LEGAL SERVICES

FAMILY LAW

Family Law

Mission Statement

  1. To provide family law clients with respectful, ethical, and timely counsel that is thorough yet cost-effective.

  2. To zealously represent clients in settlement negotiations and litigation while remaining compassionate to their unique needs.

  3. To actively listen to clients, offering feedback that empowers them to take appropriate actions and prioritize their goals.

  4. To ensure clients' private matters are handled with the utmost respect, even within the public forum of the legal process.

Practice Areas

Our family law practice encompasses a wide range of services, including:

  • Divorce

  • Child Support

  • Custody and Placement

  • Paternity

  • Post-Divorce Maintenance Modifications

  • Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights

  • Contempt Matters

Important Considerations for Divorce and Legal Separation

If you are considering filing for divorce or legal separation, here are some critical factors to keep in mind:

  • Asset Transfers and the "One-Year Look Back" Rule:
    If, within one year of filing for divorce or legal separation, either party gifted or transferred an asset without mutual consent or fair compensation, the asset may still be considered a marital asset subject to division.

  • Protecting Yourself as a Victim of Sexual Assault:
    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you are a survivor of sexual assault and navigating a divorce, consult an attorney about modifying existing court orders or obtaining restraining orders to protect yourself and your children. Your attorney can also provide guidance on appropriate criminal contacts if necessary.

  • Reviewing Powers of Attorney:
    After filing for divorce, review any previously executed Powers of Attorney related to finances or health care. You may wish to update these documents to designate someone other than your soon-to-be ex-spouse as your agent.

  • Restrictions on Changing Beneficiaries:
    Once a divorce action is filed, you cannot change beneficiaries on insurance policies—including health, life, disability, and homeowner policies—without permission from your spouse or a court order.

  • Social Media and Online Accounts:
    Information shared on social media platforms can be used as evidence in divorce proceedings. Consider deactivating accounts temporarily or updating privacy settings. Change passwords for online accounts and email to prevent unauthorized access by your spouse.

  • Debt Incurred During Divorce Proceedings:
    Not all debts incurred in your name after the divorce action begins will automatically be considered marital debts for which your spouse shares responsibility. Discuss these matters with your attorney to ensure clarity during property division.

We are here to guide you through the complexities of family law with professionalism, compassion, and strategic counsel. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your family law matter.

  • Divorce Representation

    Divorce can be an emotionally challenging experience, but working with an experienced attorney can help alleviate unnecessary stress and guide you through the legal process with confidence. At O’Flaherty, Heim, & Curtis, Ltd., our family law team is committed to providing exceptional client service and efficient legal solutions.

    Divorce proceedings encompass a broad range of family law matters, including:

    • Custody and Placement of Minor Children

    • Child Support

    • Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

    • Property Division

    Our skilled attorneys and dedicated staff work diligently to ensure that all aspects of your case are handled thoroughly and professionally. This includes uncovering and appraising assets, protecting your financial interests, and prioritizing the best interests of your children.

    At O’Flaherty, Heim, & Curtis, Ltd., we take a strategic approach to family law. We carefully evaluate all aspects of your case, balancing the benefits of settlement with the readiness to advocate for your rights in court when necessary. With a focus on delivering personalized solutions and achieving the best possible outcomes, we are here to support you every step of the way.

    Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you during this important time.

  • Child Support Representation

    Child support may appear straightforward on paper, but achieving a fair and accurate determination often requires a deeper understanding of financial complexities. Our skilled family law attorneys excel in evaluating income, assets, and other financial factors to ensure a complete and accurate financial picture.

    Whether you are a W-2 employee or a business owner, we have the expertise to analyze the details of tax returns and financial documents to advocate effectively on your behalf.

    Child support can play a central role in various family law matters, including:

    • Divorce

    • Paternity Actions

    • Post-Divorce Modifications

    Our attorneys combine experience with personalized service to help you navigate child support issues with confidence. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.

  • Custody and Placement Advocacy

    Ensuring that a child’s best interests are prioritized is the cornerstone of any divorce or post-divorce proceeding involving custody and placement. Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to these matters.

    Not only do we represent clients in custody and placement disputes, but several of our attorneys have also served as Guardians ad Litem, court-appointed advocates for minor children. This dual perspective—representing both parents and children—enables us to provide informed, empathetic, and strategic advocacy for our clients navigating these challenging issues.

    Additionally, Attorney Patricia Heim has played a pivotal role in reshaping custody and placement procedures in La Crosse County. Her efforts have helped to streamline these processes, ensuring that cases are addressed thoroughly and in a timely manner, while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.

    For compassionate, experienced representation in custody and placement matters, contact our team to schedule a consultation.

  • Paternity Representation

    Navigating the paternity process can be complex and emotionally challenging for all parties involved. It is essential to understand how paternity is legally established and the subsequent issues that may arise, including custody, placement, and child support.

    Our attorneys approach paternity matters with the utmost care, prioritizing the best interests of the child in every case. Our skilled legal team has extensive experience addressing the unique challenges of paternity proceedings, leveraging the expertise of specialists when necessary to ensure that the child’s needs remain the highest priority for all parties.

    Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or addressing post-adjudication issues, our attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and effective advocacy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in navigating this process.

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