Family Law

Navigating family law matters can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing periods in anyone's life, leading to significant transitions for your entire family. Here at Torris J. Butterfield & Associates, we are ready to assist you in making these transitions as smooth as possible, and we are fiercely dedicated to defending your rights throughout every step of the legal process.

We deeply understand that no two families are alike, and similarly, no two family law cases are the same. With this in mind, our priority is to thoroughly understand your unique concerns, needs, and goals as you face significant life changes.

We have successfully helped hundreds of families achieve their ideal resolutions in complex family law issues, and we are prepared to help you do the same with compassionate, skilled advocacy.

Our Areas of Expertise Include:

Divorce

Getting a divorce can initiate a multitude of transitions for your family. Torris J. Butterfield & Associates is here to defend your rights and guide you through the process, aiming to make this challenging period as manageable as possible. We recognize the profound impact divorce has and are committed to securing an outcome that best supports your future.

Child Support

Our attorneys at Torris J. Butterfield & Associates possess comprehensive experience with all child support matters. We are dedicated to ensuring that children receive the financial support they need while also advocating for fairness and accuracy for parents. Our services include:

• Establishing initial child support orders.

• Performing detailed child support calculations based on current guidelines.

• Facilitating child support modifications due to changes in circumstances.

• Pursuing or defending child support enforcement motions.

Whether you are a custodial parent seeking sufficient support or a non-custodial parent concerned about overpayment, we can meticulously review your case, advise on allowable motions, and vigorously represent your interests.

Legitimation/Paternity

When a child is born to unmarried parents, establishing legal parentage is crucial for securing rights and responsibilities. Our firm represents clients in all paternity proceedings, including:

• Filing motions for legitimation for fathers seeking parental rights.

• Assisting mothers in establishing paternity to secure child support.

• Addressing related child custody and parenting time disputes once paternity is determined.

Torris J. Butterfield & Associates is here to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your child throughout the paternity process.

Child Custody

In every divorce and paternity suit involving children, parents must address critical co-parenting issues, including legal custody, physical custody (parenting time), and child support. At Torris J. Butterfield & Associates, we understand that child custody decisions are paramount to your child's well-being. We work diligently to build a compelling case based on the best interests of your child, considering factors such as:

• Identifying the child's primary caregiver.

• Considering a child’s wishes (when appropriate by law).

• Evaluating the health and well-being of both parents.

• Assessing the ability of each parent to foster a relationship with the other parent.

• Addressing issues like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or domestic violence.

• Considering the child’s educational and religious interests.

If you are looking to negotiate or revise a parenting plan, retaining our experienced attorneys is crucial. We have a detailed understanding of family dynamics and future pitfalls, enabling us to create a strong co-parenting blueprint that benefits your family now and in the years to come.

Child Visitation

At Torris J. Butterfield & Associates, we believe that developing a visitation schedule that respects both custodial and non-custodial parents is essential for a child's well-being and healthy development. We represent parents in establishing, modifying, and enforcing visitation rights. We guide clients through state laws concerning:

• Visitation rights for biological parents.

• Post-divorce visitation for non-custodial parents.

• Legitimation petitions for unmarried fathers seeking visitation.

• Grandparent visitation rights.

If you have faced an unfavorable decision regarding visitation, we can explore options for appeals or modifications to ensure your ongoing relationship with your child.

Enforcement

When court-ordered support or custody arrangements are not honored, it can cause significant distress and financial hardship. Torris J. Butterfield & Associates provides robust representation in enforcement proceedings to ensure court orders are followed. We utilize various legal strategies to obtain past due support, including:

• Filing Motions for Contempt to address non-compliance.

• Pursuing wage garnishments for overdue child or spousal support.

• Facilitating automatic wage deductions to ensure consistent payments.

We are committed to helping you enforce your rights and ensure that all parties uphold their court-ordered responsibilities.

Modifications

We understand that families evolve and circumstances change over time. Court-imposed judgments regarding child custody, visitation, or support may eventually no longer serve the best interests of all family members. When such situations arise, our firm can assist in pursuing modifications to existing orders. We help clients demonstrate a substantial change in circumstance, which is often required for a modification proceeding, such as:

• Significant changes in income or employment for either parent.

• Relocation of a parent.

• Changes in a child's needs or wishes.

• A child reaching adulthood affecting support obligations.

Navigating modifications can be complex, and having an experienced advocate like Torris J. Butterfield & Associates by your side is essential to effectively justify your requested changes and secure a favorable new order.

Marital Property Division

Resolving the division of marital assets and debts during a divorce requires careful negotiation and, sometimes, litigation. At Torris J. Butterfield & Associates, we are prepared to go to great lengths to protect your financial rights and interests. We approach each case with thorough preparation, as if it were destined for trial, even if a negotiated settlement is reached. We work closely with our clients and, when necessary, collaborate with financial experts to accurately value assets and liabilities. Our extensive knowledge covers:

• Valuations of businesses, real estate, and personal property.

• Understanding the tax implications of asset division.

• Equitable division of retirement accounts and other complex financial matters.

If your case requires litigation, you can trust our attorneys to fight effectively and fiercely for your financial security.

Alimony/Spousal Support

Spousal support, or alimony, is a critical component of many divorce cases, providing financial assistance from one spouse to another on a temporary or permanent basis when warranted by specific circumstances. Georgia courts recognize various forms of alimony, including:

• Temporary Alimony: Awarded during divorce proceedings or for a specific period post-divorce to aid financial stability during job searches or training.

• Permanent Alimony: May be awarded to support spouses who are unable to re-enter the workforce, subject to potential modification if circumstances change.

Courts consider numerous factors when determining alimony, such as the length of the marriage, the established quality of living, the age and health of both parties, their financial assets and earning capacities, and each party's contributions to the marriage. If you believe you are entitled to spousal support or are obligated to pay it, please contact Torris J. Butterfield & Associates today for a comprehensive discussion of your rights and options.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties have reached a full agreement on all aspects of their divorce, including asset and debt division, spousal and child support, and child custody and visitation. While an agreement simplifies the process, it is crucial to have an attorney review your understanding to ensure the terms are clearly stated, legally sound, and consistent with current law. When all agreements are finalized and necessary legal documents are completed and signed by a circuit court judge, your uncontested divorce can be finalized efficiently. Torris J. Butterfield & Associates can guide you through this streamlined process, ensuring your agreement is robust and legally binding.

Prenuptial Agreements

Considering a prenuptial agreement before marriage can be a proactive and beneficial step for many couples. When drafted correctly, a prenup provides clarity and certainty regarding financial matters, offering a clear plan for various important life events that may occur during the marriage, such as divorce, disability, or significant financial changes. Couples should strongly consider a prenuptial agreement if:

• Either party possesses significant assets or anticipates substantial inheritance.

• There are children from previous marriages.

• There is a notable disparity in wealth or age between parties.

• One party owns all or part of a business.

• One party is bringing substantial debt into the marriage.

• One party is retired and needs to protect assets, benefits, or heirlooms.

• One person will support the other in pursuing education or career building.

Torris J. Butterfield & Associates can help you draft a comprehensive and fair prenuptial agreement that protects your interests and provides peace of mind.

Annulment

While often confused with divorce, an annulment declares that a marriage was legally void from the beginning due to specific grounds. If your marriage meets certain criteria, an annulment can effectively erase it as if it never occurred. Torris J. Butterfield & Associates can help you understand if your situation qualifies for an annulment and guide you through the petition process. We explain the potential financial ramifications, including the division of joint property and debts, and navigate procedural rules to ensure your case is handled meticulously. Our goal is to secure the legal outcome that best suits your unique circumstances.

Appeals

The Torris J. Butterfield & Associates team understands the deep frustration a party may experience when they feel they have been unjustly treated by the courts. We are here to meticulously review your case and identify opportunities to strengthen your chances of success on appeal. Our firm handles appeals across a wide range of family law issues, including grievances related to child support, child custody, alimony, and the division of marital property. We understand the imperative need for your issues to be resolved and are committed to being the strong advocate you need when filing your appeals.

Military Divorce

Military divorces share similarities with civilian divorces but also involve unique complexities due to military laws and federal statutes. Torris J. Butterfield & Associates has extensive experience in military-related family law, including a strong understanding of critical legislation such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). With our comprehensive understanding of both Georgia State Laws and relevant military and federal statutes, we are uniquely positioned to guide you through this challenging time and advocate for the best possible outcome in your military divorce.

Why Choose Torris J. Butterfield & Associates for Family Law?

Navigating family legal matters requires not only deep legal knowledge but also compassion and a strategic approach. At Torris J. Butterfield & Associates, our attorneys combine empathy with aggressive advocacy, preparing each family law case with the same rigor as if it were going to trial, even if a settlement is ultimately reached. We work intimately with our clients, understanding their personal stories and objectives, to build the strongest possible case. We are adept at negotiation, but if litigation becomes necessary, we are formidable opponents in the courtroom, dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your family's future.

If you are facing a family law challenge, please contact Torris J. Butterfield & Associates today for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and understand your legal options.