Joseph F. Martinez, P.A.

Tampa Family Law Attorney
Joseph F. Martinez, P.A.

Family Law

Family Law is an area of the law that deals with family related issues and domestic relations including:

• Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
• Issues arising during marriage, such as domestic violence, child abuse, legitimacy, adoption, surrogacy, and child abduction/parental kidnapping
• Dissolution of marriage (divorce) and ancillary matters including annulment, full and partial marital settlement agreements, property settlments, alimony, equitable distribution, special equity, QDRO's, parental responsibility, relocation, child custody and visitation, and child support
• Post-judgment modifications
• Motions for Contempt/Enforcement when the other party is in violation of a current court order
• Juvevnile Dependency includes matters concerning juveniles who have been abandoned, abused or neglected, or surrendered for adoption. Judges must make decisions regarding the custodial placement of children and determine issues related to the "best interests" of the child. The Attorney General's Office represents the Department of Children & Families. Parents are also entitled to legal representation and may secure an attorney or the court may appoint legal counsel on their behalf. In addition, the Guardian ad Litem Program "speaks up for children" involved in dependency proceedings.

The decision to hire a family law attorney is a personal one. Since many of the issues surrounding divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption are complicated, it may be helpful to have the advice of an experienced family law attorney.

It is a good idea to consult with family law attorney about any major life event or change, such as contested or uncontested divorce, paternity, adoption of a child or placement of a child for adoption, child abuse matters, child support modifications, child visitation and custody, elder law, juvenile law, probate or any other major family law issue.

The decisions that you make or that are made for you during the dissolution of a marriage or in a child custody and support dispute effect you mentally, physically and financially. These decisions may alter your life, and you need to know that you have a family law attorney on your side who will fight for your rights and be by your side every step of the way.