Divorce
Divorce can be an emotional and difficult time. The attorneys at Johnson Ritchey Family Law focus on a practical objective approach that assists clients in making rational decisions during this important time in their lives. While the attorneys believe it is usually best for families to try to resolve their issues amicably, that is not always possible. Johnson Ritchey Family Law handles all types of divorce cases, from uncontested dissolution matters to the most litigious. Johnson Ritchey Family Law has a large network of professionals that it can refer clients to, when necessary, ranging from financial experts to mental health professionals. The attorneys at Johnson Ritchey Family Law make sure they always have a manageable case load so that they can focus their attention on every client and file, with a focus on quality representation, not quantity. The attorneys make themselves available to listen and consult during the case regarding any issue. During a divorce, no issue or detail should be too small for your attorney’s ear.
To learn more about preparing for divorce, Read our blog.
Paternity
Paternity actions involve child issues including time-sharing, parental responsibility (decision making for the parties’ minor child or children) and child support issues. Johnson Ritchey Family Law assists its clients in all of these areas, with a focus on keeping the parties’ minor children the priority throughout the process. Johnson Ritchey Family Law focuses on the parent’s concerns and guides them throughout the litigation process. While our attorneys make suggestions to their clients throughout the case, the client always remains in control. With the best interest of the client’s child in mind, Johnson Ritchey Family Law fights hard for its clients with a goal of having child support established in accordance with Florida’s guidelines and a Parenting Plan established that is best for each particular case. No two cases are the same, as no two families are exactly the same. We give each file the individual attention it needs to tailor it to that particular family’s needs.
Post-Modification and Enforcement
Johnson Ritchey Family Law can handle any post dissolution or post final judgment modifications or enforcement actions that might be necessary. These matters will arise after the parties have been divorced or paternity has been established. They can range from modification of time-sharing, child support or alimony, relocation with a minor child or enforcement and contempt matters for a party’s failure to comply with prior court orders. Johnson Ritchey Family Law can take on these matters whether we represented you in your initial action or a different attorney handled it. The attorneys at Johnson Ritchey Family Law take the same approach to these matters as they do in divorce matters. They remain focused on the files and are responsive to all of their clients’ concerns.
Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
It is not about what you have now, but what you might have. Often people get married believing their marriages will last “until death do us part”, but it has become increasingly common for couples to use prenuptial agreements to protect the assets they have upon entering the marriage. Divorce rates continue to hover at 50% for first marriages and an even higher percentage for second and third marriages. At Johnson Ritchey Family Law we support our clients use of pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements. We go to great lengths to ensure both parties are fully-informed participants in the process of establishing such agreements.
Domestic Violence
At Johnson Ritchey Family Law, we understand the profound impact that domestic violence can have on individuals and families. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support for victims of domestic violence. We recognize that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their family. With extensive knowledge of Florida’s domestic violence laws, we strive to protect your rights and help you navigate through this challenging time.
We also know that sometimes false allegations of domestic violence can be raised. We work diligently to defend clients who have been named as a respondent in a domestic violence matter, asserting appropriate defenses to false claims and defending our clients at trial. All issues of domestic violence affect the parties and their families and we are here to help through the process.
Our firm offers comprehensive legal services for those facing domestic violence issues, including obtaining protective orders, navigating the complexities of court proceedings, and ensuring the safety of children involved. We work diligently to gather evidence, represent you in court, and provide ongoing support throughout the legal process. We are here to stand by your side, offering the guidance and advocacy needed to move forward.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. Johnson Ritchey Family Law is dedicated to helping our clients through this difficult time. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards a safer future.
To learn more about domestic violence and restraining orders, read our blog.
The Collaborative Divorce Process
Family law matters often involve complex and highly emotional issues, particularly when children and finances are at stake. The collaborative process offers a non-litigated, non-adversarial alternative for resolving these sensitive matters. This approach begins with each party voluntarily agreeing to forgo litigation, committing instead to a cooperative, honest, and transparent approach. Then, each party retains an attorney trained in collaborative law. With the help of their attorneys, the parties select a neutral financial expert and a neutral mental health professional to facilitate the process and address any issues that arise. When all parties come to an agreement, a marital settlement agreement is signed out of court. This method ensures that financial information and private family matters remain confidential and out of public record.
This collaborative process can be more cost-effective than traditional litigation, as it utilizes joint experts and focuses on cooperation rather than conflict, fostering an environment of integrity, respect and dignity, ultimately leading to more amicable and satisfactory resolutions for all involved.
To learn more about the Collaborative Practice, visit www.choosecollaborative.com.
Mediation
In many dissolution matters, parties can reach agreements on some or all of the issues at hand. Whether its equitable distribution, alimony, child support, time-sharing, or parental responsibility, resolving these matters early can significantly reduce the overall cost of the dissolution process, progress the matter in a more timely manner, and reduce emotional distress among both parties.
Mediation offers a valuable opportunity for parties to negotiate these issues in a structured environment. During mediation, the parties, their attorneys (if any), and a neutral third-party facilitator – the mediator – work together with interest-based negotiation to find common ground. Participation in mediation is voluntary, and while there is no obligation to reach an agreement, it often helps clarify and resolve many aspects of the divorce, potentially avoiding further litigation expenses. Any agreement reached can be documented and signed on the same day, making the process both efficient and confidential.
Family Law Appeals
Navigating the complexities of marital and family law often involves more than initial court proceedings. The attorneys at Johnson Ritchey Family Law understand that not every case concludes with a satisfactory outcome in the trial court. That’s why our seasoned attorneys are dedicated to representing clients in appellate matters, ensuring that any legal errors or injustices are thoroughly addressed. With extensive experience in the appellate courts, we carefully review trial records, identify appealable issues, and craft compelling arguments to advocate for our clients’ best interests.
Our appellate practice covers a wide range of family law issues, including final judgments of dissolutions of marriage, timesharing arrangements, spousal and child support orders, and the division of marital property. We recognize the profound impact these decisions have on our clients’ lives, and we approach each appeal with a deep commitment to achieving justice and fairness. Whether you are seeking to challenge an unfavorable ruling or defend a favorable one, our team provides the strategic insight and rigorous representation needed to navigate the appellate process.
Johnson Ritchey Family Law is committed to excellence in appellate advocacy. Our attorneys stay abreast of the latest legal developments and leverage their deep understanding of Florida’s appellate rules and procedures to pursue all available legal remedies for our clients and their families. We work closely with our clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout the appellate process, and strive to provide clear, effective communication and steadfast support.
To read more about the appellate process, read our blog.
Child Dependency
At Johnson Ritchey Family Law, we understand that cases involving child dependency can be highly emotional and complex. When the state becomes involved in a family’s life due to allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, it is crucial to have knowledgeable legal guidance to navigate the process.
A child dependency case arises when the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigates a report of abuse, neglect, or abandonment and determines that a child may not be safe in their current home environment. The goal of the dependency system is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child while providing parents with opportunities to address any concerns that led to state intervention.
It is critical for parents to comply with all court-ordered case plans and actively participate in services such as parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, or counseling as required by the court.
Our team at Johnson Ritchey Family Law is committed to protecting the rights of parents while ensuring the best possible outcome for children involved in dependency cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
