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Family Lawyer Lincoln, NE

Family law issues are some of the most emotional types of legal disputes, with fear and anger running high on all sides. Let a cool-headed Lincoln, NE, family lawyer from GordenLaw, LLC, help protect your legal rights and secure the best outcome possible for your custody, divorce, or other family law matters. We strive to resolve your legal issue as expeditiously as possible, helping you preserve relationships and face the future with confidence.

Comprehensive Representation From An Experienced Lincoln Family Lawyer

Our legal team has a solid history of helping families just like yours negotiate fair divorce settlements, child possession, and visitation agreements that are in your child’s best interest, and legal separation agreements that protect your rights.

We review the details of your situation and goals and then work toward a solution to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We’ll also guide you through each phase of your legal matter, ensuring that you understand what comes next. If we need to go to court to protect your rights, we’re ready—our team of family law attorneys has the courtroom experience you need, and we always keep our clients’ best interests in mind.

When Do I Need A Lincoln Family Lawyer?

Any time that your family dynamic changes, whether someone petitions for a divorce, you wish to get married, or you adopt a child, it’s a good idea to have a family law attorney advise you. If you want your family structure to change, such as initiating a divorce, drafting a prenuptial agreement ahead of a marriage, or increasing or decreasing your parenting time, a family law attorney can ensure that you have legal protections.

Caring, Compassionate, And Committed To Your Family

You may struggle to have your voice heard during a contentious divorce or disputed child custody arrangements. You’re in good hands with us. We know the ins and outs of family law proceedings in Lincoln and across Nebraska, and we put this knowledge to work for you. Our deep knowledge of Nebraska family law statutes and innovative representation helps us develop possibilities you may not have considered.

We’ll protect your rights as a parent in a child custody negotiation and preserve your rights to marital assets in a divorce. Whether you’re fighting for sole custody, shared custody, or something else, your lawyer is here to make the process go as smoothly as possible. We keep abreast of changes to Nebraska law that could affect your case, ensuring you’re continually protected.

How Can We Help You With Your Family Law Matter?

We have responsive representation, answering your questions as they come up and soothing your worries. From exploring your legal options to asserting your rights, count on our knowledge and tenacity to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact GordenLaw, LLC, today for a consultation with a compassionate Lincoln family lawyer.

Understanding Grandparents’ Rights In Nebraska

Our trusted Lincoln, NE family lawyer knows that in Nebraska, grandparents’ rights are a nuanced area of family law, balancing the interests of the grandparents with the rights of the parents and the best interests of the child. While grandparents do not have inherent rights to visitation or custody, Nebraska law provides specific circumstances under which they can seek these rights through the court system. Attorney Vanessa Gorden from GordenLaw, LLC received the Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 Award and has been compassionately working with clients for years.

Seeking Visitation Rights

Grandparents in Nebraska can petition the court for visitation rights under certain conditions. The law recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships between grandparents and grandchildren, particularly when those relationships have already been established and are beneficial to the child’s well-being. To be granted visitation rights, grandparents must demonstrate that it is in the best interest of the child and that a significant beneficial relationship exists.

Our family lawyer in Lincoln knows that the court considers various factors when determining if grandparent visitation is appropriate. These factors include the nature and extent of the pre-existing relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild, the potential benefits of maintaining that relationship, and the preferences of the child if they are of sufficient age and maturity to express a meaningful opinion. Additionally, the court will consider any evidence that visitation would be harmful to the child or interfere with the parent-child relationship.

Petitioning For Custody

In more severe circumstances, grandparents may seek custody of their grandchildren. This generally occurs when the parents are deemed unfit or unable to care for the child due to issues such as substance abuse, neglect, or abuse. In such cases, grandparents must demonstrate to the court that awarding them custody would be in the best interest of the child and that they can provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

The court’s primary concern is always the welfare of the child. When evaluating a custody petition, the court examines the grandparents’ ability to meet the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. The stability of the home environment, the child’s attachment to the grandparents, and the willingness of the grandparents to facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and their parents are also critical factors.

The Role Of Mediation

Mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes involving grandparents’ rights without resorting to contentious court battles. This process allows all parties to discuss their concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement in a more collaborative and less adversarial setting. Mediation can help preserve family relationships and reduce the emotional strain on the child.

We encourage families to consider mediation as a first step in resolving these sensitive issues. Our experienced mediators can facilitate discussions and help families find common ground, focusing on the best interests of the child.

Legal Support For Grandparents

Navigating the legal complexities of grandparents’ rights in Nebraska can be challenging. It is crucial for grandparents seeking visitation or custody to have knowledgeable legal representation to guide them through the process. If you are a grandparent seeking visitation or custody rights, contact us today to discuss your case. Attorney Gorden has taught many continuing legal education presentations to other lawyers on family law and ethics and is here to help you. Together, we can navigate the legal landscape and advocate for the relationships that matter most. Speak with our family lawyer in Lincoln now.

Setting Up Virtual Visitation Rights

In today’s digital age, virtual visitation rights are becoming an increasingly popular solution for families navigating custody arrangements, as our Lincoln, NE family lawyer can tell you. Whether parents live in different cities, states, or even countries, virtual visitation allows for meaningful, real-time interaction between parents and children through video calls and other online communication tools. Setting up these rights can be complex, but with the help of a family lawyer in Lincoln, NE, the process can be much smoother and more effective. Attorney Vanessa Gorden graduated with honors from law school in 2005 and knows the ins and outs of family law.

  1. Understanding Virtual Visitation. Virtual visitation, also known as electronic visitation, refers to the use of technology to facilitate contact between a non-custodial parent and their children. This can include video calls, instant messaging, emails, and other online platforms. Virtual visitation is particularly beneficial in situations where physical visitation is challenging due to geographical distances, busy schedules, or health concerns.
  2. Legal Framework for Virtual Visitation. The legal framework for virtual visitation can vary by state, but it generally involves incorporating provisions into the custody agreement that specify how and when virtual visitation will occur. A family lawyer can help ensure that these provisions are clear, comprehensive, and in the best interests of the child. They will work with both parents to establish a schedule that allows for regular and meaningful interaction.
  3. Drafting a Virtual Visitation Agreement. When drafting a virtual visitation agreement, it’s important to include details about the frequency, duration, and preferred platforms for communication. For example, you might specify that video calls will take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening for 30 minutes. Additionally, it’s crucial to outline expectations regarding the presence of the custodial parent during virtual visits, technical issues, and how to handle changes to the schedule. Your family lawyer in Lincoln, NE can provide invaluable assistance in drafting this agreement, ensuring that it is legally sound and tailored to the unique needs of your family.
  4. Benefits of Virtual Visitation. Virtual visitation offers numerous benefits for both parents and children. It allows for more consistent contact, helping to maintain and strengthen the parent-child bond. Children can share their daily experiences, homework, and special moments with the non-custodial parent, fostering a sense of connection and involvement. For parents, virtual visitation provides an opportunity to participate in their child’s life more regularly, despite physical distance.
  5. Addressing Challenges. While virtual visitation is a valuable tool, it’s not without challenges. Technical difficulties, scheduling conflicts, and resistance from one parent can all pose obstacles. Having a well-drafted agreement in place can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, a family lawyer can provide guidance on how to handle any problems that arise, ensuring that virtual visitation remains a positive experience for everyone involved.
  6. Implementing Virtual Visitation. Once the agreement is in place, implementing virtual visitation requires cooperation and a commitment to the child’s well-being from both parents. It’s important to approach virtual visitation with flexibility and a positive attitude, understanding that it is a complement to, rather than a replacement for, in-person visits.

See How A Family Lawyer Can Help You

Setting up virtual visitation rights can be a complex process, but it offers a valuable way for parents and children to maintain close relationships despite physical distance. Attorney Gorden was the co-author of Stress-Free Divorce Volume 4: Conversations with Leading Divorce Professionals (2018) and understands how complicated these situations can be. If you need assistance with setting up virtual visitation rights, contact a family lawyer in Lincoln today and let us help you create a plan that supports your family’s needs and fosters strong, lasting bonds.

Lincoln Family Infographic

Setting Up Virtual Visitation Rights Infographic

Custody When Your Spouse Is Abusive

Our Lincoln, NE family lawyer knows that when pursuing custody rights of your child in an abusive situation, knowing what kinds of evidence to gather is essential. Courts require solid proof of abuse to ensure the child’s best interests are met. We often receive questions about what evidence can help build a strong case in these circumstances, and we’re here to provide guidance. When you are ready, speak with attorney Vanessa, the owner and managing member of GordenLaw, LLC.

What Type Of Documentation Should We Collect To Prove Our Spouse Is Abusive?

Documentation is one of the most important types of evidence in child custody cases involving abuse. Medical records showing injuries, police reports filed after incidents, and any protective orders granted by the court can all provide critical proof of the abusive behavior. Keeping detailed records, including dates and descriptions of each event, can further support your case.

Can Witness Testimony Help Us Prove The Abuse?

Yes, our family lawyer in Lincoln knows that witness testimony can be a powerful asset in custody disputes where abuse is a factor. Individuals who have observed abusive behavior firsthand—whether family members, neighbors, or even professionals like teachers or therapists—can provide statements or testify in court. Their perspective helps to corroborate your claims and adds credibility to your evidence.

What Role Does Expert Testimony Play In These Cases?

Expert testimony from professionals such as psychologists, social workers, or medical providers can be invaluable. These experts can evaluate your child and the abusive spouse, providing detailed assessments of the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. Their professional opinions carry significant weight in court and can make a difference in your custody case.

Is Photographic Or Video Evidence Necessary?

While not always necessary, photographic or video evidence can be compelling. Images of injuries, damaged property, or even footage of abusive behavior can serve as visual proof that the abuse is happening. We should be cautious about obtaining this type of evidence safely, but when it’s available, it can have a significant impact on the court’s decision.

How Can We Demonstrate The Emotional Effects Of The Abuse On Our Child?

Showing the emotional and psychological impact of abuse is crucial in child custody cases. This can be done through counseling or therapy records, expert evaluations, or even journaling the child’s behavior and reactions. Evidence that the child is suffering from anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress linked to the abuse can strengthen your case for custody.

Legal Help During This Difficult Time

At GordenLaw, LLC, we understand that pursuing custody rights when your spouse is abusive is an incredibly difficult process. Gathering the right evidence can make all the difference in protecting your child and securing their future. Reach out to us today, and let us help you build a strong case that puts your child’s well-being first. Attorney Vanessa has received the “Top 10 Lawyers Under 40” award because she is dedicated to family law. Together, we’ll fight for the best possible outcome for your family. Speak with our Lincoln family lawyer today.

Client Review

“We have never worked with an attorney as responsive and attentive as Vanessa at Gordon Law LLC. She took the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly and kept us updated every step of the way. Her dedication to ensuring we were well-informed and comfortable with the process made the difference. On top of that, her pricing was very reasonable for the level of service we received. I would highly recommend Vanessa and the team at Gordon Law LLC to anyone in need of legal expertise. Exceptional service and results all around.”

Ted Triplett
Client Review