Family Law

Goldman & Rosenthal provides sensitive advocacy to clients in all family law matters.  In addition to divorce, dissolution of marriage and the related issues of legal separation, custody, child support and property divisions, the firm assists clients in cases involving domestic relations, domestic violence, obtaining civil protection from abuse orders, pre-nuptial agreements, adoptions, paternity and other matters.

Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage

Goldman & Rosenthal has extensive experience representing clients in divorce and marriage dissolutions. 

The firm’s attorneys provide clients with a clear-headed view of all the relevant issues at an emotionally charged time.  Our attorneys ensure that all matters are considered, including advising on the risks and benefits of settlement, mediation or trial, educating clients about the divorce process, establishing grounds for divorce, visitation, custody, child support and spousal support.

If both parties to a divorce agree on the major issues, they may be able to file a joint petition with the court for a dissolution of the marriage, which often saves time and money.  However, even if you believe you are in agreement about the issues in your divorce, it is still a good idea to consult with a lawyer.  The attorneys at Goldman & Rosenthal will assist you in all aspects of executing a separation agreement and filing for the dissolution.

When necessary, the firm also assists clients in post-decree modifications and enforcement matters.

Custody

Child custody is one of the most important and often most contentious issues in a divorce or dissolution proceeding.

Goldman & Rosenthal are vigorous advocates for the rights of our clients and their children in divorce and dissolution proceedings.  We can help negotiate shared parenting plans, which set out details of when a child will reside with each parent, how decisions will be made regarding a child, and how disputes will be resolved.

When parents cannot agree, Goldman & Rosenthal has the experience and skill to argue successfully in court to enforce our client’s rights and wishes.  The firm can also help parents enforce or modify custody arrangements after the divorce or dissolution is final.  In all cases, the firm is committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients and their children.

Child Support

Parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially.  Goldman & Rosenthal has the experience to help clients obtain fair child support awards and enforce those awards when necessary through wage garnishment actions or liens against property when necessary. 

The firm also helps parents obtain post-divorce modifications of awards when a change in the financial circumstances of one or both parents warrants such action.

Spousal Support         

Spousal support, which used to be known as alimony, can be ordered when a couple are living apart or are divorced.  Temporary support can be ordered during a legal separation and during the pendency of the divorce action, and permanent support may be ordered once a divorce is final.  Awards of support are at the discretion of the court, which considers such factors as the income and assets of the parties, their relative earning abilities and education, the duration of the marriage, potential retirement benefits, standard of living established during the marriage, the contributions of each party to the marriage and earning potential of the other person, the time and expense required for one spouse to acquire job training or education, tax consequences and any other factors.

Property Divisions

In a divorce or dissolution, the law requires that all marital property be equitably divided between the parties.   Marital property generally includes all property acquired during the marriage, including the marital portion of pension or retirement plans.  Separate property generally includes property owned prior to the marriage, property that was inherited by one of the spouses or property that was a gift to one spouse. 

Goldman & Rosenthal has the experience and resources to help clients determine the full value of the marital property to be divided, making sure all relevant property is included, and helping to protect separate property.

Goldman & Rosenthal…Experienced and Aggressive Representation