Family Law Overview
At the Law Office of Maryann E. Foley in Anchorage, Alaska, we understand the emotional impact that family law disputes have on you and your loved ones. Our goal is to help you optimally resolve your legal issues by providing exceptional representation combined with personal attention, honest advice, and steadfast support. With over 25 years of family law experience, we are qualified to handle litigation, mediation, and arbitration in the following matters:
- Divorce / Dissolution
- Child Custody & Support
- Adoption
- Interstate Custody Jurisdiction Cases
- Spousal Support /Alimony
- Modifications
- Appeals
- Domestic Violence /Temporary Restraining Orders
- Guardianships
- Grandparents' Rights
Divorce / Dissolution
The period before, during, and after a divorce or dissolution of a marriage is often emotionally traumatic for all involved; however, over the course of this difficult time, you must make many life-impacting decisions that will affect you and your family for years to come. We strive to minimize the stress and anxiety of divorce, avoiding unnecessary conflict and tension whenever possible, while ensuring that our clients' rights and interests are protected every step of the way. Please see our divorce page for more information about this important area of our practice.
Child Custody & Support
When parents divorce, child custody and support must be determined. Often, parents work out these arrangements between themselves, either voluntarily or with the assistance of their attorneys or a mediator; however, when they are unable to reach a decision, the court may intervene and make a decision based on the best interests of the child. Our goal is to help our clients achieve arrangements that fit their needs and objectives, whether through mediation or litigation. Please see our child custody & support page for more information about these issues.
Adoption
If you are considering adoption, the assistance of an experienced attorney can simplify and facilitate this potentially complex legal process. We have assisted clients with a variety of adoption matters, including agency and independent adoptions, as well as many family adoptions involving stepparents and grandparents. Please see our adoption page for more information about this area of our practice.
Interstate Custody Jurisdiction Cases
Divorced parents living in different states must deal with the regulations governing interstate child custody laws. We have extensive experience representing clients in interstate custody proceedings, and we have handled many custody disputes in which state jurisdiction was at issue. Please see our child custody & support page for more information about determining interstate custody jurisdiction.
Spousal Support / Alimony
Spousal maintenance (sometimes referred to as alimony) is used to enable a divorcing spouse to gain training or to maintain a balanced standard of living until he or she becomes self-supporting following a divorce. The amount and duration of support is determined on a case-by case basis, taking into account such factors as the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and the needs of each spouse. We assist clients in obtaining fair and balanced support arrangements.
Modifications
Events may occur that affect the terms of a divorce agreement even years after a marriage has ended. When circumstances change, you may petition for a post-judgment modification. For example, changes may be made if a custody arrangement becomes detrimental to a child, or if a parent remarries, moves, or increases his or her earnings. If your original divorce agreement no longer reflects your current circumstances, we can help you seek an amendment.
Appeals
If your divorce went through litigation, and you feel that the court's determinations do not reflect your family's needs or objectives, we may be able to appeal the decision depending on the circumstances of your divorce and the conclusions drawn at trial. An appeal requires experienced, diligent representation. We thoroughly understand the appellate process, and possess the fortitude to carry a case through appeal.
Domestic Violence / Temporary Restraining Orders
We have handled cases involving domestic violence, requiring the procurement of temporary restraining orders in order to protect our clients and their children. A temporary restraining order requires your spouse to obey certain rules before or after a court hearing, such as the divorce or custody hearing. The order may limit contact with you or your children, or prohibit contact entirely.
Guardianships
Guardianships are a method of obtaining legal custody of or decision-making authority over another person. We have assisted clients, including stepparents, grandparents, and other relatives, obtain guardianships of minors, disabled adult children, siblings, elderly, and others in need of someone to handle personal decisions, financial decisions, or both.
Grandparents' Rights
In Alaska, a grandparent may have certain rights with regard to their grandchildren. For example, grandparents may seek visitation rights with a minor child during a divorce, or in the event of the death of one or more of the child's parents. We have also handled cases in which the child has been adopted or is under the care of a guardian, making it especially difficult for grandparents to obtain visitation rights.
Seek Experienced Representation
If you are facing divorce or another family law matter, please contact the Law Office of Maryann E. Foley for comprehensive, experienced representation.
