Family Law

Family law is a challenging area of legal practice that requires deft handling. No other type of legal dispute is quite as emotionally charged. Managing and interpreting these emotions is essential, whether in the courtroom or at the mediation table. Vaughan S. Winborne offers his Northern Arizona family law clients more than 30 years of experience devoted to resolving divorce and other family law issues. He understands the strain of divorce and other domestic relations disputes, and will try to resolve your case as smoothly as possible.

What Family Law Cases Does Vaughan S. Winborne Handle?

Family law is a broad field that requires the services of a qualified attorney to represent complex cases successfully. Since family law matters hit so close to home, having a trusted legal professional by your side can help you ensure your loved ones are properly represented and protected during any legal process. Vaughan S. Winborne works on the following types of family law cases.

Divorce — If you are separated or your marriage is ending, it’s better to talk to a divorce lawyer sooner than later. Your finances, property, and other assets are put at risk during a divorce and an attorney can help you reach an equitable arrangement with your soon-to-be former husband or wife. Moreover, an experienced Northern Arizona divorce lawyer can help you address issues such as custody, visitation, and child support if you and your spouse have kids.

Custody, Visitation & Child Support — Legal disputes are especially delicate when there are children involved. Everyone – from mothers and fathers to grandparents, uncles, and aunts – should want to make sure the child or children are kept as stress-free as possible, even in the midst of complex legal issues. An attorney can help your family set the terms of custody, create visitation schedules, and work with the courts to assign child support so your family can focus on the health and well-being of the child. While final decisions are ultimately up to the judge, a licensed Flagstaff, AZ, attorney can help you prepare your case which greatly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Whether you’re seeking sole custody, partial custody, increased visitation, or changes in your child support, an experienced Arizona lawyer can help.

Guardianship — In the state of Arizona, guardianship exists as a legal connection between a guardian and a child or a disabled adult. The guardian is often an unrelated party. Therefore, employing an attorney when selecting a guardian for your family member will help you avoid costly and potentially dangerous errors. Lawyers can offer counsel and verify that guardians fulfill the courts’ requirements before your loved one is entrusted into their care.  This is closely related to a conservatorship where someone’s assets are under the control of another.

Marital Property — Also referred to as a community property or marital assets, marital properties include the finances, real estate, and possessions acquired by a couple during their marriage. If you are divorcing your spouse, a skilled attorney can help determine the equitable distribution of assets, including money earned and debt incurred during the union. A divorce lawyer can also inform you of Northern AZ’s laws regarding property and real estate division, so you can evaluate the options open to you and your soon-to-be ex-husband or wife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

It’s understandable you may have some lingering misconceptions about what family law is and why you might need to retain a qualified Flagstaff family lawyer. Let’s review some of the most common questions about family law.

Do I need to hire an attorney if I am getting a divorce?

It’s usually a smart idea to consult with a lawyer about a step as significant as filing for a divorce. Your lawyer will work to protect your rights, as well as the rights of your children. Vaughan S. Winborne stays abreast of all the Arizona laws concerning marriage, divorce, marital property, child custody and visitation, and family support.

What is a no-fault divorce?

A no-fault divorce is one in which neither spouse legally blames the other for the breakdown and dissolution of the marriage. Common bases for no-fault divorce are incompatibility and irreconcilable differences. Another common basis for no-fault divorce is that the parties have been separated for a specific period with the intention of remaining permanently separated. In contrast, the list of grounds for a fault-based divorce may include adultery, physical or mental cruelty, attempted murder, desertion, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and giving your partner venereal disease.

Will my divorce proceedings require me to appear in court?

Divorcing parties may not be required to attend a courtroom unless you and your former spouse cannot agree on the basic provisions. A court will get involved only if collaborative law methods or mediation fail. Mediation and collaborative law are ideal choices for parties who can amicably work through their differences and reach agreement on all aspects of the divorce. Also, the agreement is less costly.

How long will my case take?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since all cases are different. If you and the other party can agree on some or most of the issues, the case may conclude fairly quickly. But if you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to appear in court several times before the judge makes a final decision.

Get the Legal Representation You Deserve in Northern Arizona

As an experienced and trustworthy Flagstaff family lawyer, Vaughan S. Winborne has handled a variety of family law cases throughout his distinguished 30-year career. Because he is a sole practitioner, you never have to worry that your case will get passed off to a junior member of the team. Having worked previously in Hawaii and North Carolina, he now serves clients in Northern Arizona.

When you choose to work with Vaughan S. Winborne, you will be in good hands during one of the most stressful experiences in your life. Family law matters can create a great deal of frustration and pressure, which is why it is in your best interest to choose a Northern Arizona family law attorney who has the qualifications necessary to treat your case with compassion and integrity.