Family Law

El Paso Divorce Lawyer • Family Law Attorney

Protecting Your Rights as a Family Member

Typically, family law attorneys assist people with the making and breaking of family relationships. Specific areas of representation usually include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, alimony or spousal support, property division, paternity, child custody and child support, mediation, and sometimes adoption.

When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of an experienced family law attorney often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved.

• Marriage: Marriage is a legal and business union, as much as it is a romantic one. Although the limitations and requirements vary by state, basic marriage laws are similar. Because marriage is a legal and business arrangement, it is wise to consult with a lawyer about the advantages of entering a premarital or pre-nuptial agreement.
• Divorce: A divorce is a method of terminating a marriage contract between two individuals. From a legal standpoint, divorce gives each person the legal right to marry someone else. It also legally divides the couple's assets and debts, and determines the care and custody of their children. Division of property and child custody can be difficult issues in a divorce. For advice about a Texas divorce, contact our family law firm. I have the experience and understanding to handle civilian and military divorces.
• Child Custody, Visitation, and Support: The care and upbringing of children following divorce is often an ongoing source of conflict for divorcing parents. Custody must address both physical custody (rights and responsibilities regarding the day-to-day care and activities of children) and legal custody (legal rights and responsibilities associated with the upbringing of children).
• Adoption: Adoption is the legal procedure that allows a family to make a child who is not biologically their own a part of their family. Family law attorneys who offer adoption-related services can help both adoptive and birth parents throughout all phases of the adoption process.

At the Douglas C. Smith Law Office, I am an experienced family law attorney, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. My support staff and I provide high-quality, personal representation in a wide range of legal matters involving family law.

If you need legal advice about a relationship change in your family – marriage, divorce, custody, or adoption - contact my family law firm. We have experience with civilian and military families.