Family Law
Our family law practice consists of representing individuals in adoption proceedings, dissolutions and separations, and custody and child support matters. Our attorneys provide personalized legal advice, tailoring their representation to each individual client’s unique needs and circumstances. Whether you are hoping to adopt, seeking to end your marriage, or struggling with a parenting dispute with your former spouse or partner, we can help, and our attorneys will work closely with you to achieve a favorable outcome as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Shelby, MT
Although they may initially seem straightforward, many family-related legal issues can be surprisingly complicated. From navigating the adoption process to addressing all of the various issues involved in terminating a marriage in Montana, completing all of the necessary steps and making informed decisions that serve your long-term best interests requires experienced legal representation. Our attorneys routinely assist clients in Shelby and all of Montana with family law matters including :
- Adoptions– We assist individuals and couples with private and agency adoptions. We can help you evaluate your options, and we can guide you through each stage of the adoption process.
- Dissolutions and Separations– If you are ready to end your marriage or non-marital domestic relationship, we can help you protect your rights with regard to property ownership, financial support, and child custody.
- Parenting Plans– In addition to helping separating spouses and partners develop comprehensive parenting plans, we also provide legal representation for modification and enforcement proceedings in the Montana courts.
- Child Support– In Montana, child support matters are governed by the Montana Child Support Guidelines. We can help you collect the financial information needed to accurately calculate child support; and, if necessary, we can help you seek to modify or enforce your existing child support order in court.
Lee Law Office PC | Family Law Attorneys in Shelby, MT
If you would like to speak with one of our family law attorneys, please call 406-434-5244 or contact us online. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Montana Family Law FAQs
Does Montana law allow for no-fault dissolutions?
Yes. Under Montana law, either spouse can seek a no-fault dissolution on the basis that (i) the parties have lived separate and apart for more than 180 consecutive days, or (ii) the marriage is irretrievably broken with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Or, in the words of the Montana courts , in Montana, a person can ask the court to end their marriage simply because they do not want to be married anymore.” Marital misconduct by one party or the other is not required to seek a divorce in Montana, and it is generally not relevant to matters relevant to dissolving a marriage under Montana law.
Is Montana an equitable distribution state?
Yes. Under Montana law, in the event of a dissolution the spouses must divide their marital assets “equitably.” While spouses will often agree to a (roughly) 50-50 split, equitable does not necessarily mean equal, and there are circumstances in which the fairest approach may be for one spouse to receive a larger portion of the marital estate.
How do I start the adoption process in Montana?
The steps involved in adopting a child in Montana depend upon whether you are seeking to adopt privately or through the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The CFSD’s website provides some introductory information on agency adoptions. If you think you are ready to start the process, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential initial consultation.