Comprehensive Family Law Service

    In today's world there is virtually no such thing as a typical or normal family.  Nearly every family at some point or another faces challenges or issues that require the assistance of an attorney.  

    The law office of Bret R. Smith, LLC represents clients in a wide-range of domestic and family law issues, including, but not limited to, divorce, child support, custody, and adoption.  Bret understands that such disputes are emotional and sensitive to clients and offers vigorous support and representation of their positions and issues.  

    Bret R. Smith offers affordable representation to people who need legal help with divorce or other family law issues.  Call the law office of Bret R. Smith today for a free consultation. 

                                                                     Divorce

    Going through a divorce is often a very traumatic and difficult experience.  Unfortunately, according to experts, it is an experience that nearly one out of two newlywed couples will face.  The law office of Bret R. Smith aims to assist its clients through this trying process by offering sound counsel and vigorously advocating their positions and rights.

    Divorce can be complicated, especially if children are involved.  Custody, child support, and visitation may all be contested issues that a person will likely face in a divorce action.  Bret R. Smith works with his clients to gain the best possible solution to his or her positions while remaining sensitive to the unique personal and emotional elements that are a part of nearly every divorce. 

                                                             Uncontested Divorce

    Not all divorce actions contain contentious issues.  Many couples simply choose to end their marriage and work together to resolve their issues without the help of a Court.  In such cases, Bret R. Smith explains the legal ramifications of the agreement with his clients and assists him or her by drafting and filing the appropriate paperwork with the Court.  Although each case is different, the law office charges a reasonable fee for such legal assistance.

                                                                      Support

    In the state of Alabama, the amount of child support paid by a non-custodial parent is set by following a set of guidelines which are objectively applied in each shield support case.  Although this system prevents many conflicts in determining an appropriate level of child support, the guidelines do not address every situation or practical situation which might arise.  Bret R. Smith zealously represents his clients and endeavors that the amount of child support paid is appropriate in each circumstance.

                                                                      Custody

    Custody cases are often bitterly contested and can be very complex.  Generally, under Alabama law, physical custody of a child is awarded to one parent, while legal custody of the child is shared jointly between both parents.  Physical custody is simply the location where the child lives.  Legal custody, on the other hand, is the right to make major decisions affecting the child.  Alabama law encourages courts to order joint legal custody between the parents when possible.  However, if such custody is not in the best interest of the child, the court may award legal custody to a sole parent.  Bret R. Smith counsels his clients in the factors involved in making custodial determinations, assists them in making prudent custody decisions, and rigorously argues and protects their parental interests.

Call or email Bret R. Smith today for a free consultation.