Name Change: I handle name change cases involving minor children and adults. In order to change a minor child's name, both parents must consent or the court must waive the consent of a parent for good cause.
Collaborative family law cases: most family law cases can be handled using collaborative methods. If you elect to engage in a collaborative case, the chances of resolving all of the issues in your case with minimal stress is greatly improved. Additionally, the fees and costs of engaging in a collaborative process are generally much less than litigating your case in court, depending on the issues involved. Also, the length of time to complete a case is generally much less than a litigated case. A collaborative case involves the use of a mental health professional and/or a financial advisor to address parenting, equitable distribution and/or financial issues. Both of these professionals are neutral, which means that he/she will work with both parties and the attorneys as a team with the goal of resolving the case rather than testifying for either party in court and taking sides. This is a nonadversarial process which involves a great deal of cooperation on both sides, but the rewards are immeasurable compared to the stress and cost of litigation. Multiple meetings may be scheduled in advance of the meeting in which an Agreement and/or Parenting Plan are signed. The focus is on the best interests of the children, as well as considering the objectives of each party. I handle cases in Escambia county & Santa Rosa county only.