Lake Charles Divorce Lawyer

Lake Charles Divorce Attorney

Divorce cases involve multiple important legal matters that can change your and your family’s future. Be sure to consult with a qualified and skilled Lake Charles divorce lawyer to simplify the legal process and move forward sooner.

What to Know About McHale Law Firm

McHale Law Firm has represented clients and their families in southwest Louisiana since 1959, when Michael McHale’s father founded the firm. Michael himself has been practicing family law and assisting couples navigating divorce for over 30 years. With decades of experience, look no further than Michael McHale for a capable Lake Charles family lawyer.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

While you aren’t legally required to hire a divorce lawyer in Louisiana, it’s highly recommended that you do. Louisiana divorce laws can be complex to navigate alone, especially when you’re already going through an overwhelming and emotionally sensitive time.

When you work with a qualified family law attorney, you can have peace of mind that your critical legal issues are in the competent hands of a professional. These are some of the primary family law concerns an experienced Lake Charles divorce attorney can assist you with:

• Divorce. Divorces in Louisiana can be based on fault or filed as no-fault. This distinction can impact various aspects of your divorce, such as the receipt of spousal support or the duration of time you must wait before the case is finalized.
• Spousal support. Also known as alimony in Louisiana, spousal support may be awarded by the court to one party during or after divorce proceedings. When determining the need for spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, including the income and needs of both parties.
• Property division. Spouses in Louisiana generally have an equal claim to community property, which includes the assets accrued during the course of a marriage. There may be exceptions to this division, including certain assets that can be considered separate property. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable family lawyer to guide you through this complex divorce issue.
• Child custody and support. Family courts are obligated to make any custody or child support decisions with the child’s interests in mind. This involves examining all relevant factors, such as each parent’s ability to provide for their child, and their emotional relationship with their child.

In 2023, the divorce rate in Louisiana was 0.9 per 1,000 people, which was slightly higher than in 2022, when the rate was 0.7. The divorce rate in the United States in 2023 was 2.4 per 1,000 population.

Choose McHale Law Firm for Your Divorce

At McHale Law Firm, we are committed to serving the people of the Lake Charles area and throughout southwest Louisiana. Our team ensures each client is informed about the legal process and the progression of their case, every step of the way.

Divorce and other family law matters in Lake Charles are generally overseen by the 14th Judicial District Court, which serves Calcasieu Parish. The parish Family and Juvenile Court is located at 1000 Ryan Street, North Annex.

FAQs

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

The cost of a divorce lawyer in the state of Louisiana can vary quite a bit depending on the attorney’s experience, payment structure, and the complexity of the case itself. Your lawyer may offer a flat fee for certain family law services, while others may charge based on an hourly rate. During your initial consultation with your attorney, you can discuss cost structures.

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take to Finish?

In Louisiana, the amount of time it may take to finish a divorce completely can vary significantly since each case is unique. More complex cases, such as those involving children or complicated community property, are likely to require more time to reach an agreement compared to relatively simple cases. You can ask your family lawyer how long your divorce is expected to take.

Do I Qualify for Spousal Support in Louisiana?

Whether you may qualify for spousal support in Louisiana can depend on several factors. Your lawyer can give you a good idea of whether you qualify after initially reviewing the details of your case. Spousal support must be approved by the court before it can be awarded. The court considers factors such as each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and needs. To learn more about your eligibility for spousal support, be sure to consult with an experienced family law attorney.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Louisiana?

Child custody in Louisiana must be approved by a family court judge to ensure the arrangement aligns with the child’s safety, well-being, and optimal development. The primary job of the court is to determine a custody order that supports the child’s interests. The judge looks at whether the child is at risk of abuse and each parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs.

What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, each spouse is generally entitled to an equal half of the community property within a divorce case. Community property includes assets, income, investments, and debt incurred by either spouse during the course of the marriage.

Some assets may be identified as separate income or separate property, meaning this is not subject to property division. If you and your spouse have a prenuptial agreement, this can also impact property division proceedings by taking precedence over typical equal division laws.

What Should I Look for in a Divorce Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA?

When selecting a divorce lawyer in Lake Charles, Louisiana, prioritize experience with the local court system. Seek 20+ years of local experience in divorce, custody, and support cases, per firms like McHale Law Firm. Check peer ratings and client reviews for compassionate, responsive service. Schedule free consultations to assess communication and strategy fit.

Skilled Divorce Lawyer in Lake Charles, Louisiana

When you work with McHale Law Firm, you can feel secure that your family law case is in good hands. Reach out to our team today to schedule an initial consultation.