Wichita, KS Family Law Attorneys Representing You in Sedgwick County
Going through a family law matter can be an emotional roller coaster, not only for you but also for your entire family. Our team at Stange Law Firm, PC understands that, which is why we go above and beyond to make things easier on you from the start. When you are faced with any type of family law issues and difficulties in Sedgwick County, you need an empathic attorney on your side. Our office in Wichita, KS serves Sedgwick County and the surround areas.
Since our firm is dedicated solely to family law, we can guarantee you that we will always focus on you and your case first. Out attorneys have the knowledge to guide you through every aspect of your case, no matter what the family law matter may be.
Sedgwick County Local Court Information
Gaining knowledge about the local courts and Kansas family law can be helpful for you to understand the process better. For your assistance, you can find more information about the Sedgwick County Court system at these links:
- Sedgwick County Circuit Clerk’s Office: More information about the Sedgwick County Circuit Clerk’s office can be found here.
- Sedgwick County Court Rules: More information about the Sedgwick County court rules can be found at this link.
- Sedgwick County Family Law Forms: Find the Sedgwick County Family Law Forms that you are looking for here.
- City of Wichita, KS: Click this link for more information regarding Wichita, Kansas.
- Wichita, Kansas Government: If you are interested in learning more about the government of Wichita, KS, click this link.
- Sedgwick County Courthouse: Click here for the address and directions to the Sedgwick County Courthouse.
Sedgwick County Family Law Attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC can assist with your Family Law Matter
- Wichita, KS Divorce Lawyers: Stange Law Firm, PC offers attorneys who can help with your divorce matter in Sedgwick County.
- Sedgwick County Paternity Attorneys in Wichita, KS: We represent clients in paternity matters in Sedgwick County and the surrounding areas.
- Sedgwick County Support Lawyers: Our attorneys at our firm can help with your child support matter in Wichita, Kansas.
- Wichita, KS Child Custody Attorneys: We have child custody attorneys in Wichita, Kansas in Sedgwick County ready to help.
- Sedgwick County Fathers’ Rights Lawyers in Wichita, Kansas: We believe in father’s rights, and we’re willing to help you fight for your rights. Our attorneys in Sedgwick County can assist you today.
Your Wichita, Kansas Family Law Attorneys and Law Firm in Sedgwick County
When you are going through a tough time like a family law matter, you need an attorney who is going to understand you and help you understand your rights in the process. We represent clients in a wide-range of family law matters in Wichita, KS including but not limited to: divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption and other related matters.
On this website, you can also read articles about family law, view informational videos, seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application or view a child support calculator for Kansas.
What is Family Law in Wichita, Kansas?
Family law refers to the practice of helping individuals with family relationships. It includes helping families pick up the pieces of their lives, while guiding them through this difficult time. Family law matters may include the dissolution of marriage, child custody and child support matters, adoption, paternity, and father’s rights issues. Because of the nature of these matters, family law cases tend to be very emotional and strenuous for the parties involved. At Stange Law Firm, PC, our attorneys are there to assists their clients through this difficult process. Family law practice may involve any of these following topics:
Divorce in Sedgwick County
Divorce is the process of breaking the bonds of marriage. When parties get married, they form a legal relationship. If they decide that they would no longer like to be a part of this relationship, they must file the necessary paperwork with the courts.
The rules and procedures may vary based on the state in which the divorce is being filed. While all states allow for no-fault divorce, some states require a period of separation. Be advised that most states also have residency requirements that come into play when filing for dissolution.
Each state has their own guidelines for how to divide assets and debts in a divorce, but the rules are similar in most states. In most cases, the court looks to make an equitable division of the assets. This doesn’t necessarily mean dividing the assets are equal for both parties. The court can look at things like the parties’ contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage and the needs of each party after the divorce. Misconducts such as infidelity or domestic abuse can also play into the court’s decision regarding property and debt division and spousal maintenance.
Divorce is Civil Litigation in Wichita, Kansas
Divorce cases are heard in state court. Similar to other forms of civil litigation, parties may work to gather evidence through depositions, interrogatories and subpoenas. Parties may also participate in mediation sessions, the collaborative process and other forms of conflict resolution. In many scenarios, cases may settle prior to a trial. However, some cases that involve contested divorces, high-assets, and certain other factors may have to go to trial.
Maintenance and Spousal Support in Sedgwick County
One of the most difficult issues in a divorce case is often maintenance and spousal support (previously referred to as alimony). Some states use a formula in order to determine the amount of support. In other cases, it’s left to the judge’s discretion. Even in cases where the court uses a formula, it’s still important to make sure that the court uses the proper procedures in order to arrive at the correct amount of support.
One of the considerations for spousal support is the length of the marriage. Other factors include the parent’s ability to pay support and the amount of debt that was jointly accumulated. The court also takes into account the age of the parties involved and their ability to work. Finally, they consider the misconduct of either party. The family lawyers at Stange Law Firm, PC work to present evidence of these factors to the court in order for them to be able to reach the best possible result.
Pre and Post-nuptial Agreements in Wichita, Kansas
A prenuptial agreement is a contract that parties sign before they get married. Prenuptial agreements should contain detailed descriptions of the significant property and debts owned by each partner. Depending on the nature and complexity of these assets, a prenuptial agreement can be just a few pages – or a few hundred. At Stange Law Firm, we draft each prenuptial so that it meets the exact needs of our clients. There are some matters that can’t be included in a prenuptial agreement like child custody and child support agreements. Otherwise, the parties can create an agreement that outlines matters like separate property, distribution of the assets and spousal support in the event of a divorce. When the parties enter into this kind of agreement after they get married, it’s a postnuptial agreement.
Child Custody in Sedgwick County
Child custody is one of the most deliberated and emotional areas of family law. When it comes to custody of the child, most states base their decisions around the best interests of the child. The court takes into account which parent has the greater relationship with the child, whether or not each parent can provide a stable home environment for the child, and whether either parent has a history of substance abuse or a criminal background.
If the parents can establish a parenting plan, the court will usually follow this agreement. However, if the parents cannot agree, the family lawyers at Stange Law Firm, PC will present evidence to the court regarding the child’s best interests. This might involve presenting school records, testimony of a psychologist or substance abuse counselor, criminal records and even medical records. Our attorneys will work to gather the necessary evidence, while also ensuring to consider the rules of evidence that are applicable in the particular local jurisdiction.
Legal and Physical Custody in Wichita, Kansas
Most states divide custody into legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody is who actually, physically has the child at any given time. Legal custody is who makes major decisions about the child. Physical custody and legal custody can be shared between the parties, or the court may award primary custody to one of the parents. It’s also possible to share one type of custody without sharing the other.
Family lawyers must understand how the courts determine custody in their jurisdiction because rules between states can vary slightly. The family lawyers at Stange Law Firm, PC help their clients understand the law and form realistic expectations so that they can make wise decisions as their case moves forward.
Child Support in Sedgwick County
Children have the right to support from both of their parents. The purpose of child support is to provide the child financial resources as if their parents lived under one roof, although it is common in most child support matters that the child’s parents live in separate households. The courts presume that the parent who cares for the child will provide direct support for the child.
Each state has their own respective formula for calculating proper child support amounts. Most of these formulas factor in each parent’s income, the allowable tax deductions and other expenses, a child’s health insurance expenses, and whether they have child care needs. Certain states also factor in how much time each parent spends with the child, although this is not common practice by all states.
The family lawyers at Stange Law Firm, PC work with their clients to ensure the child support is fairly and accurately calculated. If the other parents attempts to hide income, or is unemployed by choice, an experienced family attorney can assist their client in showing the entire situation. A family lawyer also reviews the calculations made by the court to ensure that no errors were made that could result in an unfair and inaccurate calculation of child support.
Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
Another sensitive area of family law practice involves abuse and neglect. If the state is under the assumption that a parent is not able to properly care for a child, they may choose to begin abuse and neglect proceedings. The state may represent a parent that is accused of abuse or neglects, or they might even represent a child.
When family lawyers represent clients in abuse and neglect proceedings, they are working to help defend their client against the reports of abuse or neglect, or they are helping their clients regain custody of their children by assisting them in complying with services and other requirements. Because the standard for terminating parental rights is high, family lawyers work hard to advocate for their clients when the state seeks to terminate those rights.
Contact our Wichita, Kansas Family Law attorneys for a Consultation
If you want professional representation for a family law matter in Sedgwick County, Kansas you can rely on Stange Law Firm, PC to help and fight for you. You can contact us by calling 855-805-0595 or online.
Sedgwick County (Wichita), Kansas Office (316-202-2041) | 2024 North Woodlawn Street, Suite 407, Wichita, KS 67208
