Family Lawyer in Stuart FL
When searching for a family lawyer in Stuart FL to represent you in Martin County Family Law Court, experience and accessibility matters. At Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A., our team of Stuart family law attorneys has decades of combined experience representing clients in all areas of Florida family law, including paternity, uncontested divorce and contested divorce. As a veteran-owned law firm, we proudly offer military and veteran discounts in recognition of those who have served. One of our partners is a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Ranger Battalion, and we bring that same dedication and determination into the courtroom for every family law client.
Divorce Lawyer in Stuart, FL
Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in life. Our Stuart divorce attorneys are experienced in both contested and uncontested divorces. We work quickly to protect your rights, your assets, and your financial security. Whether your case involves property division, spousal support, or a complex custody dispute, we advocate for the best possible outcome and work quickly.
Child Custody Lawyer in Stuart, FL
In Florida, child custody (known as timesharing) is always decided based on the best interests of the child. Courts in Stuart, FL require parents to develop a detailed parenting plan that outlines custody schedules, decision-making authority, and responsibilities. A Stuart family law attorney can help parents protect their rights while ensuring the child’s emotional, educational, and medical needs are met. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience handling child custody cases in Martin County, guiding clients through negotiation or litigation to achieve fair, lasting parenting arrangements. If you are facing custody issues, you need a child custody lawyer in Stuart, Florida, who understands the Martin County Family Court process and will protect your parental rights. We help clients create and enforce parenting plans that focus on the best interests of the children while ensuring parents are treated fairly under Florida law.
Child Support Lawyer in Stuart, FL
Florida courts use guidelines to calculate child support, but those guidelines are not always straightforward. Our child support attorneys in Stuart advocate for accurate calculations and handle child support enforcement and modification cases when financial circumstances change.
Alimony Lawyer in Stuart, FL
Under Florida’s new alimony law (effective July 1, 2023) permanent alimony has been abolished and now only temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative and durational alimony now exist. Durational alimony is capped based on the length of the marriage (up to 50%, 60% or 75% depending on the length of the marriage (3-10 years of marriage, 10-20 years or over 20 years of marriage). The new law also limits alimony to a max of 35% of the difference between the net incomes of the spouses. Click this link for the full text of the new Florida alimony law. Whether you are seeking alimony or defending against an alimony claim for alimony in Martin County, our alimony lawyers in Stuart will stand by your side. We handle initial alimony determinations as well as petitions to modify alimony when financial needs or earning capacities change.
Paternity Lawyer in Stuart, FL
Establishing paternity provides legal rights and responsibilities for both parents. In Florida, paternity law establishes a father’s legal rights and responsibilities, including child custody, timesharing, and child support. A paternity lawyer in Stuart, FL can assist fathers who wish to secure their parental rights as well as mothers seeking to establish support. Once paternity is legally confirmed, the court will issue orders in line with the child’s best interests regarding custody, visitation, and financial support. Our Stuart family law attorneys have extensive experience guiding parents through the paternity process under Florida paternity law, ensuring fair and lasting protections for both parents and children. We represent both fathers and mothers in paternity cases in Martin County Family Law Court. Our paternity lawyers in Stuart, FL assist mothers and fathers in securing child support, custody, and visitation rights. With our experience in paternity litigation, we make the process as straightforward as possible.
Unique Experience That Sets Us Apart from Other Family Lawyers
Not all Martin County family law firms are the same. At Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, we offer unique experience that truly sets us apart:
- Christian Van Riper, one of our partners, is a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience. Mr. Van Riper is a “local family lawyer” and has lived in Stuart since he was a child. Hiring a local family lawyer in Stuart, FL offers key advantages over out-of-county attorneys, including familiarity with Treasure Coast Family Law judges, court staff, and local procedures. A Treasure Coast divorce attorney can provide more accessible, personalized service while avoiding the added costs and delays that can come with lawyers traveling from outside the area. Further, our family lawyer, Christian Van Riper, regularly meets with clients in person in our office on SE Ocean Boulevard not far from the courthouse.
- Before becoming a lawyer, he also worked as a DCF investigator, giving him rare insight into child welfare cases and custody disputes. Mr. Van Riper also represents parents in Dependency cases in Martin and St. Lucie County.
- This dual background allows us to anticipate strategies from both opposing counsel and government agencies.
Useful Tips Before Meeting with a Family Lawyer in Stuart FL
Although not necessary before a first meeting with a Stuart FL family lawyer. We encourage our readers to prepare for the meeting ahead of time.
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Organize Financial Records
- Print or gather recent bank statements, credit card bills, and loan balances.
- Collect mortgage statements, deeds, or lease agreements for any property.
- Gather recent tax returns and pay stubs.
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List Assets and Debts
- Include retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pensions), insurance policies, vehicles, and other significant assets.
- Note all outstanding debts (personal loans, student loans, credit cards, car loans, mortgages).
- It is suggested to pull your own credit report, which may help identify debts in your name.
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Create a Budget Snapshot
- Document monthly expenses (utilities, groceries, insurance, childcare, etc.).
- This helps the attorney evaluate potential child support or alimony issues.
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Children’s Information
- Bring school and medical records.
- Note extracurricular activities, special needs, and typical schedules.
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Write Down Questions
- We suggest preparing a list of the largest concerns such as finances, parenting or property division as well as any other questions you may have at the meeting. We will answer your questions and also discuss a “divorce timeline” as we are frequently asked how long a divorce takes. There are many factors that we will discuss with you.
Contact Our Stuart Family Law Attorneys
📞 Call us today at 772-283-8712 for a free consultation
🌐 Visit us at vanriperandnies.com
At Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A., we are committed to protecting your rights and your family’s future.