Collaborative Divorce, Child Support, & Child Custody

Divorces can be lengthy and complex processes. If one or more issues cannot be settled independently by the spouses themselves, the divorce is considered to be contested. This usually means that the couple will need to go to court to resolve their differences or pursue mediation.

At the Obi Law Group we assist clients who are interested in using both traditional and collaborative models for marriage dissolution and the resolution of family law matters.  We prioritize helping our clients find different ways to achieve finality in difficult family disputes, in a civil, kind and fair way. 

The family law attorneys at Obi Law Group understand how difficult the divorce process can be, especially when there are multiple points of disagreement between the spouses. We provide heartfelt counsel, honest and dedicated support to our clients. No matter how trying your divorce may seem, we can advise and represent you with compassion and protect your interests during your divorce. Our attorneys specialize in complex family law and marital property dispute resolution with a focus on divorce occurring within a family business or enterprise. 

What Issues Need To Be Resolved?

A contested divorce indicates there is disagreement about one or more issues pertaining to how the divorce is to work. Ask our attorneys how best to settle your disagreements in a timely manner through mediation, and if necessary, litigation.

Common areas of disagreement include:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Alimony/Marital Support
• Visitation
• Business Assets and Operation
• Property & Asset Division 

No two divorces are alike. The length of your marriage, the size and complexity of your estate, the presence of minor children, and many other factors will make your proceedings unique. While the idea of a quick uncontested divorce is tempting, it should not be undertaken at the expense of your parental rights or property rights. Conversely, you cannot be so intent on “winning” your divorce that you obsess about the wrong issues or litigate without regard to the costs or consequences.

We encourage amicable and productive settlements, providing the perspective and creative solutions to avoid an unnecessary fight. But we are proven trial lawyers who are always prepared go to court to protect you and your children and to achieve your objectives. 

A Comprehensive, Client-Centered Approach To Divorce

Whether you are initiating a dissolution or you were served with papers, divorce is overwhelming. You need to be very clear about what you are fighting for — and what is worth fighting for. We address every facet of divorce, attending to the critical details without losing sight of the big picture:

• Ending a marriage — Contested, uncontested and no-fault divorce
• Dividing marital assets — Equitable distribution of complex marital estates
• Spousal support — Amount and duration of spousal support (if applicable)
• Parenting plans — Sole or joint custody, visitation schedules, relocation
• Responses to domestic violence — Protection orders, restraining orders, false allegations

Collaborative Law Divorce

The most commonly understood collaborative law divorce model is one in which the parties work together cooperatively, yet informally, to achieve a result that serves the highest good for the family. Parties who are using an informal collaborative law divorce model in Kentucky area to resolve their matter may do so with the assistance of mediators, parenting coordinators, parenting conference providers and/or alternative dispute resolution. Parties who utilize the informal collaborative law divorce model may do so with or without the assistance of attorneys. The decision by two parties to proceed collaboratively, yet informally, is an unwritten commitment they are making to each other and the family.

The second, less well-known, collaborative law divorce model is “full team interdisciplinary collaborative divorce”. Parties interested in pursuing this newly emerging resolution method enter into a written contract at the onset of the case in which they agree to resolve their case without taking the matter to trial.

Each party must retain an attorney and a mental health coach. If there are children involved, the parties must jointly retain a mental health specialist to act as the voice of the children. Additionally, the parties must retain a financial professional who will provide information and projections regarding assets and liabilities.

The parties and the team of professionals schedule all future case meetings at the onset of the matter. This ensures the parties know when the case will be done, as well as the projected cost of the case to completion. As in any situation, case fees and costs could be more (or less) depending upon the issues needing to be resolved and each party’s readiness and willingness to move forward as scheduled.

The full team interdisciplinary collaborative law divorce method with our Phoenix family law group ensures that parties have the resources available to address every potential issue that could arise in the course of working through the case matters. In the event emotional issues arise, the mental health coaches are qualified to assist the parties in managing those emotions. If the children are experiencing trauma over the divorce and action needs to be taken, the children’s attorney is in a position to speak for the children.

Finally, if either party is unsure as to what the financial picture might look like post-divorce, the information prepared by the financial specialist could alleviate some of those concerns.

Our child support lawyers in Louisville, KY understand that child support is often an emotional and contentious issue for parents. We know that a vast majority of parents want to care for and support their children. Yet, it is stressful and irritating to look at that support in a pre-determined monetary figure and to have so little control over it. It can also be challenging for parents who have difficult relationships and wish to financially support their children without supplementing the other parent’s lifestyle.

Our child support lawyers want you to be comfortable with your child support order, knowing that it is what is best for your child and a fair outcome based on your and the other parent’s incomes. The best way to obtain this comfort is to work with an experienced and skilled attorney at Obi law Group, PLLC. To discuss your rights and options in regard to child support, contact us online or call our Kentucky family lawyers at (502) 309-2512.

We also know you may have a number of questions. We believe Kentucky residents should have access to accurate information regarding Kentucky's child support laws, which is why we developed our discussion forum. Post your questions to hear back from attorneys and residents.

How Our Child Support Lawyers in Louisville, KY Can Help You

At the Obi Law Group, we handle all types of matters regarding child support, including:

• Establishing temporary or permanent child support – Child support calculations can be complicated, particularly if you or the other parent’s incomes are not consistent hourly wages or salaries. Matters can also become complex if you believe the other parent is hiding income or intentionally not working to avoid paying support.

• Asking for a child custody modification – Child support hardly ever remains the same throughout a child’s entire life. There are many reasons why the amount you owe or receive may increase or decrease. If you believe it is time for a change, do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

• Terminating child support – At some point, child support must come to an end. This is usually when your child turns the age of majority. However, you may also believe your obligation should end early. If you want the court to allow you to stop paying support, call a lawyer right away. Never stop paying without an order for termination.

Whether you are a mother or father, whether you are a custodial parent or non-custodial parent, we are here to help. Never hesitate to schedule a free consultation with is to learn how we can assist you with your child support issue.

When is Child Support Necessary in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, legal parents are both required to financially support their children until the children are adults, emancipated by the court, or parental rights are terminated. If you have one or more minor children and your rights have not been terminated, then as a parent, you have the right to obtain child support or may be required to pay child support. Financial support is required even when you or the other parent choose not to have a relationship with the child.

While there are some instances when child support is not ordered, whether you are going through a divorce, or you and your child’s other parent were never married, child support is required when two parents have separate households. Typically, child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. That is, the parent who has physical custody of the child the most receives financial support from the parent who has the child a lesser amount of time.

Obtaining Kentucky Child Support

To obtain child support from your child’s other parent, you should first speak with a child support attorney in Louisville, KY. By hiring a lawyer, you have someone to thoroughly explain the Kentucky child support guidelines and the court process.

You will need to file a petition in court requesting child support. Through the court system, you and the child’s other parent must establish your incomes. You will each be required to fill out a Child Support Obligation Income Statement/Affidavit and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a simple or complex matter. If you believe the other parent is hiding income or intentionally not working, tell your attorney right away.

If you are going through a divorce, or you and the other parent are also determining child custody, then you may need to seek temporary child support. A judge will recognize when it is important for an immediate resolution to the child support matter and will make a relatively quick decision regarding child support while other family court matters progress. This ensures the custodial parent receives some amount of financial support while other issues are addressed. Child support can then be addressed again in the future after other matters are resolved, particularly if child custody changes significantly.

Do I Really Need A Lawyer For Child Custody?

Having a child custody lawyer for you and your family can provide legal advice that can make all the difference in your custody dispute. This is especially the case if you're looking for a law firm that emphasizes a collaborative, zero conflict approach to 

A Kentucky divorce lawyer can help you much better organize the details and present it in a format that is most beneficial to you. If you are worried about the future of your family and your children, do not hesitate to contact a Kentucky family attorney from Obi Law Group, PLLC right away. We not only assist with KY custody matters, but are able to consult on interstate and international custody matters as well. 

Who will get custody after a divorce?

This question is one of the biggest concerns and most commonly asked questions in divorce cases throughout the state of KY. Many things need to be taken into consideration to determine child custody arrangements, especially because no two cases are ever the same.

Every KY family court will base child custody on protecting the best interest of the child. In optimal cases, parents are able to equally split the parenting time; however, this is not always a realistic option.

Some situations will call for a parenting plan, and a lawyer from our law firm can help protect your parental rights and the interests of your child.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be granted joint or sole custody.

In joint custody cases, each parent will share visitation and both have a say in major decisions such as education, medical needs, religion, and dental care.

Sole custody cases are granted to one parent who will have all legal power to make these life decisions without the input of the other parent.

Once custody is established, you and your family attorney can discuss visitation, child support, and any potential protection orders that may be needed. Obi Law Group can help settle your case through mediation or defend your family's rights through litigation.

Contact Obi Law Group, PLLC to schedule a free consultation!

Now is the time to contact our team and speak with an experienced and trusted representatives in Greater Louisville, KY.

At Obi Law Group, PLLC, our family law lawyers are confident in our ability to fully represent you and your case. Our lawyers will fight to help protect your rights and defend the future of your family.

No case is too big or too small for our Kentucky child custody lawyers to handle.

If you are filing for divorce and children are involved do not hesitate to work with the Obi Law Group right away.

Schedule a consultation with a Louisville family lawyer from our team to get started (502) 309-2512.