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Families are wonderful, but when something goes wrong, what once was a happy relationship can quickly turn into a long, contentious, and costly fight in court that can be devastating to all involved. Guidance from a Florence family law lawyer can help you find solutions that prevent these battles.

Family law is an area of law that covers a wide array of family issues that have strong emotional and life-changing ramifications. When issues arise, making mistakes can affect you and your family for years to come, so you do not want to try to deal with them alone.

At Ringer Lingold & Spencer our family law attorneys can take the burden off you by handling the many legal matters that pertain to families, including: divorce, child custody, child support and adoption.

All these issues can be complex and emotionally draining, and it helps to have a compassionate and understanding family law attorney on your side to negotiate just settlements and fight for your rights and those of your children.

OUR FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN FLORENCE WILL DILIGENTLY LOOK OUT FOR YOUR INTERESTS AND THOSE OF YOUR CHILDREN. YOU CAN TRUST US TO STAND WITH YOU TO SAFEGUARD YOUR RIGHTS. CALL US AT (601) 845-5050.

Florence Family Lawyers Bring Experience and Understanding

Ringer Lingold & Spencer is a small town law firm that provides professional and personalized services to all of its clients. Our partners together have over 73 years of experience practicing in courts all over the state of Mississippi to represent the best interests of their clients. We understand how important it is to resolve family issues and do what we can to make the process as easy as possible for all concerned. We are here to protect your rights and safeguard your future.

Our family law attorneys look forward to discussing the facts of your situation and determining the best way to help. Call us today at (601) 845-5050 to set up a consultation.

How a Mississippi Family Lawyer Can Help

Securing Your and Your Family’s Future

Mississippi family law is complicated, and when an issue comes up that affects you, your children, your family, and your finances, having guidance from a professional who understands how the law affects your circumstances can help. You are bound to have questions and concerns as to what will happen to your family and whether your future will be secure. Working with a family lawyer will answer your questions, such as:

  • What is the procedure and what are the steps to get a divorce
  • Whether you can collect or have to pay child support or alimony
  • What is the best arrangement for child custody and visitation
  • How to get orders of protection if necessary
  • How to arrange an adoption

No matter what the issue, the caring family lawyers at Ringer Lingold & Spencer are here to handle all court filings, paperwork, and any legal hurdles that may arise. We will listen to your concerns, explain the law, and help you work toward solutions that will benefit you and your family now and into the future. We will build your case, take it to court, and argue on your behalf if necessary.

Common Questions Answered by a Family Law Attorney
  • How long does it take to get a divorce in Mississippi?

    How long it takes depends on whether you are filing a fault or no-fault divorce and how much disagreement there is on the terms of your divorce. The more disagreement that has to be worked out, the longer it will take. Depending on these factors, it could take from 60 days after you file, several months, or even years in some cases.

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce?

    When you file for divorce in Mississippi, you will have to pay court costs. Court costs in Rankin County for initial filing of paperwork are approximately $160. There are additional costs for serving your spouse and for petition, request and motion filings that may be needed. Besides court costs, there will be attorney fees. We will advise you about fees when we meet with you.

  • How long do I have to keep paying child support in Mississippi?

    Generally, the parent ordered with paying child support must pay until the child turns 21, or when he or she gets married, becomes self-supporting or joins the military full time. If the child is legally adopted, such as by a step-parent, child support may stop. Or if a child support order is changed, that may stop or reduce child support.

  • How can a child support order be changed?

    If you’ve lost your job or otherwise had a change in your financial circumstances, you can seek a child support modification through the family law court. The same is true if your former spouse’s financial circumstances have improved. You will have to file a formal request and show documentation that proves your circumstances have changed. Our Florence attorneys can more closely advise you based upon your unique circumstances.

WHEN YOU ARE FACING A DIFFICULT FAMILY LEGAL DISPUTE, YOU CAN COUNT ON OUR FLORENCE FAMILY LAWYER TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. DON’T GO IT ALONE – WE WILL HELP RELIEVE YOUR STRESS THROUGH EXPERIENCED AND COMPASSIONATE GUIDANCE.

Family Lawyers in Florence, MS Help with Divorce

Faithful Service during Marriage Break-ups

Divorce is one of the most heartbreaking and devastating experiences in life, made more so if the divorce is contentious. Mississippi law, under Title 93 of the Mississippi Civil Code, allows you to file for divorce based on either fault or no fault grounds.

A Divorce That Establishes Fault

For a Mississippi fault divorce, you must show that one spouse acted in such a way that it caused the end of the marriage. Examples include adultery, desertion, cruelty, abuse, insanity, or drug or alcohol abuse. These divorces may be difficult to prove and take more time and cost more money than no-fault divorces, so they are less commonly used.

No-fault Divorce

Most couples file no fault divorces, on the grounds that the marriage cannot be repaired because of irreconcilable differences. With no-fault divorce, neither party blames the other or has to prove anything – you are just stating that the marriage just did not work out. No proof is required, and these divorces must be uncontested, so they usually conclude faster and cost less.

Requirements for Divorce

Residency and Waiting Periods

There are residency and waiting period requirements for Mississippi divorces, as follows:

Residency

With residency requirements one spouse must be an actual, bona fide resident of Mississippi for six (6) months before starting the suit. There are exceptions for members of the armed services.

Waiting Period for a Divorce in Mississippi

There is a mandatory waiting period for divorce based on irreconcilable differences of 60 days before filing for a divorce.

Dividing Property in Divorce

Understanding Equitable Distribution

In a Mississippi divorce, marital property is divided based on the “equitable distribution of property.” This does not mean that each spouse will receive 50% of the property, but that several factors will be considered as to determining what is equitable. These include:

  • The age, education, disability, and earning capacity of each spouse and their contribution to property
  • The length of the marriage
  • Whether there are children who would benefit from remaining in the family home

Alimony in Divorce

Getting You the Best Possible Settlement

Spousal support, or alimony, is governed by similar considerations as property distribution. The courts will consider the same factors in determining whether and how much support should be granted and for how long it should continue.

The family lawyers at Ringer Lingold & Spencer know how difficult divorce can be and will work to get you the best settlement with the least aggravation possible. Call us today at (601) 845-5050.

Family Lawyers Handle Full Range of Practice Areas

Safeguarding Clients’ and Children’s Interests

Child Custody

Everyone wants the best for their children, but when couples divorce, issues may arise over child custody, support, and visitation that create hostilities harmful to both parents and their children. Mississippi has its own child custody laws and abides by the federal Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which enforces child custody ruling from other states, as well.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements

There are several different types of child custody arrangements that can be awarded in Mississippi, and the courts will decide on what is best according to what is in the best interests of the child. This usually means that the child is safe and can continue with the type of life the child is accustomed to, as far as friends, families, education, and community are concerned. Common arrangements include:

  • Both joint legal and physical custody shared by both of the parents. Both parents share the decision making for the child and the time the child resides with them.
  • One parent gets both legal and physical custody. The child resides with one parent, who also gets to make the major decisions for the child.
  • Both parents have joint physical or legal custody, but only one parent has either full legal or full physical custody.

Mississippi believes that joint custody with both parents cooperating is usually in the best interests of the child. If this is not possible, the court will give one parent primary physical and custody rights, while the other parent has visitation with the child. Grandparents’ visitation rights are also recognized legally.

Child Support

Mississippi expects parents to support their children, even during divorce and custody disputes The law sets guidelines as to which parents must pay child support and how much should be paid. Mississippi’s child support law requires the parent who is not granted primary custody of the children to pay a percentage of their adjusted gross income (AGI) in child support. The percentage amount is based on the number of children involved according to a formula. There are exceptions to the formula based on the individual situation.

Talk to our Ringer Lingold & Spencer family law attorneys to see how the child support regulations affect your case.

Adoption

Adoption can bring joy to families who want children and children who need a loving home. Mississippi adoption laws are designed to protect the best interests of the person being adopted. Requirements include:

  • Residency — Adoptive parents must be state residents for 90 days before filing adoption paperwork. Adoptees must live in their new homes for 6 months before the adoption can be finalized.
  • Children age 14 and older must give consent to being adopted.
  • Any unmarried adult or married spouses filing jointly may file to adopt a child.
Father’s Rights

While Mississippi law states that fathers are entitled to equal rights as mothers in a divorce, the fact remains that mothers still are often given preference when it comes to custody, visitation, and support arrangements. It is often presumed that mothers should be the primary caregiver of minor children.

The family law attorneys at Ringer Lingold & Spencer are prepared to fight for the rights of any father who deserves and wishes to have equal treatment in a divorce and custody situation.

Call a Florence, MS Family Lawyer for Help Today

Compassionate Legal Help During Stressful Times

Family law issues can be painful, stressful and emotionally draining, but you do not have to go through the process of fighting for your rights and an equitable solution alone. The Florence MS, family lawyers at Ringer Lingold & Spencer know what you are going through and will help you make decisions that will benefit your family and get you back on the path to rebuilding your life. We are fully prepared to guide and protect you and your children throughout all family law processes.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR LEGAL ISSUE, OUR FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU FIND A FAVORABLE RESOLUTION SO YOU CAN MOVE ON WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Contact us today to request a consultation to discuss your family law situation. Our understanding attorneys can be reached at (601) 845-5050.

Attorney Amanda Lingold Spencer

Amanda’s practice focuses on family law. She is warm and compassionate with clients and tough on opponents. Her legal work centers on child custody, divorce, adoption, contempt and modification actions. Amanda is adept at both negotiating and litigating, and her no-nonsense approach to legal matters means she’s honest, forthright and direct in assessing each legal case.
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