FAMILY LAW

Below is information about common family law issues. If you are dealing with any of these

issues and need help, please contact us at 502-589-3301.

Alimony

Alimony is money paid each month to dependent spouse or former spouse. If you are going

through a divorce, spousal support (or alimony) is often a chief concern. Alimony is often

granted when one spouse has been financially dependent on the other and the marriage has lasted

for ten or more years.

If you are a Louisville resident seeking spousal support from your spouse, M. Lynne Osterholt

can help you reach a favorable disposition of your divorce and alimony case. We can help you

negotiate a settlement, work with you through mediation, or, as a last resort, represent you in a

divorce proceeding.

Child Custody

In a child custody case, the court will decide both legal and physical custody of the child.

Legal Custody involves the care and control of a child. All decisions regarding the child are

made by the person who has legal custody. Legal custody can be granted to one party (sole

custody) or both parties (joint custody). Physical custody provides the right to have the child live

with the person awarded custody.

In all child custody cases, family law courts will decide the matter based on what is in the best

interests of the child. As a parent, you should know what your rights are concerning custody,

visitation, and child support. M. Lynn Osterholt can help you reach an agreement with the father

or mother of you children to ensure that you are doing what is best for the child.

Child Support

Along with issues of child custody, is also the concern of child support. We know that ensuring

that your child’s needs are met is important to you. M. Lynne Osterholt can represent you on

child support issues, as a part of a divorce or separation case or as a separate matter.

Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, then you will have to face some tough decisions regarding

property division, child custody and visitation. We will explain the law, the issues, and what

options are available for a fair settlement of your divorce.

The emotional issues inherent in a divorce proceeding make it that much more difficult to make

good decisions. You need an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through the process

and ensure that all of your rights are protected.

Overview of the Divorce Process

Complaint

The divorce proceeding begins with the filing of a complaint. This document lays out the facts as

alleged by the filing party (plaintiff) and requests relief from the opposing party (defendant). The

defendant is then served with a copy of the complaint and summons.

Answer

The defendant then has 30 days to respond to the complaint and file the answer. The defendant

may also file a counter-complaint against the plaintiff alleging facts and seeking relief of their

own.

Discovery

During discovery, each side will gather information from the other party. There are five different

ways to conduct discovery and a case may use any or all of these methods:

1. Interrogatories – written questions that must be answered in writing and under oath. They may only be asked of parties to the lawsuit and you may not ask more than 30 questions without special permission of the court.

2. Request for Production of Documents – this is a written request for the other party to produce documents for inspection. There is no limit on the number of documents you can request.

3. Deposition – this is an oral examination of a party or witness made under oath. A written record of the questions and answers is made.

4. Request for Admission – this document asks the other party to admit or deny the veracity of relevant facts in the case

5. Request for Mental of Physical Exam – this request asks the court to order that the other party submit to a mental or physical examination

Hearing

During the hearing, testimony is given under oath. Each side can call witnesses and question the

witnesses of the opposing side. Each attorney will be allowed to make opening and closing

remarks.

Decision

Once the hearing has concluded, the judge will render his or her decision. This can be done

orally, in writing, or both. This decision is final, unless appealed.

Legal Separation

Legal separation occurs before a divorce, and is the period of time during which spouses live

apart, but are still married. Legal separation involves all of the same issues as a divorce: property

division, child custody, and spousal support. Having a strong separation agreement can make the

divorce process much easier down the road. M. Lynne Osterholt can help you come to a

favorable separation agreement and ease the burden of a difficult time.

Adoption

M. Lynne Osterholt Law Office helps dreams come true and families grow with the adoption

services we provide. It is the most deeply satisfying part of our practice. We handle a variety of

adoptions, including:

1. Open adoption / private adoption 2. Step-parent adoption (termination of parental rights) 3. Grandparent adoption 4. Domestic adoption 5. International adoption 6. Coordinate Surrogacy 7. Engage A Facilitator

With any type of adoption, thoroughness and attention to detail are extremely important.

Mistakes can not only result in lengthy delays or derail the process altogether, they can result in

nightmare scenarios like the long-lost biological parent knocking on the door seeking custody.

Our firm will provide the quality legal services you need to make sure there are no surprises.

Contact our office in Louisville KY, to set up an appointment or request a free

consultation.

502-589-3301

Family Law Louisville KY, Criminal Lawyer Louisville KY, Criminal Attorney

Louisville KY, Family Law Lawyer Louisville KY, Family Law Attorney

Louisville KY, Personal Injury Lawyer Louisville KY

CONTACT US

734 W. Main St. #100, Louisville KY, 40202

502-289-3301

Email: mlojd@aol.com

Hours: Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM