The West Virginia family law attorneys at Adams Legal Group, PLLC in Morgantown, WV bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and understanding to best help you fight for your rights in family courts in North-Central West Virginia. Although for many, contentious family matters are largely kept behind closed doors, there are some situations that do not allow for this.

As difficult as it may be, some things must be brought before family court. If you find yourself facing this type of circumstance, Adams Legal Group, PLLC may help you contend with your legal issue as discretely and efficiently as possible. We are experienced legal professionals dedicated to helping you obtain the outcome you desire.

What is Family Law?

Family law can be complicated and difficult to navigate because these matters are often closest to our hearts. As a result, tensions can run high and people may behave irrationally. Throughout a person’s life, situations may arise within a family that require legal counsel. When it comes to legal proceedings, a family lawyer in West Virginia may be helpful for any of the following situations:

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Alimony and Spousal Support
• Child Support
• Civil Unions
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Adoption
• Establishing Paternity
• Child Abuse
• Foster Care
• Termination of Parental Rights
• Domestic Violence

All of these situations have the ability to become incredibly heated. A family lawyer in West Virginia may help you by protecting your interests and assisting you in obtaining the outcome that best suits your family.

Ask a West Virginia Family Lawyer: How is Child Custody Decided?

Each custody case is very unique. The way that custody is decided will depend on the relationship of the parents: custody decisions differ for married parents going through a divorce and for unmarried parents.

Custody for Divorcing Parents

For couples who are going through a divorce, custody and child support might be part of the divorce proceedings. There are two primary ways that you could reach a conclusion on a child custody case: either through alternate dispute resolution, with the assistance of a West Virginia family lawyer, or by appearing in court and letting a judge make the decision.

Many parents initially try to put aside their differences and discuss custody through mediation but this isn’t always successful. Furthermore, parents going through particularly contentious divorces or separations might decide that mediation would be a waste of time and so they choose to go to court and each retain and use their own West Virginia family lawyer.

Custody for Unmarried Parents

If the parents are not married, most states have legislation stating that custody automatically goes to the mother. This is sole custody, and unless the father takes legal action with a West Virginia family lawyer to claim custody as well, he will not be considered a custodial parent. If the parents were never married — and especially if they haven’t lived together after the child’s birth — it can be very difficult for the father to get custody.

The major exception is if the mother is deemed unfit to have custody. However, even if the mother is given primary physical custody, it is still possible for the father to claim visitation rights and even partial custody with the help of a family lawyer in West Virginia. A mother who was automatically given primary custody of a child is not required to keep full custody; if the father wishes to claim full custody of the child and both parents are in agreement, custody can be transferred.

Again, parents can go through alternative dispute resolution with the help of family lawyer in West Virginia or they can appear in front of a judge.

Special Custody and Guardianship Cases

Parents aren’t the only individuals who can have custody of a minor child. It’s fairly common for extended family members, such as grandparents, older siblings, or aunts/uncles, to claim custody. This may happen if neither parent is deemed fit to have custody, if the parents are incarcerated, if the parents are deceased, or if the parents themselves are very young. It’s also possible for parents to claim custody when adopting a child or in order to care for an adult child who is unable to care for themselves.

There are specific custody and guardianship laws that govern these cases in West Virginia, so it’s recommended that you speak with a West Virginia family lawyer who is familiar with these laws. The process tends to be simpler when one parent (or both parents) are present and willingly transfer custody to another specified third party. Things can become very convoluted if both parents disappear or pass away without creating a legal document that gives custody to another person.

Remember, child custody can be very fluid. If you find that a current custody decision is no longer working for your child or your family as a whole, you can discuss this with a family lawyer West Virginia trusts from Adams Legal Group PLLC, and look for alternative solutions.

You Deserve an Experienced and Compassionate Family Lawyer

When it comes to family court in West Virginia, the last thing you want is to enter a courtroom without legal representation. It is not only overwhelming but may also have an impact on the overall outcome of your case. We offer services that will leave you feeling protected throughout any legal situation that is thrown your way. With our legal team, you can expect:

• A knowledgeable practice that is comprised of a team of legal professionals
• An “all hands on deck” mentality: our entire staff is available to help.
• We are a dedicated and passionate group of professionals who can partner with you and see your case through to a resolution.
• We may provide you with legal advice that you can trust and rely on. This means don’t just provide advice; we make sure our clients understand the reasons behind it.
• We work efficiently to resolve cases so that they are not drawn out in court.
• We are honest and direct regarding where each case stands.
• We prepare clients before any situation they are faced with. We never want our clients to feel like they have been left in the dark when their future is at risk.
• We are an understanding group of professionals who lend an empathetic ear.
• We aim to provide up-to date-communication regarding the status of cases.
• We are clear and upfront around our fees.

We are dedicated, empathetic and compassionate. Contentious family situations can be incredibly challenging to deal with on your own. Should you find yourself in need of a family lawyer in West Virginia, we have the dedication and experience you are looking for.

The last thing anyone wants to deal with are family issues that they must bring to court. Such situations are often emotional and difficult to manage. You will want to be sure that you retain the services of a family lawyer West Virginia residents know and trust. To schedule a consultation with a family lawyer from Adams Legal Group, PLLC, contact our firm today (304) 381-2166.