Practice Areas
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage:
Contemplating divorce is one of life’s most challenging times. Although the decision is sometimes the right answer to your situation, it is never easy. The divorce process can be overwhelming, but with the help of an experienced attorney like Laurel Ellson to help you navigate the issues and the courts, the experience doesn’t have to be devastating.
Attorney Ellson started practicing law in 1983 and brings sensitivity and respect to the practice. While all attorney-client communications are privileged and confidential, Attorney Ellson also brings empathy and compassion, building a trusting relationship with her clients. She guides her clients in making the best decisions they can for their families. Occasionally situations cannot be resolved by agreement and need to go to trial, and Attorney Ellson approaches every trial with extensive preparation and dedication. Divorces never bring victory, however, Attorney Ellson will assist you in achieving the right solution to resolve your conflict.
In connection with the dissolution of your marriage, you will explore the issues of:
• Custody
• Parenting Schedules
• Child Support
• Alimony
• Division of family assets and liabilities
You may also need to seek temporary orders from the court regarding these issues while you are in the process of gathering information (“discovery”) from the other party and working toward a final settlement. Attorney Ellson can guide you through this process.
Legal Separation:
Legal separation is not a step in the divorce process, but rather a final judgment of the Court. Sometimes a legal separation is the right solution for a family where there are concerns about health insurance, or where a couple is not prepared for the finality of a divorce. If you have questions about whether a legal separation is appropriate for your circumstances, Attorney Ellson will discuss the alternatives and implications with you.
Restraining Orders:
If you have been subjected to a continuous threat of physical pain or injury by a family or household member, or someone with whom you have been in a dating relationship, you may be entitled to apply for relief from physical abuse by way of a temporary restraining order. Call Attorney Ellson for immediate assistance if you think you need this kind of help.
Post-Judgment Issues:
After a divorce has been finalized and gone to judgment, there may be changes in circumstances that would warrant a modification of the existing financial or parenting court orders. If a party does not comply with orders, he or she may be found in contempt. Attorney Ellson will file motions to bring these matters to the Court’s attention and help you obtain your goals.
Relocation:
Occasionally a party may want or need to move a distance away from their present residence (“relocate”) either during or after a divorce or legal separation. A new job, a second marriage, or financial issues may all be triggers for a plan to relocate, but a relocation involves changes to parenting schedules, and may or may not be permitted by the Court. Attorney Ellson brings experience and judgment to this issue and will be happy to discuss the possibilities and the process with you.
Prenuptial Agreements:
Frequently individuals seek to protect existing assets, businesses, future inheritances, or their children's rights, or for other reasons want to enter into a prenuptial agreement with a future spouse. Attorney Ellson can explain the process and draft documents to help put your mind at ease.