you have a strong chance of reaching a positive outcome. At our firm, we treat every case with the attention and care it deserves. In the process, we will examine your legal options and let you know what you can expect. When possible we will negotiate on your behalf to obtain a fair resolution. If at any time your legal matter requires litigation, our Tampa, Florida family attorneys will be on your side to ensure your rights are not violated.

The McKinney Law Group: Offering Legal Guidance In Family Matters

As family attorneys in Tampa FL, we handle a broad range of family law cases. With our collective experience and knowledge, you can be assured that regardless of how complex your case may be, we will fight hard to protect your legal rights. Our services include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Contested or uncontested divorce
  • Property division
  • Financial division
  • Child support
  • Time sharing
  • Time sharing disputes
  • Grandparents’ rights and time sharing
  • Relocation issues
  • Modifications of time sharing arrangements
  • Post/prenuptial agreements
  • Marital contracts
  • Paternity
  • Dispute resolution
  • Probate
  • Abuse allegations or criminal abuse charges

Whatever your legal needs might be, we are family attorneys Tampa FL parents count on for compassionate guidance and invaluable solutions. All you need to do is call our firm today and request a free consultation with our team of family attorneys in Tampa FL at The McKinney Law Group.

Different Types of Custody

Going through a divorce and navigating custody issues is always a challenge. If you have been searching for the right family attorneys in Tampa FL then you know how important it is to find a quality law firm to walk you through these challenging days. There are so many different terms to negotiate that you might truly be overwhelmed by it all. Understanding the different types of custody is important as you begin to lay out the terms for your divorce. McKinney Law Group can help you find the best custody solution for your family moving forward.

Legal Custody

When it comes to obtaining legal custody it means that you as the parent have full control to make all major decisions for your children. That can mean where they live, where they go to school, what type of religious services they attend, what doctors they see, and so on and so forth. Experienced family attorneys in Tampa FL can help you determine if one or both parents are best suited to have legal custody, as joint legal custody is always an option. Even if you don’t share physical custody, parents can still share legal custody.

Physical Custody

McKinney Law Group can guide you through determining the best options regarding physical custody of your children. There are several different types that might be available depending on your family’s situation. Sole custody means that a child only lives with one parent but the other parent still has visitation rights and set aside time that the children may come to stay at their home.

Joint custody would mean that children live at both parents’ residences but the time is shared between the two. The division of time between the two households would be about the same amount of time. Family Attorneys in Tampa FL have many different suggestions on how this arrangement can be made. It can range from rotating days, months, or seasons, so the final decision can be made between the two parents to see what may best serve their children.

One option that is a bit rarer but still an option is bird’s nest custody. This is where the children always stay in one home and it is their primary residence, but the parents rotate their time staying with the children at the home. It offers the most amount of stability but can be a challenge to the parents to try and maintain 3 separate residences.

How to Get Your Kids Through Your Divorce

Hire an Attorney Who Understands

While your children hopefully never have to meet your lawyer, it is essential to find the right attorney to handle your custody case. We at Mckinney Law Group can examine the details of your case, understand your situation, and help you through the process so you can focus on your kids. 

Consider Your Children’s Ages

We at Mckinney Law Group know the divorce talk will not be an easy one to have, regardless of how old your children are. That’s why your attorney will handle your case so you can reassure your children that they didn’t cause this mess. If you have young children, you’ll need to be patient. They’re probably going to need to hear what’s happening over and over. You may even need to explain the situation in several different ways. 

The most common questions you can expect will be about their daily lives. For example, they’ll want to know where they’ll live. They’ll want to know where they’ll go to school. They’ll want to see if they can still see their friends. Anticipate these questions and be ready to answer them. 

Answer Their Questions Honestly

Finding appropriate family attorneys in Tampa, FL, is also important because your kids will flood you with questions, and you need to take extra time to answer them. So instead of worrying about your case, spend time showing your kids that they can ask you difficult questions.

The key to answering their questions is to be honest, and remember that they will repeat what you say. The best way to answer all their questions is to have both parents present. Also, anticipate what they will ask you and be ready to answer tough questions. 

Give Space for Their Feelings

As prominent family attorneys in Tampa, FL, we know that you and your children will both be feeling angry about the situation. Just like you, they’ll need time to grieve the loss of their previous life. Be sure to give your kids plenty of space to experience their feelings. Be sure to discuss their feelings with them regularly. For example, take the time to ask them if they are happy or sad about things that happen. 

Don’t Tell Them Everything

You’re probably going to want to tell someone your story. But remember that ranting about your ex is not good to do with your children. Not only can it harm their relationship with them, but it can also make you look bad in court. Judges dislike parents who tell their kids the gruesome details of their divorce. So instead, find someone else. 

Tampa FL Family Attorneys Infographic

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How Can a Family Lawyer Help You?

Family lawyers, such as the ones at Mckinney Law Group, help people with issues of child custody, divorce, adoption, child abuse, and other aspects surrounding conflicts between spouses and families. It can be helpful to know what your options are during a stressful time that includes these events. Here are some ways that a family attorney in Tampa, FL, may be able to assist you. 

By Providing Confidential Advice

Even if you never end up going to court, it can be helpful to have an objective third party available to give you advice on legal matters. For example, if you are unsure whether a legal separation or a divorce is the right thing for you and your spouse to do at the time, a family attorney in Tampa, FL, can advise you. Lawyers maintain the confidentiality of their clients, so friends, in-laws, and other family members do not have to know that you are considering getting a separation or divorce unless you choose to tell them on your own. 

By Helping With Paperwork

Divorces, child custody, and adoption cases can be messy, as can the paperwork needed to go through with them. Attorneys like those at Mckinney Law Group can assist you with interpreting the paperwork involved so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family. The language and technical phrases in legal documents can be intimidating and confusing to most people without a legal background, so it is wise to get some assistance with the paperwork during this already stressful and emotional period of time. 

By Advising Custody Cases

Cases involving child custody arrangements have the potential to become very emotional and heated, which is understandable considering the parties involved in such cases. A family attorney in Tampa, FL, can look at all the factors involved and make a decision in the best interest of the child. Such factors may include:

  • Whether one parent has been absent for some or all of the child’s life
  • Whether one or both parents have current or previous involvement in criminal activities 
  • Which parent the child wishes to spend the most time with, if the child is old enough to express their wishes
  • Which parent will be able to provide the most stable living environment for the child after the divorce and throughout the child’s life

Having an objective and professional opinion is essential to a fair outcome in a child custody case. 

7 Things To Do During Your Child Custody Case

Co-parent With Your Spouse

Your children will be better off if you and your spouse can agree to co-parent. Co-parenting provides stability and routine for your kids, which they desperately need in the wake of your divorce. A family attorney in Tampa FL from Mckinney Law Group can help you develop a co-parenting agreement.

Explain What Is Going on to Your Children 

Kids do better the more they know what’s going on. Make sure they know the divorce is not their fault, it’s only got to do with Mom and Dad. The most important thing to children is knowing how your decision is going to affect their lives. Who will they live with and where? Where will they go to school? Reassure them about all the things that will stay the same.

Stay Active in Your Children’s Lives

Make sure you go to all your children’s parent-teacher conferences to keep up with how they’re doing in school. Divorce can be hard on kids, and their teachers may be the first to notice. Go to all your children’s extracurricular activities: sports games, plays or musicals, science fairs and more. 

Cooperate With the Other Parent

Life will be much easier for all concerned if you can cooperate with your children’s other parent. If you have joint legal custody, you’ll have to discuss issues about the kids’ schooling, extracurricluars, medical care, religious upbringing and vacations. A family attorney in Tampa FL, could advise you to do everything in your power to make things easier by cooperating.

Be Careful About Posting Things on Social Media

Remember that old chestnut about anything you say being used against you in a court of law? The same goes for your social media accounts. Your spouse or a private investigator could see things you posted about your spouse and the divorce, and use those posts against you. 

Consider Enrolling Your Children, and Yourself, in Therapy

Divorce is hard on everyone, especially on your children. Therapy is a safe space where they can vent and yell and break down. They may try to appear stoic around you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings or make you sad. A Mckinney Law Group family attorney in Tampa FL might suggest therapy to help you get through your divorce, as well.

Act as if All Your Activities Are Being Watched

Your spouse’s lawyer may have hired a private investigator to see what you’re doing from day to day. Anything and everything you do could be recorded and used against you in your custody hearing.

Divorce and Child Custody

Ending a marriage can be one of the biggest hurdles you will have to overcome in your lifetime. There will be a number of things to sort through once you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce. Our Tampa FL family attorneys know that this can be a complicated and difficult process, as you will have to part ways with a large portion of your life. Together, you and your former partner will have to figure out how to divide your assets and property. While that may pose a challenge on its own, negotiating custody agreements can be even more heart-wrenching. Perhaps one of the most emotional aspects of going through a divorce is the impact that it could have on the children.

When determining how you co-parent your children, it’s possible for these discussions to grow contentious. For this reason, it’s recommended that you speak with a team of family attorneys Tampa FL can provide. Even when couples are divorcing amicably, it can be difficult to work through the details of custody arrangements. As a team of experienced family attorneys Tampa FL parents trust, we at The McKinney Law Group understand how complicated these matters can be.

How Divorce Impacts Children

For a child, the idea that their parents will no longer be together can be complicated and confusing to process. Life as they know it will completely change, and as their parents you and your former partner will be responsible for handling the situation in a loving and supportive manner. This could be challenging, especially if you are going through complicated divorce proceedings. Because of this, it’s essential that you reach out to an experienced family attorney representing the Tampa FL area. Some children experience emotional and/or behavioral issues as a result of contentious divorces. Others find it difficult to adjust to living in a new home and going to a new school. As a parent, you’ll likely be all too aware of these possibilities — and you’ll want to limit how much your divorce affects your child’s life.

Our Tampa FL family attorney wants you to know that the above factors are incredibly important to keep at the forefront of your mind throughout negotiations. Children are more likely to thrive when both of their parents are working together to the benefit of the child. The courts understand this, and when a child custody case goes to court, judges always take the matter seriously. As any experienced family attorney Tampa FL has to offer could probably tell you, judges typically make custody decisions by considering what’s best for the child — not what’s best for the parents.

At The McKinney Law Group, our Tampa FL family attorneys are very familiar with custody agreements. This is just one of the many situations in which you’ll want to have family attorneys Tampa FL families trust. There are many elements to your case that will need to be considered and you’ll want to make sure that nothing is forgotten.

Contact The McKinney Law Group: Family Attorneys Tampa FL Families Depend On

When you hire our firm, we listen to what you have to say and offer legal options that are practical and viable. Regardless of what you may have read or been told about family law, it’s advisable to talk with seasoned attorneys who know how to navigate the extensive legal labyrinth of laws, rules, loopholes, and other legislation. Allow us to provide you with legal counsel from a team of Tampa FL family attorneys during this difficult time.

To schedule a free consultation with family attorneys Tampa FL provides, please call The McKinney Law Group today.

Your Family Law FAQs, Answered

Experienced family attorneys at The McKinney Law Group in Tampa FL understand that family law can be a complex area of practice, simply because it encompasses so many different facets. From divorce to child custody and spousal support, family law attorneys are there to help your family during this trying time.

Depending on your specific situation, you may not know where to start when it comes to family law. If you are not ready to meet with family attorneys from Tampa FL, here are some commonly asked questions that will point you in the right direction.

What Is Family Law?

Simply put, family law is a type of law that deals with matters of the family. This includes two people getting a divorce, figuring out a custody battle, or settling finances during a spousal support situation. Think of it this way — if anything changes in your family, a family attorney serving Tampa FL is the person to go to.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Getting a Divorce?

Each state has their own legal grounds for getting a divorce, but each divorce will have to have a non-fault or a fault claim attached to it. A non-fault claim is when both spouses agree that they just shouldn’t be in a relationship anymore, commonly known as irreconcilable differences or incapability.

A fault claim is where one spouse accuses the other of being responsible for the divorce such as abuse, addiction, desertion, or impotency.

What is Defined as Child Custody?

Child custody can be broken down into two parts, physical and legal. Physical custody is where the child lives, and legal custody is the parent who has the right to make all large decisions on behalf of the child. For both custody situations, our Tampa FL family attorneys will tell you that parents can evenly split both roles or they can come to a personalized solution.  In either case, family attorneys in Tampa FL can help with the process.

How is Child Custody Determined?

The judge will take a lot of factors into determination when figuring out the custody arrangement. For example, they will be looking at the child’s age, the location of their school, their physical and mental health, and if they are over a specific age, their preference on where they want to live.  Our family attorneys in Tampa FL wants you to be aware that the court system will also take into account the parent’s income, their living situation, and their efforts in trying to sustain a healthy relationship with the child during the divorce process.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Again, this differs from state to state. Typically, in Florida, the amount is created after looking at the parent’s custody arrangements, their income, and some other factors about their child’s life like their medical insurance coverage and if they are in school or daycare.

What is Spousal Support?

Spousal support is granted if one spouse was the primary breadwinner in the marriage. This one spouse is expected to give the other spouse a similar payment to mimic the lifestyle they were accustomed to during your marriage. A trusted Tampa FL family attorney shares that this is calculated by looking at each spouse’s income, work situation, and living expenses outside of the divorce.

Family law can be tricky if you don’t have someone to help navigate the path for you. If you have any questions about your case and how you can start, call The McKinney Law Group and speak with one of our compassionate family attorneys in Tampa FL today!

Child Support Assistance

Whether you are seeking monetary support for your children or you are the non-custodial parent and are facing a child support order, the experienced Tampa, Florida family attorneys at The McKinney Law Group may be able to help. Our team of family law attorneys are knowledgeable in matters of separation, divorce and other important financial details such as child support. 

We make every client a priority and diligently work to create a financial agreement that is amicable to both parents.  It is our job to assist you with the entire process, including explanation of Florida state laws and preparing you for the court proceedings. Not only can a divorce be overwhelming with the separation of property, but it is often fueled by emotion.. The McKinney Law Group are Tampa FL family attorneys who can help you work through the emotional difficulties of your divorce and child support agreement

Recommendations for preparing an amicable child support request:

  • Consider the children first. Whether you are the one requesting the payment or the one facing payments, remember that the intention of child support is to ensure that your child or children are able to thrive and have the best life possible. An experienced family attorney based in Tampa FL can help you to ensure the agreement is appropriate for your financial situation. Should that situation change in the future, the amount may be adjusted, with the proper paperwork.
  • Prepare child support forms. This step may vary depending on the state your case is being handled in. Our Tampa FL family attorneys can assist you with this step which may save time and rule out any confusion.
  • Gather important documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, proof of paternity and social security cards for children.
  • Each state has a method of calculating appropriate monthly amounts. The calculations are based on the number of children, ages, income for both parents and health insurance costs. You can research forms in your state or contact our family attorney, at The McKinney Law Group in Tampa FL. We are ready to assist you with this step.

Why Hire a Family Lawyer?

Are you going through a divorce? Do you have child custody issues to handle? If so, you should rely on an attorney who specializes in family law. Not every lawyer has experience in family law, and you need to find the right attorney to represent your needs. If you are looking for family attorneys in Tampa, FL, such as a lawyer from the McKinney Law Group, you might be wondering why this is so important. Why should you hire a family lawyer? 

You Need an Objective Professional

A lot of the issues surrounding family law can be highly emotional. Even though emotion can be a good thing, you do not want to let emotions cloud your judgment. You need an objective professional from the outside who can provide a different perspective. That way, you can carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of every option, making the best possible decision for yourself and your rights. 

Navigate the Legal System With a Professional Lawyer

You also need help navigating the legal system. Unless you have legal experience, you may not know exactly how the process will unfold. Interpreting the jargon in the paperwork can be difficult, and you need to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. You need a guide who can explain the process to you in a way you can understand. This is another area where family attorneys in Tampa, FL are critical. You need a lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system. 

Obtain the Best Possible Result

Finally, you also want to obtain the best possible result. Negotiations can be tense, and you need to have someone in your corner who can guide you. Furthermore, you need someone who can prevent the best side of you to a judge if you are arguing child custody and divorce issues. Even though nobody can guarantee a result for you, working with a lawyer can place you in the best possible position to succeed. 

Work With a Family Law Attorney

These are just a few of the most important reasons why you should work with professional family attorneys in Tampa, FL, such as a team from the McKinney Law Group. Even though it can be difficult to deal with divorce and child custody issues, this isn’t something you need to go through alone. Rely on the legal professional who can defend your rights and advocate for your best interests. 

On-going support provided by a family law attorney in Tampa FL:

  • Adjustments to monthly payment agreement- in the event of illness or a change in income, we will work with the other party to modify the amount owed each month.
  • Mediation between the two parties- having a Tampa FL family attorney available to handle the negotiations with your former spouse, the emotions of your relationship are sidelined and the focus will remain on the children and what is appropriate for their well-being.
  • Handle situations such as missed or late payments.

Everyone can wish for a reasonable child custody arrangement that works for both parents. However, very often in the divorce process, especially the months or years leading up to the decision to file for divorce, emotions run high and compromise can be difficult to come by. In such cases, Tampa FL based family attorneys can help facilitate a smooth divorce and a child support decree that has the child or children’s best interests as the priority. Our family attorneys trusted by Tampa FL parents will help you to feel supported by providing you with an experienced and knowledgeable team that is on your side and will listen to your needs and wishes. At the end of the day, it is about your children and what financial support is necessary to provide for them. 

Contact The McKinney Law Group today to set up a consultation with an experienced and trusted family attorney serving the Tampa FL area today! 

The dissolution of a marriage can lead you down many paths, all of which the guidance of family attorneys Tampa FL clients know and trust can be crucial. In Florida, there are multiple grounds for divorce, and consequently multiple areas of family law that you will want to familiarize yourself with before taking steps toward ending your marriage. Divorce can be difficult and challenging, but having the help of the Tampa family attorneys of The McKinney Law Group may help you determine your next steps.

Grounds for Divorce in Florida

Either you or your spouse may file for a divorce in the case that your marriage has no chance for reconciliation, or if one spouse has been mentally disabled for three years or more. In any scenario, proving fault is not necessary to filing for a divorce in Florida.

What is required, however, is that you or your spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least six months before filing. Furthermore, you must file in the circuit court local to your or your spouse’s residency.

It’s also important to know that Florida is an equal distribution state, meaning the court will distribute all marital property fairly, assuming you and your spouse will divide it equally. While certain scenarios may lead the court to divide your property unequally, more often, you and your spouse will determine how best to make that division. Working with family attorneys Tampa FL seeks for their experience can help smooth this often-complicated and conflict-inducing step of a marriage dissolution.

Types of Divorce

These grounds are more related to what is called a “regular dissolution of marriage,” or “regular divorce.” In Florida, there are a few types of divorce that you and your spouse can seek, and for which you can request the help of family attorneys Tampa FL clients tend to consult with. A regular divorce can be “contested” or “uncontested,” for example.

In a contested divorce, both spouses have disagreements related to marital property, child custody, or other shared issues, and take these issues before a judge in a hearing to determine their outcome. Having an attorney in your corner in this scenario can be especially vital.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses must have worked out decisions related to marital property, debts, and minor children in a signed divorce settlement. There will be a final divorce hearing in an uncontested divorce; therefore, it may be in your best interest to have an attorney guide you through this type of marriage dissolution as well.

Areas of Family Law

The divorce filing is but one component of the legal process when it comes to marriage dissolutions and family law. Experienced family attorneys Tampa FL residents rely upon may be able to work with you through the following other areas of family law:

  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Alimony
  • Name changes
  • Division of property
  • Pre- and post-nuptial agreements

Working with Family Attorneys in Tampa FL

Having the guidance of an attorney is not required when filing for divorce in Florida, but doing so may lead to a better outcome for all parties. When navigating the unknown territories of division of property, child custody, and other areas of family law, don’t hesitate to contact The McKinney Law Group. To speak with one of the top family attorneys Tampa FL has to offer, give us a call today at 813-906-0048.

If you have questions about the potential benefits of drafting either a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, connect with the experienced Tampa, FL family attorneys at The McKinney Law Group today to learn more. In recent years, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements have become increasingly popular legal tools used by couples of all ages. There are so many reasons to consider drafting one of these agreements for the benefit of your own relationship and your own interests that investing an hour or so of your time in a risk-free consultation with our firm just makes good sense.

Family Attorneys – Tampa, FL

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding document that couples draft and sign before they wed. By contrast, a postnuptial agreement is a legally binding document that couples draft and sign after they are already legally married. Both of these documents accomplish the exact same aims – their essential distinction is the “when” of their execution, not the “what” or “how” of it. Therefore, you and your romantic partner can embrace the benefits of this process regardless of whether you’re engaged to be married or you have already wed. Our firm’s Tampa, FL family attorneys have extensive experience assisting couples with both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Why Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Are Now So Popular

In the not-so-distant past, there was a stigma attached to these agreements. Essentially, popular culture held that only those couples anticipating an eventual divorce would enter into these agreements. In recent decades, that stigma has been all but obliterated. Nowadays, couples understand that in order to have a healthy marriage, to reduce the likelihood that certain issues will inspire tension within their relationship, and to protect their own interests (as a couple and as individuals), expectations must be clearly communicated and healthy boundaries set. Drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements allows couples to engage in this kind of proactive expectations setting and boundary exploration in a legally enforceable way.

This approach to laying a strong foundation for one’s marriage has become especially popular with younger couples. Instead of feeling that such an agreement would “jinx” their marriage, these couples view the drafting process as an opportunity to make decisions now that will save them from contentious battles with each other later.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have not yet picked up the phone or reached out online to schedule a consultation, please connect with The McKinney Law Group now. Whether you feel confident that you’d like to draft one of these agreements or you’re simply curious about the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with the drafting process, our team would be more than happy to speak with you in a risk-free consultation setting. Being proactive about setting boundaries and expectations related to your relationship now may make it stronger, ease tensions, and protect your interests down the road. Contact our firm’s Tampa, FL family attorneys today to learn more – we look forward to speaking with you.

Family Attorney in Tampa FL

 

Hiring The Right Family Attorney Tampa FL Clients Trust

When you are going through a divorce, it is imperative to hire a Tampa, Florida family attorney you can trust. The family attorney you work with can have a major impact on the outcome of your divorce. That’s why you shouldn’t rush to hire the first lawyer who shows up in a Google search. Taking the time to hire a lawyer who fits your needs will benefit you in the long run. Here are some tips for hiring the right Tampa, FL family attorney:

SPEAK TO A FAMILY LAWYER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

It’s wise to schedule a meeting with a family attorney as soon as you know for sure that your marriage is ending. If you are not particularly fond of the first lawyer you meet, you still have time to meet with other ones. If you wait until you’re served with papers from the divorcing spouse to talk to a lawyer, you may feel pressured to hire the first one you speak to.

CHOOSE A TAMPA, FL FAMILY ATTORNEY WHO UNDERSTANDS FAMILY LAW PRACTICE

When you are going through a divorce, it’s critical to hire a licensed lawyer who has a family law focused practice. That way, the firm you choose is more likely to be up to date on changes in divorce and family law and has the appropriate experience to efficiently handle your case. You should also choose a lawyer who has experience with your particular type of divorce. For example, if you have minor children, you may want to hire a lawyer who also handles child custody battles.

ASK QUESTIONS

During your initial consultation, the Tampa, FL family attorney is not the only one who should be asking questions. You should also have a list of questions on your own. The more information you obtain about a lawyer’s skills and experience, the better. A good family attorney in Tampa, Florida will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. Some of the questions you may want to ask include:

  • How long have you practiced family law?
  • Where did you attend law school?
  • How many cases do you settle?
  • What is the best way to reach you?
  • Do you see any challenges in my case?
  • Will you be the only lawyer working on my case?
  • What are your fees?

CHOOSE A LAWYER YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH

A family attorney in Tampa, FL could have all the experience in the world, but if you don’t feel comfortable with the person, he or she probably isn’t right for your case. During your initial consultation with a family attorney, pay careful attention to how you feel around him or her. Do you feel comfortable opening up to the attorney? Does the attorney truly seem like he or she cares about your best interests? If you feel like something isn’t right about the attorney you speak to, it’s best to move on to someone else.

Many family attorneys based in Tampa, FL offer free initial consultations, so it does not hurt to speak to one as soon as possible.

If you are planning to get divorced, you may want to consult with family attorneys Tampa, FL trusts from The McKinney Law Group. Damien McKinney has been practicing family law for the past 10 years and has been named a rising star by Super Lawyers every year since 2012. With a skilled lawyer like Damien on your side, you may be able to reach a favorable outcome in your divorce.

CONSIDERING LEGAL SEPARATION?

If you are thinking about separating from your spouse, it is just as important that you connect with the experienced Florida legal team at The McKinney Law Group as it would be if you were contemplating divorce. All too often, couples separate informally, which can lead to serious financial, legal, and practical consequences. When you separate legally, you are granted the opportunity to safeguard your financial, legal, and – if applicable – parental rights in ways that are legally enforceable. If you choose to separate informally, the potential for life-altering negative consequences remains high.

The legal separation process will allow you and your spouse to address any property division, financial stability, child support, and/or child custody issues that you need to contend with before you take time apart. You can set legally enforceable expectations concerning your mortgage, debt payments, income distribution, parenting time arrangements, and any other issues that may need to be addressed at this time.

If you choose to separate informally, there will be little that the court can do (right away, at least) if your spouse makes expensive purchases, runs up massive debts, fails to pay promised child or spousal support, violates the terms of an informal parenting arrangement, etc. Formalizing your separation in a legally enforceable way will help to protect you, your rights, your interests, your spouse, and (if applicable) your child(ren).

SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE DURING SEPARATION OR DIVORCE

If you choose to file for a legal separation or a divorce, you’ll either want to temporarily disable your social media accounts or you’ll want to be extremely careful about your social media activity until your case is resolved. Even if your account settings are private, it is possible that your spouse’s attorney will be able to access your activity and hold it against you if your legal situation becomes contentious. Even the most seemingly innocuous activity (posting a picture of a new game console purchase, for example) could be used to demonstrate your irresponsible spending, approach to parenting, etc.

Even if you hope to keep your legal separation or divorce process amicable, it is far better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that anything you post, comment on, respond to, etc. on social media will be acceptable in the eyes of the court. Additionally, you’ll want to take this same cautious approach to comments made via email, text, and on the phone. Until your case is fully resolved, assume that anything that you say or do can be used against you. That way, you’ll be far less likely to misstep in a way that could compromise the integrity of your case.

DETERMINING YOUR APPROACH TO THE LEGAL PROCESS

Before you meet with The McKinney Law Group, take some time to consider your goals, needs, and priorities as they concern your family law case. Most divorces, separations, and child custody matters are resolved without judicial intervention. However, if there is something worth fighting for that your spouse will not agree to amicably, it may be in your best interests to take your case to court. Think carefully about your approach before committing to a plan of action.

HOW LONG DOES A DIVORCE TAKE?

Our Tampa, FL family attorney knows that if you want to file for divorce, you are probably curious about how long the process actually takes. The truth is that it can vary greatly. Some divorces take just a few months while others take years. The amount of time your divorce will take may depend on several different factors, such as the amount of conflict in your divorce and the mandatory waiting period in your state.

One of the best ways to speed up the divorce process is to act quickly. Don’t hesitate to gather all the documents relevant to your divorce and schedule a consultation with a family attorney in Tampa, FL.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A FAMILY ATTORNEY?

A divorce can get complicated and messy, so it may be important to have an experienced family attorney Tampa, FL respects on your side. Here are a few benefits a family lawyer may provide:

  • Favorable Settlement: If you have a skilled family lawyer on your side, you may improve your chances of receiving a favorable settlement. An experienced family lawyer has likely handled divorce cases in the past and knows how to negotiate with other lawyers.
  • Assistance with Paperwork: Getting divorced requires filling out a lot of paperwork. Some of the terminology in divorce paperwork can be difficult to understand. A family attorney Tampa, FL depends on may help you fill out this paperwork in a timely fashion and avoid making errors.
  • Objectivity: When you are going through a divorce, it is normal to experience many different emotions. However, these emotions could cause you to make a decision you will later regret. A Tampa, FL family attorney is there to offer objectivity and deter you from making rash decisions.
  • Communicate with Ex-Spouse: If you and your spouse ended things on bad terms, you might feel uneasy about speaking to him or her. If you have a family lawyer by your side, your lawyer can handle all communication with your ex-spouse and with his/her legal counsel.
  • Emotional Support: A family attorney Tampa, FL relies on is also there for emotional support. Going through a divorce can be very stressful and it is helpful to have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side.

 

HOW A DIVORCE CAN IMPACT YOUR FAMILY

Getting divorced is one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life. Once you end your marriage, your life will be different in several different ways. However, not everyone considers this when they sign the divorce papers, as a family attorney from Tampa, Florida can affirm. It’s important to become aware of the possible changes you will go through beforehand.

Here are some of the different ways divorce can impact your family:

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

After a divorce, both individuals will no longer have a second income to rely on. The person who earns a lower income may struggle financially, at least in the beginning. Even if the person with the lower income receives alimony or child support payments, he or she may still not be able to live the same lifestyle as before. Our Tampa, FL family attorney knows that this can be especially difficult if there are children involved. They might not get as many clothes, toys, and trips to the ice cream shop as they did before. It’s important to plan for these financial changes and budget accordingly so that there are few surprises.

MISSED LIFE EVENTS

When both parents share custody of the children, they are bound to miss out on important milestones in their kids’ lives, such as learning how to ride a bike and losing their first tooth. The parent who didn’t witness this milestone in person will only hear about it afterward. Trusted family attorneys serving Tampa, FL have seen firsthand how this can dramatically impact a parent’s relationship with the kids and create a distance between them.

SEPARATE HOLIDAYS

When two people get divorced, they likely won’t be spending the holidays together anymore. This can be difficult if there are kids involved because they will no longer be able to celebrate these special times with both their parents at the same time. Sometimes parents rotate holiday time with children every other year, which can make one parent feel lonely and sad.

ANGER FROM OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS

Sometimes family members may get upset when their in-laws decided not to stick out their marriage. They believe they should have continued to work at it instead of getting divorced. Family attorneys trusted by Tampa, FL residents will tell you that family members may have a lot of ill feelings, which can make the divorcing couple feel even worse.

CHANGE IN ACTIVITIES

Many married couples do a lot of activities together, including going to the movies, eating at restaurants, and attending social gatherings. Once the marriage has ended, it may seem strange to do these activities on your own. You’re used to doing these activities with your former spouse and it doesn’t feel right doing them alone. However, you can eventually adjust to this.

CONTACT THE MCKINNEY LAW GROUP TODAY

Do not wait to hire a Tampa, FL family attorney for your divorce case. At our firm, we understand that all family law matters can take a toll on our clients’ well-being and financial stability. Our mission is to provide counsel that is trustworthy and dependable, even in the most complex cases.

CUSTODY CONSIDERATIONS OF THE COURT

When it comes to custody situations, our Tampa, FL family attorney at The McKinney Law Group wants you to be aware that the family court will always rule in favor of the best interests of the child. In order to determine that, the court will examine many aspects of you and your former spouse’s lives. Based on your history of conduct, the judge will be able to construct a picture of what home life would be for your children under your care. Our Tampa, FL family attorney can play a key role in representing you throughout this process.

The judge has almost entire discretion over these decisions. They rule in the best interest of the child and rarely does an appellate review overturn the sitting judge’s decision. There are many different factors that will affect a judge’s decision and there is no guarantee for an outcome. Thankfully, the considerations are pretty straightforward. If you have specific questions about your case, it is best to consult an experienced Tampa, FL family attorney.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN FAMILY COURT

Anything that may affect the mental, spiritual, and emotional development of the child will be scrutinized and factored into the judge’s decision. Our Tampa, FL family attorneys can attest to that fact that every custody case has unique aspects and there is no set outcome for cases. Although there are a few things that will be combed through, some factors may be more of a concern than others. Nobody is perfect, and the judge is simply trying to determine the best situation for your child. A few general points that Tampa, FL family attorneys want you to be aware of when it comes to your custody case include:

THE AGE OF THE CHILD AT THE TIME OF PROCEEDINGS

  1.   Physical and mental faculties of both parents
  2.   The type of home environment each parent can provide will be examined by the judge. 
  3.   How the parents are involved in the child’s life so far. 
  4.   What relationship the child has with each parent. 
  5.   The time each parent has available to spend with the child will be an important factor, especially if living with one parent will mean extended periods of child care rather than family time. 
  6.   Any siblings and their relationships with each parent as well (whether the product of their union or from previous relationships). 
  7.   A family attorney in Tampa, FL wants you to know that any prior acts of misconduct on the part of either parent and the consequences (abuse, neglect, drug possession charges etc.)
  8.   Religious affiliation 
  9.   How willing parents are to work together to both be participating in the child’s life and facilitate a relationship with the child. 
  10. Adult and familial relationships, sexual and platonic.

These factors are general and each case is different. It is important to keep in mind that the judge makes the ultimate decision and some factors will hold more weight than others. Regardless, working with an experienced Tampa, FL family attorney can present your case before the judge to paint you in the best light possible.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A FAMILY LAWYER?

Are you going through a divorce? Do you have questions about child support and alimony? If so, you need a family lawyer who can help you. There are lots of family lawyers available, so how do you choose the right one? If you are looking for a family attorney in Tampa, FL, such as a member of the McKinney Law Group, there are several important factors you should consider.

WHAT TYPE OF LAW DOES THE ATTORNEY PRACTICE?

First, you need to think about the type of law that specific attorney practices. Similar to doctors, lawyers tend to specialize in a certain area of the law. Some attorneys may specialize in criminal defense while other attorneys might specialize in immigration law. There are a lot of nuances in the field of family law, which is why you should find someone who specializes in family law to help you. Most attorneys will display their practice areas on their websites. If you have questions, you should contact the office and ask.

WHAT HAPPENED IN PRIOR CASES?

Next, you should ask the family attorney what happened in prior cases. Has the attorney handled cases similar to yours in the past? If so, how did those cases turn out? A family attorney in Tampa, FL should be willing to share prior verdicts and case settlements with you. If you like the results of the other cases, you may have found the right attorney to assist you.

WHAT DO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY?

Finally, you should ask for reviews and references as well. Any lawyer who is serious about earning your business should provide you with a list of references you can contact. Ask prior clients what their experiences were like. Did the attorney clearly explain pertinent issues to them? Would they hire that attorney again? Were they satisfied with the outcome of the case? If other people have had a positive experience with that family attorney, you may have found the right person to help you as well.

CHOOSE THE BEST LAWYER TO REPRESENT YOU

If you have a legal issue, the stakes are high. You need to put yourself in the best position possible to succeed. That is why you should think about all of these issues carefully when you need a family attorney in Tampa, FL. You might want to hire a member of the McKinney Law Group to represent your interests.

HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH A CUSTODY CASE?

Custody battles are difficult and you may believe that you have the best environment to offer your child. It is best to consult a Tampa, FL family attorney with experience in custody cases. Having The McKinney Law Group by your side will help you get the advice relevant to your case that can help you gain custody of your child. Do not wait to get to the courtroom, call for a free consultation today to discuss the particulars and create a plan of action.

For more information, or to speak with a family attorney Tampa, FL residents depend on, contact The McKinney Law Group.

Tampa Family Law Statistics

According to U.S. Census Bureau, Florida has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. It comes in at number eight out of the top 10 states, with 3.6 divorces per 1,000 people. Out of the top municipalities in Florida, Tampa comes in at number 39.

Why you should hire The McKinney Law Group as your family attorney in Tampa FL

Families often face some very trying times in their lives such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody and adoption cases, guardianship and surrogate parent agreements, domestic violence issues, and more. Whatever it may be, our Tampa Family Attorneys will work hard to resolve your issues efficiently and keep you informed every step of the way. Our commitment is to make sure you get the best possible legal representation at a reasonable cost. There are no hidden costs or fees; we handle everything from beginning to end, so you don’t have to worry about anything else besides getting through this difficult situation.

It’s difficult to handle legal processes on your own. Family law regularly involves emotional issues that are difficult for some people to deal with alone. An attorney can help you stay focused on what needs to be done to handle your case.

If you are looking for a skilled Tampa family attorney to help you with your divorce, child custody, and visitation, or any other family law matter, The McKinney Law Group is the firm for you. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in the Tampa FL area and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Our firm focuses on distinctive cases

Family law is more than just getting a divorce or a custody order. It includes many other issues, such as child support and alimony payments, prenuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements, paternity and adoption cases, guardianship petitions, and trusts. When you’re going through any of these legal processes, it’s best to have a family attorney in Tampa, FL on your side.

When you are looking for a family attorney in Tampa FL, it is important to find one that is right for your case. You want someone who will treat you and your case with the utmost professionalism and respect. It is also significant to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone who makes you feel like they are on your side and will do everything they can to help you reach the best outcome in your case. 

When you work with us at The McKinney Law Group, this is what you will get every step of the way. We know how difficult a time this can be for you, so we do our best to ease the process as much as possible. 

We will walk through every step of your case with you and make sure that you understand what is going on every step of the way. We know it may be difficult to understand all the legal terminology used in these types of cases, so we do our best to explain everything we can in plain English. This includes making sure that if there are any options or alternatives to going forward with litigation, they are explained to you thoroughly.

Hiring The McKinney Law Group will give you a family attorney in Tampa, FL who is compassionate, well-versed in family law and local family court procedures, and who has experience negotiating settlements that are in your best interests. Call today for a free consultation.

If you are thinking about filing for divorce and concerned about how to time this process to your advantage, schedule a risk-free consultation with our Tampa, FL family attorney team to learn more. When it comes to divorce, timing is a strategic issue that may help or hurt your interests, depending upon your unique needs, priorities, and circumstances overall. The experienced team at The McKinney Law Group can evaluate your situation and make objective recommendations that will serve your best interests. Scheduling a consultation is a risk-free endeavor, so you are always free to “take or leave” our recommendations. This process simply helps to ensure that you are empowered to make informed decisions about your options.

Family Attorney – Tampa, FL

When preparing for your consultation, you’ll want to think about your goals for the divorce process and any challenges that you may be facing that could be affected by the timing of your split. For example, if you have minor children, you may want to avoid filing your divorce during the school year, if possible. This kind of flexible timing doesn’t work for every family. However, if you have the benefit of being able to time your divorce process at your discretion, you’ll want to carefully consider how your parenting, housing, employment, and social “lives” will be impacted by the timing of your divorce.

No matter if/when you choose to file, you’ll want to start thinking carefully about how your actions – right now – could impact a divorce down the road. Think about what the housing market is doing and tread carefully on social media so that you don’t engage in any activity that could be held against you later.

Timing Your Divorce Process

If you’re unsure of how your property division and/or child custody goals could be impacted by the timing of your divorce process, don’t stress too much. Our Tampa, FL family attorney team has extensive experience dealing with all kinds of divorce scenarios and will be able to advise you in accordance with that experience. In preparation for your consultation, simply write down your goals, questions, concerns, and compile a list of your major assets/property and debts so that we can provide you with guidance that is highly personalized, objective, and useful as you make decisions about your situation moving forward.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have not yet contacted The McKinney Law Group offices to schedule a risk-free consultation, please do so today. Whether you’re sure that you’ll be filing for divorce soon or you’re unsure of whether you’ll ultimately be filing for divorce at all, investing an hour or two of your time to learn about your rights and options will help to ensure that you make informed decisions moving forward. Our Tampa, FL family attorney team looks forward to speaking with you.

The McKinney Law Group, Tampa Family Attorneys

1105 W Swann Ave Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33606

 

 

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“The McKinney Law Group is a quality and professional family law firm in Tampa.”
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