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Family Law

because family matters

We work collaboratively to find creative solutions to tough legal problems.

Overview

Family law matters — including those involving child custody, divorce and the ancillary matters of property division and alimony — require a high level of sensitivity, experience and knowledge of the law. Emotions often run high, and at Morris James, it is important to us that we ensure our clients' interests are protected when making decisions that will have long-term personal and financial implications.

The Family Law Practice at Morris James

Morris James’ Family Law Practice is widely regarded by our clients, our legal peers, and the Family Court judiciary and the community as the preeminent family law practice in Delaware. For many continuous years, Best Lawyers, the nation’s definitive guide to legal excellence, has ranked Morris James’ Family Law Practice as #1 in Delaware, in tandem with similar stellar positioning by Delaware Today “Top Lawyers.”

Our representation is characterized by a balance of client advocacy and practical guidance. Our attorneys approach the myriad of issues inherent in the practice of family law with sensitivity, compassion, and thoughtful consideration given to the long-term implications of the outcomes that we achieve.

The dignity of all of the parties involved is of paramount importance to us. Whenever feasible, we strive to reach amicable and workable resolution through negotiation and mediation. Typically, these tactics achieve results more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively than can be attained through litigation.  Where these preferred methods are unsuccessful, however, we are experienced and successful litigators. 

We possess substantial experience in all aspects of family law, for both married couples and unmarried partners. Our legal services include divorce actions including property division and alimony, custody, visitation, child support, paternity actions, termination of parental rights, step-parent adoption cases, guardianship proceedings, and marital and premarital agreements.

Cases We Handle

Morris James’ family law attorneys work collaboratively to find creative solutions to tough legal problems, and we always attempt to provide advice that balances pragmatism with an eye towards the long-term consequences of your case. We have experience handling both common and complex family law issues including:

  • Negotiating premarital/prenuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals
  • Helping clients understand Delaware’s child custody laws and achieve their goals for custodial arrangements in the best interest of the children
  • Equitably dividing marital property following a divorce
  • Obtaining alimony and/or spousal support to meet expenses
  • Establishing child support obligations secured by wage attachments, where possible
  • Obtaining guardianship orders setting forth the legal authority for non-parents to provide care for minor children

Property Division and Asset Protection

Our practice is particularly skilled in the representation of business owners, professionals and executives and the management of high-visibility and high-stakes divorce cases, including the division of marital property and alimony.

Excellent outcomes are achieved by our practice through thorough preparation, knowledge of the facts and the law of our cases, along with substantial experience.  Morris James’ Family Law attorneys work with expert witnesses in a variety of disciplines, including the valuation of closely held businesses, partnership interests and professional organizations, the financial analysis of property division and alimony scenarios, and vocational evaluations, among others.  Our attorneys know and understand the complex issues related to the valuation and division of assets received by highly-compensated executives, including profit sharing plans, retirement and pension plans, stock options, restricted stock and other employment benefits.  Colleagues within the firm in the fields of tax, estates, and business law are additional resources in preparing our cases to achieve the best results possible for our clients. 

Helping through a Difficult Time

A divorce or separation can be an incredibly difficult time. One of the ways we help our clients get through it is by ensuring their legal rights are protected both now and in the long term. At Morris James, we provide compassionate and knowledgeable family law legal representation.

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