Vestavia Hills Divorce Attorneys and Divorces Involving Children in Abusive or Neglectful Situations
Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys will tell you that there are few things more traumatic to a child than parents divorcing. Staying together for the kids is not an option either though as they need to know what a happy marriage is in order to have one of their own. When you are going through the divorce process, it is helpful if you and your spouse can work together to agree on what is best for the children. This is not always the case though due to abuse, neglect or addiction. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, outside help may be needed. Your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys may recommend that you call in the help of any number of professionals. This will depend in large part on the circumstances of your divorce. As no two are alike, no two cases will need the help of the same professionals. Be sure to know which options and experts are available for help in these matters. By doing so, you can ensure your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys provide the best representation possible.
Guardian Ad Litems and Vestavia Hills Divorce Attorneys
Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys may call in the services of a guardian ad litem or the court may order that one become involved in a case. A guardian ad litem works for the court rather than for either party involved in the divorce. As parents are paying for their attorneys, the attorney’s job is to represent the interests of the parents. Who will stand up and represent the interests of the children though? This is the role of the guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem will prepare a report for the court stating what he or she believes to be the best interests of the child or children. A professional of this type is always called in when there is suspected abuse or neglect by one or both parents. There are other times though when a professional of this type may be needed. The child may be asked to express his or her wishes, but the guardian ad litem is not required to ask the child nor is he required to abide by or present these wishes. Your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys may make a recommendation that a guardian ad litem be appointed in your case, especially if addiction or domestic violence play a role in the divorce.
Court Appointed Special Advocates and Vestavia Hills Divorce Attorneys
Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys may ask that a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) be assigned to determine what the best interests are of the child or children. These advocates are trained citizens who speak with the child or children, the parents and other family members, child care and health care providers along with school officials and social workers. Their purpose is to gather information and review records to help make a determination as to what is best for the child. The CASA volunteer is not a legal representative for the child which is how he or she differs from an attorney. What the advocate does do is collect and provide information to the court itself. The court does not have the ability to gather this information due to the caseload and the Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys will be representing their clients. This gives the child or children a voice in court. A CASA volunteer usually carries only one or two cases at at time allowing them to do a more in-depth study of the situation. If possible, a CASA volunteer should be appointed if Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys suspect abuse, neglect or addiction. Studies have shown that children who have an advocate spend less time in court and/or the foster care system. If this step has not been taken, ask your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys if one would be beneficial in your case.
Vestavia Hills Divorce Attorneys and Financial Advisers
Child support is an issue that Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys are very familiar with. Although there are guidelines in place to determine the amount of support the non-custodial parent should pay, there are certain things that may warrant a deviation from these guidelines. If you suspect the guidelines are not appropriate for your situation, discuss this with your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys. If he or she agrees with you, a financial advisor may be called in to prove the validity of your claim. This may include extraordinary costs incurred in visiting the child for the non-custodial parent or any assets of the child. If you have a child with a medical condition which incurs a lot of expenses, this will also need to be taken into consideration. Not only will you be dealing with medications, doctor visits and the like, medical miles will also be looked at. When this is the case, the court has the option of adjusting the court support to help pay for these additional expenses. For this reason, your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys will most likely wish to call in a financial advisor to help determine exactly how much your spouse should pay to help with these costs.
Vestavia Hills Divorce Attorneys will Give You The Best Legal Advice Possible
Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys will help you determine exactly which type of assistance you will need in preparing your case. It is best to take their advice whenever possible. In most cases, you and your spouse will be required to split the cost of these experts. There are times when you will hire an expert and your spouse will also. When this is the case, you will be required to pay for the one requested by your attorney and your spouse must do the same. Try to use any and all experts that are recommended by your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys. Protecting your children is and always will be your top priority. Calling in professionals allows you to do exactly this. Your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys will help you to decide which are a necessity and which would be beneficial but not required. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express concerns. This is your life so the more you know when speaking to your Vestavia Hills divorce attorneys, the better all parties will be in the long run.
