FAMILY LAW
Experienced Alabama Family Lawyers Handle Divorce and Parenting Matters
OUR SERVICES
Achieve more with what you already have.
ADOPTION
PROVEN ADVOCATES HANDLE A RANGE OF ADOPTIONS
At Callaway Smith, we represent clients throughout Alabama in the following areas of adoption:
- Termination of parental rights
- Paternity registry
- Open adoptions
- Closed adoptions
- Private adoptions
- Domestic adoptions
- International adoptions
- Stepparent adoptions
ALIMONY
PROACTIVE ADVOCACY DURING THE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION PROCESS
As trusted attorneys for hundreds of divorcing spouses, we have gained extensive experience and knowledge of Alabama divorce law regarding equitable distribution, where property obtained during the marriage must be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, between both parties based on each spouse’s financial situation and other factors. This may include assets such as:
- Bank accounts
- Stocks
- Furniture
- The marital home
If one spouse accumulated debt over the course of the marriage, then that debt is also treated as joint property and therefore both parties become responsible for it, regardless of who incurred it. Should one party file for bankruptcy, they will no longer be required to repay it, but creditors will retain the right to seek compensation from the other party.
Issues involved in the distribution process can quickly become complicated, but a legal advocate committed to protecting your rights and interests can help find successful solutions.
CHILD CUSTODY
EXPERTS LITIGATORS REPRESENT PARENTS IN FAMILY COURTS
In some cases, litigation is necessary to protect the best interests of the child. When one parent is non-committal or expresses hostility toward the other parent, negotiations fail. Sometimes, one parent may even pose a danger to the child’s welfare. In these cases, litigation is the most appropriate forum for establishing parental rights. Our firm’s methodical approach to litigation allows clients to feel confident that their children are protected, and their parental rights are secured. We at Callaway Smith represent clients in matters involving.
- Primary and joint custody arrangements
- Visitation rights
- Visitation rights
- Modification of custody and visitation orders
- Enforcement of orders
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings
- Decisions related to religion, education and upbringing of the child
The uncertainty of litigation can be stressful for parents and children alike. As your committed representative, we’re prepared to address all of your concerns and those of your family in cases involving the custody of your children.
CHILD SUPPORT
EXPERTS ADVISORS HELP PARENTS REACH FAIR CHILD SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
At Callaway Smith, we have experience in all family law matters, including child support. Drawing on our experience and knowledge of case law, we assist parents:
- Negotiate child support through mediation
- Litigate child support issues
- Enforce child support orders
- Modify child support orders
At Callaway Smith we will thoroughly explain the Alabama child support guidelines and how they apply to you. It is our goal to keep clients informed and empowered throughout the legal process, so they know their rights and those of their children.
DIVORCE
PROACTIVE ADVOCACY DURING THE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION PROCESS
As trusted attorneys for hundreds of divorcing spouses, we have gained extensive experience and knowledge of Alabama divorce law regarding equitable distribution, where assets obtained during the marriage must be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, between both parties based on each spouse’s financial situation and other factors. This can include assets such as:
- Bank accounts
- Stocks
- Furniture
- The marital home
If one spouse has accumulated debts during the marriage, those debts are also considered marital property and therefore both parties are liable for them, regardless of who incurred them. If one of the parties becomes bankrupt, he/she will no longer be obliged to pay them, but the creditors will retain the right to claim compensation from the other party.
Issues involved in the distribution process can quickly become complicated, but a legal advocate committed to protecting your rights and interests can help find successful solutions.
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY
At Callaway Smith, we are experienced in all family law matters, including child support. Drawing on our experience and knowledge of case law, we help parents to.
- Negotiate child support through mediation
- Litigate child support issues
- Enforce child support orders
- Modify child support orders
As attorneys, we will thoroughly explain the Alabama child support guidelines and how they apply to your case. Our goal is to keep clients informed and educated throughout the legal process, so they know their rights and the rights of their children.
LEGAL SEPARATION
ALABAMA COUNSELORS ADVISES ON SEPARATION VERSUS DIVORCE
While separation and divorce are similar in some ways, the marriage is not ended in a legal separation. For some couples, this is the best option for their situation. Reasons to choose a separation over a dissolution of marriage include:
- Personal or religious beliefs
- Children
- Financial concerns
- Medical benefits
- Chance for reconciliation
Choosing between legal separation and divorce can be a difficult decision, but we offer our clients well-informed advice and advocacy so that they can make decisions appropriate to their individual circumstances.
PRENUPTIAL & POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
THOROUGH ALABAMA COUNSELORS ADVISE CLIENTS ON PROTECTING THEIR ASSETS
Even though you are working on your agreement as a couple, it is important that each of you has his or her own family law attorney to represent you and your interests while protecting your rights. You will also want to make sure that your agreement is drafted correctly in the event that you do get divorced or become legally separated.
These agreements specifically address matters that may include:
- Who gets what assets in the event that you decide to end your legal union
- How finances and assets will be handled during the marriage
- Any business ownership issues
- What to do with your estate in the event that one of you dies
- The handling of gifts, inheritances or trusts
- Benefits and disability and insurance coverage
A prenup or post-nup can also specify how different circumstances in the marriage may result in different outcomes during a divorce. For example, an infidelity clause may state that a partner who cheats forgoes his or her right to alimony.
Get in touch
Office Location
Contact Us
3000 Crescent Avenue Birmingham, AL
Julie Katz Callaway
julie@callawaysmith.com
Call: (205) 243-8080
T. Shane Smith
shane@callawaysmith.com
Call:(205) 607-0225
3000 Crescent Avenue Birmingham, AL
Julie Katz Callaway
julie@callawaysmith.com
Call: (205) 243-8080
T. Shane Smith
shane@callawaysmith.com
Call:(205) 607-0225
Working Hours
Mon-Thurs 08:30 - 04:30
Friday 08:30 - 12:00