For most people, family relationships are central to their lives, so issues involving changes to the family constellation are stressful. For this reason, even contemplating the dissolution of a marriage is extremely painful, all the more so if there are children involved. If you feel that your marriage has passed the point of no return and counseling has failed to put you and your spouse back on track to reconciliation, it is time for you to consult with a well-respected family law attorney.
The Law Offices of Bryce Cook in Jonesboro provides in-depth legal knowledge and a track record of successful outcomes to clients in northeastern Arkansas. Our goal is for you to come through the stressful process financially and emotionally secure, ready to start your new life. We are also well aware that if you and your spouse have children, their stability and comfort is a primary concern. While assertive in protecting your rights during divorce proceedings, we will never forget to work toward minimizing any negative impact on your children.
Prerequisites for Divorcing in Arkansas
Either you or your spouse must be a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for divorce in the state and it will take at least 3 months before a judgment is entered. If you are seeking a no-fault divorce, you and your spouse must have been living separately for at least 18 months. Acceptable grounds for fault-based divorce in Arkansas include:
- Impotence
- Felony conviction
- Cruel and barbarous treatment
- Habitual drunkenness for at least one year
- Adultery
- Living apart for 3 years due to severe mental illness of one spouse
Bryce Cook is a full-service divorce lawyer who handles contested, uncontested or high-asset divorces with equally successful results.
Uncontested Divorce
It’s a mistake to believe that just because you and your spouse agree on the general terms of the divorce that you do not need the services of an astute divorce attorney. Bryce Cook offers legal representation at low-cost flat fees and will make certain that details, even those you have not previously considered, are correctly resolved. It is important to have a professional guide when your future, and the well-being of your children, depends on imminent decisions.
Contested Divorce
Sadly, too many divorces are plagued by areas of contention regarding division of property and debts, alimony, and/or child custody and support. In these cases a well-informed family law attorney is essential. Bryce Cook is adept at negotiating diplomatically, but also has the legal skill set and tenacious reasoning to make certain you don’t get taken advantage of. You’ve undoubtedly argued enough — let Bryce Cook take over from here. He knows precisely how to achieve a just outcome.
High Asset Divorce
Decisions that affect future financial gains and losses are important to everyone. Nowhere is this more true than in high asset divorces which may involve personally owned businesses, real estate properties, valuable collections and large investments. The Law Offices of Bryce Cook will see to it that you get your fair share when property is divided between you and your spouse. We have a well-earned reputation for keeping track of complex finances and for protecting our clients’ interests from greedy spouses and crafty opposing attorneys.
How Our Family Law Attorney Can Help
At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook we are well-prepared to handle all aspects of divorce proceedings, no matter what the circumstances. We will help you navigate all legal and emotional issues pertaining to divorce, including:
- Division of property
- Alimony
- Child support
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Fathers’ rights
- Mothers’ rights
- Paternity
- Guardianship and emergency child custody
While we prefer to use our strong negotiation skills to work out a fair settlement between you and your spouse without litigation, we have long since mastered the powerful tactics necessary to fight for your rights in the courtroom.
When Circumstances Change After the Divorce
Knowing that changes in circumstances are inevitable, Bryce Cook is also your go-to family lawyer when alterations must be made to existing child support, custody, visitation or alimony arrangements. Prolonged illness, regained health, job loss, greatly increased income, relocation, remarriage, or the birth of a new baby on the part of either ex-spouse may necessitate modifications in divorce agreements. Such modifications cannot be made informally, but require careful legal intervention if you are to protect yourself and your children.
Our Family Law Lawyer Also Handles Adoptions
One of the happiest areas of family law is adoption. Embracing a new member of the family is a joyful, fulfilling event, but it is necessary that it be handled professionally. The heartbreak of an adoption that is threatened by legal barriers or loopholes is a trauma for everyone involved. Why not begin the adoption process with an accomplished family law attorney like Bryce Cook at your side?
He will make sure that every i is dotted and every t is crossed so that you won’t have to worry about the validity of the adoption. Whether you are dealing with a two-parent or single-parent adoption, he will handle any snags that come along. Even if the adoption is contested by an unfit parent, he will fight vigorously for the best outcome for you and the child who will become your son or daughter.
Contact Our Jonesboro Family Law Attorney
Whatever your family law issue is, the Law Offices of Bryce Cook is right here in Jonesboro, eager to help. Whether you are trying to prove paternity to establish your rights as a father or ensure child support as the baby’s mother, are involved in a contentious or uncontested divorce, are trying to adopt a child or establish necessary guardianship, Bryce Cook is the lawyer for you. He knows exactly which steps to take and when to take them. Don’t spend another moment feeling anxious and uncertain. Contact Bryce through our website so you can get the legal and personal support you need and deserve.
The Law Offices of Bryce Cook handles family law cases throughout Arkansas include the Craighead County Courthouse, Greene County Courthouse, Poinsett County Courthouse, Mississippi County Courthouse, Clay County Courthouse, Crittenden County Courthouse.