The Yeatts Law Firm, LLC

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  Divorce

  Divorce can be one of the most difficult situations that anyone can go through. Whether your wishing to divorce your husband or wife due to adultery or long standing problems, Birmingham divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts and The Yeatts Law Firm are committed to helping you achieve a positive resolution in a cost effective manner that protects your rights and long-term interests. The Yeatts Law Firm will work with you to address the many issues that can arise in a divorce, including division of marital property, spousal support, child custody and support. Allow us to guide through the process in a manner that is mindful of your resources and your goals. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation. The Yeatts Law Firm prides itself as a boutique law practice with a "fresh approach" to divorce in Alabama. This fresh approach includes solutions that minimize the emotional and financial damage of an extended legal dispute. For many people, mediation or the collaborative divorce process are viable alternatives to resolving divorce issues in court. Divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts has received specialized training in the collaborative divorce process, a private and confidential way of settling divorce matters outside of court that utilizes cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques to resolve family disputes. Divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts is a proud member of the Birmingham Collaborative Alliance and we will work with you and your spouse to reach an amicable solution to your divorce. In highly contested divorce cases, however, reaching an agreement outside of court is often not possible. divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts has extensive trial experience in Alabama, especially in cases involving child custody disputes. Before founding The Yeatts Law Firm, attorney Patrick K. Yeatts worked in civil service and represented children who were removed from abusive homes or caught in the middle of custody battles. During that time, he appeared in Birmingham's family court five days a week, gaining valuable trial experience, building strong relationships in the legal community and developing a keen understanding of the legal issues facing Alabama families. The Yeatts Law Firm has the skill and experience to aggressively advocate for you and your children. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experience family lawyer. Divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you from the initial filing of a divorce petition to the final divorce decree. We accept most credit cards.

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  Contested Divorce

  At The Yeatts Law Firm, we are always looking for ways to resolve family disputes outside of court. However, in situations where the parties are simply unable to reach an agreement, a contested divorce arises and the parties must look to the courts to resolve their dispute. Unfortunately, contested divorces are commonplace in light of the several issues that must be resolved during the divorce process. The most common issues that ultimately result in a contested divorce include child custody, child support, child visitation, property division and alimony / spousal support. If you are involved in a contested divorce, it is important that you consult an experienced divorce attorney who is comfortable in a litigation setting. Divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts has extensive trial experience in Alabama, especially in cases involving child custody disputes. Before founding The Yeatts Law Firm, attorney Patrick K. Yeatts worked in civil service and represented children who were removed from abusive homes or caught in the middle of custody battles. During that time, he appeared in Birmingham's family court five days a week, gaining valuable trial experience, building strong relationships in the legal community and developing a keen understanding of the legal issues facing Alabama families. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we have the skill, experience and competence to handle your contested divorce. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm today.

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  Uncontested Divorce

  An uncontested divorce is often the fastest and most financially attractive option if you are considering a divorce. The defining characteristic of an uncontested divorce is that both spouses agree to getting a divorce and have reached an agreement about all issues, including child custody and the division of assets. Divorce attorney Patrick K. Yeatts understands that divorce is never easy, even when the process is uncontested. The Yeatts Law Firm can help save you time, money and help guide you through the divorce process. Call an experienced Birmingham uncontested divorce attorney today. Often times parties hope to reduce the cost of their divorce by using online downloadable forms and agreements. However, these forms are typically inadequate, fail to address all the issues and may ultimately result in the parties having to re-litigate and re-hash disputes that should have been settled from the outset. These problems can be made worse when the parties fail to file all the necessary paperwork and the courts refuse to approve the agreement reached. At the Yeatts Law Firm, we recognize that divorce agreements can have a lasting impact on your life. An uncontested divorce is not an easy divorce. Do not make the mistake of the DIY divorce. We have the skill, experience and expertise to draft a divorce agreement that works and addresses your needs. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced divorce attorney. Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you from the initial filing of a divorce petition to the final divorce decree. We accept most credit cards.

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  Collaborative Divorce

  At The Yeatts Law Firm, we are dedicated to developing creative solutions that minimize the emotional and financial strain of divorce. Attorney Patrick K. Yeatts is certified in the collaborative divorce process, a private and confidential way of resolving family disputes. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm today to learn more about collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is the newest method of alternative dispute resolution in family law. A key characteristic of collaborative divorce is that the lawyers and the parties agree to resolve the family related conflict by employing cooperative techniques rather than adversarial strategies. This "settlement first" mentality is achieved by having all parties sign a contract, otherwise known as a "participation agreement." A key provision of the participation agreement requires the attorneys to withdraw from the case if the divorce or family related dispute can not be resolved through the collaborative process. This withdrawal provision guarantees that the attorneys will not abuse the process to gain an upper hand is future litigation. Other key provisions of the participation agreement include: (1) parties agree to act in their children’s best interests, to foster relationships between the children and the respective parents and to minimize any emotional damage to the children as a result of the separation; (2) all communications during the process will be constructive and fair, and will not take advantage of any errors made by the other party; (3) parties agree to divulge any and all relevant information; (4) neutral experts may be retained such as financial experts, child specialists and family counselors; (5) no unilateral changes will be made to assets, insurance coverages or other matters during the process without consent. With a settlement first mentality, the collaborative process allows parties to focus their energy and resources towards reaching an amicable solution. Instead of being isolated from the process, the parties become engaged, part of the team and can help shape the outcome of the dispute. If negotiations are successful, the only time the court becomes involved is when the finalized agreement is ratified by a judge. Their are many benefits of the collaborative divorce process. These benefits include: (1) Parties have more control over the outcome. (2) Privacy and confidentiality. (3) Generally less expensive than litigation. Attorney fees and court costs can add up quickly. (4) The process takes less time than litigation because you chose the time and place you meet instead of dealing with the timetable of busy divorce courts. (5) Parties can focus on settlement without the threat of going to court. You know that you worked together to make life easier for everyone. This is especially important if children are involved. For more information about the collaborative divorce process, contact The Yeatts Law Firm today!

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  Adoptions

  The Yeatts Law Firm is proud to offer its experience with all legal aspects of adoption for our clients. Birmingham adoption attorney Patrick K. Yeatts' broad experience in all areas of family law equips him to provide comprehensive guidance for our clients throughout the adoption process. If you are considering an adoption in Alabama, you may feel overwhelmed by the detailed statutes and forms. You may have questions about the appropriate judicial procedure, involvement with a local agency or whether a pre-placement assessment is required. You may not be fully aware of important legal issues that must be addressed before your adoption case can proceed. The Yeatts Law Firm’s experience with all aspects of the adoption process enables us to anticipate legal issues that may arise. From filing the adoption petition through the final hearing, let an experienced adoption attorney navigate your case through the entire process. Contact Alabama adoption attorney Patrick K. Yeatts. The Yeatts Law Firm handles all types of adoptions, including (1) International Adoptions, (2) Independent Adoptions, (3) Relative Adoptions, (4) Agency Adoptions, (5) Step-Parent Adoptions, and (6) Adult Adoptions.

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  Alimony / Spousal Support

  Spousal support, alimony or spousal maintenance refers to payments made from one spouse to another to maintain a certain standard of living after a divorce. Alimony is typically awarded when there is a disparity in income levels between the respective spouses and the lower earning spouse is unable to pay for normal living expenses. Apart from child custody issues and the division of property, the issue of alimony / spousal support can be one of the most contentious issues that parties may face. Whether you are seeking to collect alimony / spousal support or protect yourself against unmanageable obligations, Birmingham alimony attorney Patrick K. Yeatts will identify all your needs and protect your rights in court. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm for an initial consultation today. A spouse is often be in need of alimony if their primary role was as a homemaker. Under Alabama law, a judge may award temporary alimony during divorce proceedings – sometimes referred to as alimony “pendente lite” – as well as temporary or permanent alimony after the divorce is final. Temporary alimony is typically payments made for a set period of time. In the case of a shorter marriage, courts may look to temporary alimony as rehabilitative, whereby alimony is paid for a period of time to allow a spouse to find a job or obtaining training and education to improve employment prospects. Permanent alimony, while increasingly rare, is generally reserved for older spouses who have served as homemakers for long marriages. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we will work to obtain the highest support order to protect your finances at the time of divorce or dissolution. Birmingham alimony attorney Patrick K. Yeatts is experienced in the technical aspects of the investigation, including tracing assets and income for the self-employed and identifying all resources to ensure that the income of the other spouse is accurate. Call The Yeatts Law Firm for initial consultation. In addition to seeking the highest support order, The Yeatts Law Firm is also experienced in defense against spousal support payments. If you are concerned about unmanageable payments to your former spouse, we can assist you in defending against spousal support and make sure that you get all the deductions and credits you are entitled to. Birmingham alimony attorney Patrick K. Yeatts works with accountants and other experts to accomplish your objectives. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced alimony attorney. Whether you are seeking alimony payments through your divorce or are concerned about unmanageable payments, Attorney Patrick K. Yeatts and The Yeatts Law Firm will handle your case with compassion, competence and commitment. We accept most credit cards.

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  Child Custody / Visitation

  Child custody and visitation cases are easily some of most difficult cases that any family law firm can handle. There are many factors that can affect an award of custody and/or visitation. It is therefore critical that you hire an attorney who has the knowledge and experience necessary to identify those factors. Birmingham child custody attorney Patrick K. Yeatts has handled over a thousand child custody and visitation cases in his career and is often appointed by Alabama family courts to represent children who are caught in the middle of custody battles. He has the knowledge, skill and experience to help you make a compelling case for custody of your child. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we care about families, their children and will strive to ensure that parents find ways to work together for the best interests of their children. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation. We can assist you with every aspect of your child custody and visitation matter. At the time of your divorce or paternity / parentage action, a child custody determination will be made. Based on the judge’s assessment of each parent’s capabilities and the needs of the child, a child custody order will establish who will have legal custody (decision making authority) and physical custody (who has physical responsibility for the child’s care). Various arrangements are possible, including sole physical and legal custody, joint physical and legal custody or sole physical and joint legal custody. Throughout the proceedings, Birmingham child custody attorney Patrick K. Yeatts can develop a clear and compelling case to highlight your capabilities as a parent and build a strong case for custody. It is important that child visitation and parenting schedules accommodate the needs of both the parent and child. By taking time to understand your unique family situation and your child’s needs, The Yeatts Law Firm can help you secure a detailed visitation schedule that minimizes the chances for conflicts and misunderstandings. Modification of an existing custody order or visitation schedule is often needed to accommodate changing circumstances and a child’s changing needs. If circumstances change at work or at home – injury, illness, a new jobs requires relocation, or it becomes clear that a former partner is unfit to parent – your existing child custody agreement may be unworkable. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to help you modify your custody or visitation orders. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Birmingham child custody lawyer. We accept most credit cards.

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  Child Support

  Regardless of the conduct of the parents, Alabama law views children as innocent bystanders after a relationship has ended. As a result, the duty to pay child support is seen as a continuous obligation that exists regardless of the marital status of the parents. Birmingham child support attorney Patrick K. Yeatts and The Yeatts Law Firm have extensive experience in court proceedings to determine child support orders at the time of divorce or in paternity / parentage actions. We can also assist our clients in modifying child support payments when a party’s financial circumstances have changed. Whether you are seeking to collect child support or need legal help to protect yourself against unfair and unmanageable child support payments, we can represent your interests with compassion, competence and commitment. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation. Child support determinations are based on Alabama’s Child Support Guidelines, which take into account custody arrangements, the financial circumstances of each parent and the other factors such as healthcare and daycare costs. Under Alabama law, both parents are responsible for providing appropriate support for their children. Birmingham child support attorney Patrick K. Yeatts will ensure that all the financial information used to calculate a child support payment are accurate and appropriate. This is not always easy, as some parents seek to mislead the other side regarding their finances, will fail to produce an accurate accounting of their financing and attempt to hide income. Birmingham child support attorney Patrick K. Yeatts and The Yeatts Law Firm have the resources, knowledge and experience to investigate and uncover hidden assets so that your child receives the proper amount of support.

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  Child Welfare / Abuse

  In some circumstances, parents are confronted by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) due to allegations regarding the safety and welfare of their children. If DHR is coming to your home, it is vital that you seek counsel immediately. While a DHR social worker may appear to be your friend and confidant, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Hiring an experienced child welfare attorney immediately can help you eliminate issues that would lead to your children being removed permanently or your rights being terminated. We understand the emotional toll that such cases can have you and your children. Parents need to know that if they are unrepresented, they are going up against a state agency that is fully staffed with attorneys and social workers. The recommendations and hurtles created by the state can be daunting for anyone to handle alone. If DHR is coming to your home, contact Birmingham child welfare attorney Patrick K. Yeatts and The Yeatts Law Firm. We can help. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced child welfare attorney. Birmingham child abuse attorney Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you in your DHR case. We accept most credit cards.

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  Division of Property

  When it comes time to divorce, a primary concern for both parties may be the division of property. Alabama is an “equitable distribution” state. “Equitable” does not mean equal, but rather what is deemed fair under the circumstances. Under this standard, when parties are unable to reach an amicable solution, a judge is given broad discretion in awarding marital property. It is important that you be proactive in defending your financial security at the time of divorce. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we have the necessary experience and knowledge to protect your assets – your home, your retirement, and your financial future. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm for an initial consultation about the division of property. Attorney Patrick K. Yeatts will investigate and identify all assets and debts in your case. It is your attorney’s role to help identify and separate marital assets from separate property. The Yeatts Law Firm will look at all of your options and alternatives when seeking to divide the assets of your marriage. In cases involving a husband and wife who have been married a long time, the division of property can include 401(k)s, pensions, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we collaborate with experts including accountants and investigators who can help identify hidden assets and help protect your property interests. Attorney Patrick K. Yeatts has the experience necessary to handle high asset divorces and will aggressively protect your rights. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experience family lawyer. Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you about your concerns about division of property. We accept most credit cards.

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  Enforcement of Orders

  After a divorce is finalized and the court issues a final judgment of divorce, each party to the divorce is bound by the orders set out in the divorce decree. These orders often address important issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, alimony/spousal support and the payment of marital debts. It important to know that the court generally will not monitor the case or the parties to ensure compliance with its orders. Rather, it is incumbent on the parties to monitor one another for compliance. If you believe that your ex-husband or wife has violated a court order set out in your Alabama divorce decree, contact The Yeatts Law Firm today for information on how to enforce your divorce orders. If your ex-spouse is interfering with your right to custody or visitation, then The Yeatts Law Firm can help you enforce your child custody or visitation order. The Yeatts Law Firm is familiar with the legal procedures and strategies to assist you in enforcing your court order. Enforcement can be achieved by arresting the non-compliant spouse or through imposing fines. In some cases, the non-compliant spouse can be criminally charged. Alabama is an adoptee of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJA). The UCCJA was implement to prevent ex-spouses from committing parental kidnapping. It also prevents the other parent from forum shopping and attempting to get another custody order in another state. Under the UCCJA, other states are required to recognize and enforce child custody arrangements from other jurisdictions. For more information about enforcing child custody or visitation orders, contact Birmingham divorce attorney, Patrick K. Yeatts. Unfortunately for many families, obtaining court-ordered child support is only half the battle. Too often, child support checks are late, too small or never come at all. Too often, the parent required to pay child support never does and children suffer for it. If you have an existing child support order and you are owed back child support, Birmingham child support attorney Patrick K. Yeatts can help take legal action to collect unpaid child support payments. Alabama law provides a number of remedies and penalties for parents who have not paid support or who are behind on their child support payments. We will take full advantage of these remedies and penalties to enforce child support collections and get you the support you need. For more information regarding enforcing child support, please see The Yeatts Law Firm's blog. If the terms and conditions set forth in your divorce decree are now unacceptable due to a change in your circumstances, do not ignore them. Court orders are permanent and legally binding unless they are modified or revoked. If your circumstances have changed, you can and should file to have the court modify your divorce order. For more information, please visit our Order Modification page.

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  Modification of Orders

  Parties to a divorce or child support case often assume that a divorce decree or a child support order is final. The truth is that the circumstances of the parties often change and Alabama law allows a court to modify its previous order to account for those changes. For instance, it is very common to need a modification of a child support order as the needs of the child change and the parents’ financial situations change, for better or for worse. Child custody orders and parenting plans may also need to change as the child grows or if one parent leaves the state to pursue a job or be closer to family. Even spousal support orders sometimes require modification. If your existing child custody, child support or spousal support order no longer reflects your current circumstance, contact attorney Patrick K. Yeatts of The Yeatts Law Firm for an initial consultation. We can help you bring your case back to court to seek a modification of your court order. If your circumstances have changed such that your existing custody arrangement is unmanageable or unlivable, The Yeatts Law can help you renegotiate your parenting plan. Examples of a change in circumstances that may result in a modification of child custody or visitation include a new job, relocation to another state, a change in the child’s needs, injury or illness of a parent or child, or if a parent is no longer fit to parent. If you are unable to make child support payments due to a change in your income, expenses or life circumstances – such as job loss, illness or injury, or increased needs of the child – we can help you explain your circumstances to the court. The court may adjust the child support order upward or downward, depending on the circumstances. Contact Birmingham child support modification attorney Patrick K. Yeatts for an initial consultation. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced child support modification lawyer. Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you in your modification. We accept most credit cards.

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  Paternity

  Under Alabama law, a child born during the course of a marriage is presumed to be the child of the husband and wife. However, in many cases, a child is born out of wedlock, or the mother’s husband is not the father. Under these circumstances, a mother may seek to establish paternity to collect child support or a father may seek to assert his parental rights and establish visitation or custody. Whether you are interested in DNA evidence to prove or disprove paternity, or you are interested in collecting or defending against child support payments, Birmingham paternity attorney Patrick K. Yeatts recognizes the interests of both the mother and the father in establishing paternity. At The Yeatts Law Firm, we are experienced in the scientific developments in paternity law including DNA tests and the necessary court procedures. Unmarried parents often face legal disputes after a child is born regarding parental rights, custody, visitation and child support. We can effectively assert your rights in establishing paternity or defending you against parental obligations. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation. If you are pregnant or have given birth to a child and are seeking to establish paternity to enforce your rights to child support, Birmingham paternity attorney Patrick K. Yeatts is experienced in taking legal action to obtain a DNA test. The Yeatts Law Firm will explore all of your options and alternatives to effectively establish paternity and assert your rights to the financial assistance you and your child need. If you are a biological father but have not yet established your parental rights to visitation and even custody, contact Birmingham paternity attorney Patrick K. Yeatts. He will fight hard to assert and protect your rights to visitation. The Yeatts Law Firm will take every necessary legal action to do what is best for you and your child. If you are involved in a paternity dispute and you are seeking to defend yourself against a paternity establishment, you need aggressive legal advocacy to protect your rights. If you believe that you may not be the father of the child, Birmingham paternity attorney Patrick K. Yeatts can help you obtain the requisite DNA test to demonstrate your case. Do not wait to assert your rights or you may be forced to pay child support payments for a child that is not yours. Contact The Yeatts Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation with an experience paternity lawyer. Patrick K. Yeatts will work directly with you in your paternity case. We accept most credit cards.

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