Legal issues are oftentimes stressful. Family law can be emotional, and if you’re going through a divorce, it can be overwhelming. You’re facing a major life change, but you don’t have to face it alone. As your Cullman County family law attorney, we’ll be by your side with compassion, open communication, and skillful legal counsel.
We’ll explain every part of the legal process – without the legal jargon – and prepare you for the road ahead.
Our services include but are not limited to:
Call us today to discuss your family law matters.
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Cullman County
Hankey Law Firm is committed to offering all 92,000+ residents in Cullman County the opportunity to work with a compassionate legal team.
Our firm opened after our founder – Shelbie Hankey – decided she was tired of working at large firms and wanted to return home to open a practice that serves Marshall County.
We offer the close-knit law service that’s missing from big firms:
- 24/7 communication through our client portal
- Experienced attorneys dedicated to your case
- Case managers who make every client a top priority
You should never have to deal with legal counsel that leaves you in the dark during the most important stages of your case.
We strive to settle your case out of court, but we always anticipate litigation from the start. If negotiations for a divorce or child custody modification don’t lead to an agreement, we’ll be prepared to take your case to trial.
Our Family Law Services in Cullman County
As your Cullman County family law attorney, we can help you through:
Divorce
Your divorce can be uncontested or contested. You may agree on 90% of issues, but if you can’t agree on other issues, you risk the divorce going to trial. Divorce proceedings can go from better-than-expected to heated when spouses cannot agree on:
- Child custody
- Asset division
- Alimony
If you’re in a grey divorce, you’re in a rising category of divorcees over the age of 50. This demographic accounts for over 36% of divorces, and they can be very complex. You’ve spent many years together, and while the kids may be out of the house, you may have to deal with:
- Greater assets to divide
- Alimony
- Retirement accounts
- Investments
- Businesses
We can help you with:
- High asset divorces
- Child support
- Alimony
- Child custody disputes
Adoption
Alabama law requires strict procedures to be followed in the adoption process:
- Residency requirements
- Consent to adoption (if the child is of an appropriate age)
- Notice to the child’s biological parents
- Studies on the home that the child will enter
If a step-parent is adopting a child, marriage requirements must also be met. We understand the state’s adoption requirements and will help you navigate them to eliminate any friction during the adoption process.
We work to reunite families while ensuring your rights are 100% protected. Our team will go the extra mile for your positive adoption outcome.
Paternity
Establishing paternity is complex, and it’s an emotional process for the parents (even presumed parents) and the child. We’ll help you sort through confusing evidence, which can often be conflicting, to help you establish paternity.
If a paternity test is necessary, we can compel the court to order genetic testing to verify the child’s paternity.
We’ll assist you through this trying period, establishing paternity, filling out forms and adding the father’s name to the birth certificate.
What is Family Law?
A Cullman County family law attorney handles cases involving family relationships, including:
- Divorce
- Child custody and support
- Adoption
- Paternity
- Juvenile matters
Family law is complex, and each case is unique. In many cases, matters can be resolved without stepping foot in a courtroom, but at Hankey Law Firm, we prepare each case comprehensively to ensure that if we do go to trial, there are no surprises.
How Can You Find a Good Cullman County Family Law Attorney?
When you’re dealing with a divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption or juvenile matters, emotions can run high. The outcome of these issues can have far-reaching, long-lasting effects. It’s important to work with an attorney who understands your unique situation and how to handle your case.
There are several things to consider when choosing a family law attorney:
- Experience. How many years of experience do they have with family law?
- Reputation. Does the attorney have positive reviews from clients? Can they provide referrals?
- Caseload. Will the attorney be able to give your case the time and attention it deserves?
It’s important to remember that you will be working closely with your attorney through a difficult time in your life. Consider whether they will be a good fit personality-wise. If you don’t trust the attorney or don’t feel comfortable with them, they may not be the right choice for you.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Family Law Attorney?
Divorce, child custody, adoption, paternity, and other family law matters can have a profound effect on your life. Your attorney’s job is to help you achieve a favorable outcome. It’s important to understand your rights, the most likely outcome for your case, and how your attorney can help.
Asking the right questions will ensure that you’re well-informed about your case and that the attorney is the right person for the job.
You may have several questions that you want to ask your attorney, some of which may include:
- Have you handled similar cases? Attorneys who focus on family law and have worked on cases similar to yours will have the experience needed to achieve a favorable outcome. They will know what challenges may lie ahead, how to overcome them, and the best course of action to take.
- How will we communicate? Family law matters are often pressing and stressful. It’s important to understand when and how your attorney will update you on your case. At Hankey Law Firm, we answer questions quickly and easily through our convenient client portal.
- What are the possible outcomes for my case? Some cases are simple and straightforward, but more often than not, issues like divorce and child custody or support are complex and contentious. While your attorney does not have a crystal ball, they should be able to explain the possible outcomes for your case and how those outcomes may affect you.
- Who will I be working with? Will the attorney be handling your case personally, or will other attorneys be working on your case? It’s important to know who you should contact if you have a question or need help should an urgent situation arise.
- What major problems do you see in my case? Rarely are cases smooth sailing. There will likely be challenges, and knowing these potential problems can help you prepare.
These are a few important questions to ask your attorney. However, you may have other questions that are more specific to your case.
Call Hankey Law Firm to Discuss Your Family Law Needs
Family law cases often involve highly personal and sensitive matters that can send you on a rollercoaster of emotions, whether it’s the excitement of adopting a child or the stress of a divorce.
An experienced Cullman County family law attorney can help you stay grounded, understand your options and advocate on your behalf. Having a strong attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Hankey Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your case.