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Domestic Violence

The allegation of domestic violence is often accurate and must be considered in child custody and visitation orders. Unfortunately, sometimes the allegation of domestic violence is simply used as a tactic in a divorce proceeding to gain an advantage in the divorce or custody matter.

The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap is extremely sensitive to the needs of individuals on either side of the violence accusations. Our firm has handled numerous domestic violence matters, and has represented both the alleged victim as well as the alleged aggressor on many occasions. These types of actions are criminal in nature, and the outcome of the criminal charges may seriously impact on the outcome of many issues involved in the divorce matter.

Often domestic violence charges lead directly to divorce filings. The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap is very experienced in handling domestic violence matters. Should such an unfortunate matter arise, please call us immediately to schedule a free consultation in order to insure that your rights are protected.

Domestic Violence West Palm Beach Attorney

Domestic Violence West Palm Beach Attorney, Jupiter Domestic
Violence Attorney

Division of Property

Division of property, that is assets and liabilities is known as equitable distribution in Florida. Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean that the property is divided 50/50 between the parties. The Court has discretion in dividing up the assets and liabilities as to who gets what, and how much each spouse actually receives. All types of property may be subject to equitable division including but not limited to cash, bank accounts, any liquid assets such as stocks and bonds, 401K’s, retirement and pension plans, assets such as real estate, vehicles, boats and planes.

A determination must first be made as to whether or not the asset or liability is marital or non-marital. Assets or liabilities may be non-marital because they were acquired before the marriage, or they were inherited, or were gifted to that particular spouse. Non-marital property is not subject to division between the parties. It is often an issue as to whether or not a particular asset or liability is marital or non-marital.

The division of assets and liabilities may be a very complicated matter depending on the amount and form of the property that must be divided. The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap is very experienced in property division matters in both simple divorces, as well as highly complicated property divisions that may even require the help of a forensic accountant.

It is imperative that you seek the help of an experienced professional such as The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap in order to insure that you receive your fair share of the property in the course of a divorce proceeding. Call us for a free initial consultation at your earliest convenience to help understand your rights and liabilities concerning equitable distribution.

Division of Property West Palm Beach Attorney

Division of Property West Palm Beach Attorney,
Jupiter Division of Property Lawyer

Paternity Disputes

We represent both unwed mothers and unwed fathers in regards to their rights and liabilities concerning their children. Establishing paternity is necessary in order to establish custody, child support, child support arrears, reimbursement for medical bills due to the birth of the child, and visitation. Without establishing paternity, the Court cannot rule on these issues.

Paternity actions can be brought by the father or the mother. Establishing the parentage of a child gives parental rights to the proper father, and also insures the father is given responsibility for child support.

The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap has represented many unwed parents in paternity actions. DNA testing is quick and inexpensive and can quickly solve the issue of paternity in any given case. Once the paternity is established, we can help you resolve custody, visitation and child support issues. Please call us for a free initial consultation. You may even want to speak with us prior to the birth of the child, as the paternity can be established prior to the birth of the child.

Paternity Attorney West Palm Beach, Jupiter Paternity Attorney

Paternity Attorney West Palm Beach, Jupiter Paternity Attorney

Modifications And Enforcement

Generally, in the world of divorce and family matters, nothing is written in stone. Issues may occur after a divorce is final. These type of issues are commonly known as post-marital matters. Such post-marital matters may include issues like modification of child support, modification of alimony (upward or downward modifications), visitation modifications, or custody modifications.

Additionally, sometimes even when you believe a matter is settled, there are issues enforcing the agreement you made. For example, your former spouse refuses to give you the assets you were entitled to; you stop receiving your child support or alimony; your child is not returned from their visitation, your former spouse defaults on part or all of your agreement. What do you do to enforce the agreement?

For post-marital modifications or enforcement proceedings, it is imperative that you contact an experience divorce and family lawyer, such as The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more you may jeopardize your ability to modify or enforce your agreement.

If you believe you are in jeopardy of losing something you bargained for, or have questions concerning the possible need of modifying your agreement, please schedule a free initial consultation at the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap at your earliest convenience.

Modification & Enforcement Palm Beach Attorney

Modification & Enforcement Palm Beach Attorney, West Palm Beach Modification and Enforcement Lawyer

Child Relocation

Often one parent or the other ends up with residential custody of the children. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, the parent with the residential custody may need to relocate. Such relocation may simply be in another close county in Florida, or may be within the state of Florida but significantly far away, or completely out of Florida to a distant state, or even to a foreign country.

Such a proposed relocation creates many problems for both the parent attempting to move with the children, as well as the remaining parent who fears the contact with their children will be severely restricted.

The State of Florida has a very specific procedure with which the parent seeking to relocate must utilize in order to receive permission from the Court to allow relocation. Alternately, the responding parent must follow a procedure as well in order to protect their rights to the children.

The improper handling of this type of issue can lead to disastrous results. The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap has handled numerous relocation matters, within the State of Florida, as well as outside the State of Florida, and outside of the United States. Even if you simply sense that a relocation issue may arise in the future, please come in for a free consultation to inform yourself of your rights and liabilities. Don’t wait until its too late.

Child Relocation Attorney Jupiter, West Palm Beach

Child Relocation Attorney Jupiter, West Palm Beach Child Relocation Attorney

Alimony

Spousal support is an important issue that is regularly raised in divorce proceedings. Also known as alimony, spousal support is the monetary support paid by one spouse to the other in order to attempt to maintain a lifestyle. This support may be temporary, such as during the course of the divorce, or permanent in nature.

Determination of spousal support/alimony can be a very complicated matter. To begin with, there are a number of forms of alimony including permanent alimony, rehabilitative alimony, lump sum alimony, bridge the gap alimony, and nominal alimony. There are also tax consequences depending on the type or form of support you negotiate.

The Court must consider a number of factors in order to determine spousal support. Some of these factors include length of the marriage, each spouse’s earnings and income, their abilities and disabilities, lifestyle of the spouses during the marriage as well as their level of education.

Determination of alimony can be an extremely complicated matter. Only an experienced attorney, such as you’ll find at the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap, can properly evaluate your case to help you determine whether or not you may entitled to support, the amount of support which may be appropriate, and which form of support may be in your best interest. Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a free consultation at the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap at your earliest convenience.

Alimony/Spousal Support West Palm Beach Lawyer

Alimony/Spousal Support West Palm Beach Lawyer, West Palm
Beach Alimony and Spousal Support Attorney

Pre- Marital Agreements

The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap generally recommends that anyone contemplating a marriage or remarriage, at least consider a Prenuptial Agreement, particularly when that person has substantially more assets than the other prospective spouse. A Prenuptial Agreement, also know as an Antenuptial Agreement or Premarital Agreement, is actually a contract entered into by the parties before the wedding. Such an Agreement, if prepared properly, can be used to circumvent the laws of the State of Florida, and effectively may protect a person’s assets, limit or reduce exposure to alimony, provide that income may be separate property of the individuals, as well as include a myriad of other types of very important provisions.

In order to provide that a Prenuptial Agreement is effective, since they are often challenged in the course of a divorce proceeding, it is imperative that the Agreement is properly drafted, and important steps are taken to make the agreement bulletproof. For example, it is important that proper discovery be provided to each party such as signed Financial Affidavits. It is important that the document be prepared well in advance of the wedding. Your prospective spouse should have legal representation available to them as well in order to insure that they properly understand the agreement.

A Post-Nuptial Agreement is similar to that of the Prenuptial Agreement, except that is it signed during the marriage after the wedding takes place, rather than prior to the wedding.

The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap is well versed in the preparation of Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements. If you are contemplated a wedding, please do not hesitate to contact us well in advance of the wedding for a free consultation to discuss your particular situation whereby we can help you determine if such an agreement is beneficial to you.

Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements Palm Beach Attorney,
WPB Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements

Child Support

There are very few things as important as children. At the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap, one of the most important issues that often arise with our clients concerns children. Child Support is often a major issue concerning children, because the amount that is paid, and which party pays it, depends on a number of factors. These factors include things like timesharing, income of the parents, overnights each parent has with the children, cost of health insurance and cost of child care. Sometimes, there is an issue concerning child support arrears as well.

Additionally, there is a statutory formula used in Florida that must be utilized to determine the amount of child support paid, based on the above factors. Determining the proper amount of child support is often complicated and should be done by an attorney very experienced in family law.

Attorney Jeffrey Hap will work with you to help determine the correct amount of child support which may be due and payable, to be sure your children’s needs are met and the parties comply with Florida law.

Contact the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap for a free consultation at your earliest convenience.

Attorney West Palm Beach Child Custody

Child Custody Attorney West Palm Beach, South Florida Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody

There are very few things as important as children. At the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap, one of the most important issues that often arise with our clients concerns the custody of children. In child custody cases, the Court is obligated to do what is in the best interest of your child. In order for the Court to make the right decisions, it is important that the unique and specific circumstances of your case are brought to the Court’s attention.

The Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap will work with you, and expert professionals if necessary, to be sure to gather all the relevant facts and develop a legal strategy which meets you and your child’s needs.

Contact the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap for a free consultation at your earliest convenience.

Attorney West Palm Beach Child Custody

Child Custody Attorney West Palm Beach, South Florida Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce

Simply contemplating divorce or actually being served with divorce papers can be an extremely emotional and stressful situation. A divorce typically involves many issues such as child custody and support, visitation, alimony and spousal support, possession of the marital home, the relocation of children, as well as the division of assets and liabilities.

An experienced divorce attorney such as Jeffrey Hap can readily advise you in regard to the many issues that may confront you in a divorce proceeding.

At the Law Firm of Jeffrey Hap, there is never a charge for our initial consultation. It is often in your best interest to make an appointment for a personal and confidential free consultation, even if you are just considering the possibility of a divorce. Every divorce case is different – the facts and circumstances are specific to your particular situation. Even though you may have received information from friends and relatives, it is very important that you fully understand your rights and liabilities in regards to the issues that may affect your case. Jeffrey Hap can advise you of your legal options and make suggestions concerning your specific case.

Jeffrey Hap is a skilled divorce attorney that has handled literally hundreds of divorce cases throughout the years. He has settled many cases at or before trial, and he has tried many cases before the Court when necessary. His practice is dedicated to divorce and related family law matters and his firm takes pride in providing his clients with personalized service, utilizing a high degree of skill and experience in representing you in your divorce matter. Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a free initial consultation.

Divorce Attorney West Palm Beach

Divorce Attorney West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach Divorce
Attorney, South FLorida Divorce Attorney