Family Lawyer
Many families in Florida are faced with unique challenges and conflicts often arise that require a legal resolution. Whether it’s settling issues related to a divorce, resolving questions of time sharing and child support, or establishing parental rights and responsibilities, these matters require the guidance of an experienced Tampa family lawyer.
The marital and family law practice at Blair H. Chan, III, PLLC is dedicated to helping spouses, former spouses, and parents resolve their most complex and personal issues. We provide families with expertise, compassion, and practical advice in order to restore harmony.
Mr. Chan is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar. This distinction means that he has been recognized by his peers, the judiciary, and The Florida Bar as being and expert and specialist in the area of Marital and Family Law in the state of Florida. Earning this distinction requires a rigorous examination of knowledge, proof of extensive experience resolving cases at trial and through mediation, as well as approval and endorsement by fellow attorneys and judges. A Board Certified attorney is recognized throughout the state as being at the highest level of skill and proficiency in the practice of family law, and for maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and ethics. Our firm routinely handles a wide range of family law issues including:
Divorce
Although divorce proceedings can become contentious, we often encourage clients to minimize conflicts regarding issues such as the division of property, alimony and spousal support, parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support. We have extensive experience in both contested divorce, uncontested divorces and dedicate much of our practice to collaborative divorce. We also routinely handle divorce cases involving high-net-worth families.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Issues of alimony and spousal support frequently present the most difficult and contentious issues in family law today. Currently, there are a number of statutory factors the courts consider when making determinations about spousal support, however, the primary focus is and will always be the financial need of the recipient spouse and the ability to pay of the payor spouse. Alimony issues involve fact-intensive analysis of factors such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income, financial needs, assets and financial status, their standard of living during the marriage, and the ability of each spouse to earn income. We work closely with our clients to protect their interests and ensure that any determinations about spousal support are fair and equitable.
Parental Responsibility, Time-sharing and Child Support
In Florida, the courts do not give preference to either parent regarding child custody and generally believe that both parents have a responsibility for raising children. While the children may spend the majority of time with one parent, each parent has a legal right to make decisions about their health and welfare. Accordingly, the court requires the spouses to create a parenting plan that will determine timesharing, decision-making rights and related issues. The plan must be approved by the court before the finalization of the divorce is granted. In addition, Florida law establishes mandatory guidelines to determine the amount of child support that is necessary based on the net wages of both parents, certain defined expenses and the number of the children in the marriage.
At Blair H. Chan, III, PLLC, we work closely with clients to establish parenting plans, time-sharing agreements, and child support arrangements that are in the best interests of the children.
Collaborative Divorce
While going through a divorce can be an emotionally charged experience, we often recommend that clients consider a more amicable approach known as collaborative divorce. This process involves working with facilitators – typically mental health professionals and financial experts. In order for this process to succeed, both spouses and their attorneys must agree in writing not to litigate the case and reach a negotiated settlement instead. Collaborative divorce frequently results in the parties spending less during the divorce process and reduces the anxiety and acrimony that sometimes results from the divorce process.
Divorce Mediation
Mediation is another a form of alternative dispute resolution that provides a couple with a more civil and less expensive way to end a marriage. This process requires each spouse to work with a third party, known as a mediator, and the parties must cooperate and negotiate in good faith. Our team will advise you on how to protect your interests throughout the process.
Military Divorce
A military divorce can often be more complex than a civilian divorce in that it encompasses Florida law, military law, Federal law and Federal administrative law. Knowledge of the unique legal requirements of military spouses, as well as experience, are essential in properly resolving any military family law matter. Blair H. Chan III, PLLC routinely works with military families on divorce and related family law matters. We are well versed in the special legal issues associated with the status of military families.
Divorce Modifications & Child Support Modifications
A divorce is only the beginning of a number of lifestyle changes, and circumstances may arise over time that makes settlement agreements and court orders unworkable. Whether it’s a change in employment status, income, or health issues, we help clients pursue modifications to support orders and agreements.
Appeals
At times, the outcome of a case may be challenged due to a legal mistake, a problem with the evidence or a judicial error. However, the timelines for filing an appeal are short, and it is crucial to contact a family law attorney immediately to avoid missing a deadline.
Establishing Paternity
The rights and needs of families with children born outside of marriage present unique and complex legal issues. If you are a parent seeking to establish time-sharing or child support, it is necessary to legally establish paternity to determine parental rights and responsibilities and ensure rights and access to the child. Our firm is experienced and skilled in handling all issues that frequently occur in the context of paternity matters.
Dedicated Tampa Family Lawyer
Blair H. Chan III, PLLC is dedicated to helping families resolve their most pressing challenges amicably. We provide clients with highly personalized, comprehensive legal services and strive to ensure that their interests and well-being are protected. If you are seeking to restore order to your family, call our office today for a consultation. Our Tampa family lawyers will help you navigate difficult life transitions so that you can look forward to a brighter future.
Serving clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties and throughout the greater Tampa area. We also represent clients in St. Peterburg, Clearwater and Plant City.
