FAQs
Porter Law Firm Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here for all your legal needs. Porter Law Firm is a compassionate family law attorney in Ogden, UT. Our team knows family law issues are some of the most important things in life. Whether you’re trying to adopt a child, going through a divorce, or need help setting up a will, we’ll guide you through each step. We’ll always ask the right questions to ensure your loved ones are protected through some of the toughest decisions in life. We’re committed to the future of our clients. Porter Law Firm will answer all your frequently asked questions, so you feel safe and secure with us. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
What Are the First Steps Toward Adoption?
We understand adoption is a life-changing decision. The first step towards adoption is to decide the type of adoption, including agency-assisted, direct placement, stepparent, kinship, foster care, and international. After you determine the type of preferred adoption, we’ll help you navigate the process, file the correct paperwork, and ensure your adoption placement is successful.
How Much Do Adoptions Cost?
There is not a set amount of money to adopt a child. The cost of adoption varies depending on the type of adoption, the age of the child, and other factors. The price ranges from about $5,000 to $50,000.
How Can Porter Law Firm Guide Me to Parenthood?
We believe all children deserve a loving home and want to help guide them on the path to parenthood. We’ll stay by your side through the unique and challenging aspects of adoption. You can count on us to meet your needs while keeping the child’s well-being the priority. We will file the appropriate paperwork and help you physically and mentally through the adoption process.
Can I Adopt the Child of a Family Member?
Yes, in most cases you can adopt the child of a family member with legal counsel. You need to follow a few steps for a smooth transition:
- Obtain consent from the child’s parents or allow the court to terminate their legal parental rights.
- Petition the court for adoption
- Undergo a post-placement supervision period
- Attend a final hearing for legal parental rights
Do I Have to Continue Child Support Payments If A New Family Adopts My Child?
No. when a child is legally adopted, the parental rights and responsibilities of the former guardian are terminated. This means you do not have any obligation to pay child support if you have given written consent to terminate your parental rights.
What If I’m Behind on My Child Support Payments?
In most cases, you owe child support if it was ordered before your parental rights were terminated. You are still required to pay the amount you owed before signing over your rights.
How Much Child Support Will I Have to Pay?
Child support is different for every family. In Utah, child custody is usually split between both parents, with the support typically paid to the parent with the lower income annually. We can also work with you to modify an existing child support or custody order.
How Much Child Support Will I Receive?
Child support amounts vary depending on different circumstances. Though child support is usually split between both parents, support is generally paid by the parent with a higher annual income.
Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer?
Divorce can be a challenging time full of unexpected decisions and conflicting emotions. Porter Law Firm’s divorce attorneys have the experience and knowledge to guide you through this awkward time. You need a team of experts on your side to help you feel comfortable and offer you emotional support through the legal process. You need a divorce attorney to ensure your rights are protected, paperwork is done correctly, and you get everything you’re entitled to in the separation.
What Can I Expect from The Time I File for Divorce to The Final Decree?
Porter Law Firm’s professional law attorneys will help you through each stage of divorce, from filing to the final decree. You should expect these steps:
- File for Divorce – Filing for divorce involves contacting our law office, filing the correct paperwork, and serving your spouse.
- Complete Required Mediation and Courses – Many Utah couples resolve divorce issues during this stage, eliminating the need for a trial. You must wait 90 days after your divorce petition was filed to sign your final order. If you have minor children, you must both take a required divorce orientation class and a divorce education class in person or online. You must attend a mediation session before a judge will grant your divorce.
- Go to Trial – If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement about issues in your divorce decree, you will need to go to trial. You may need to prepare for the trial with paperwork and evidence to support any claims.
- Final Divorce Decree – A judge will sign your final divorce decree following your trial or mediation. You are legally divorced.
What Does Legal Guardianship Mean?
Legal guardianship involves parents planning care for their children in their absence. In most cases, parental rights are not signed over. Legal guardianship allows a caregiver legal rights regarding the child’s care. In most cases, the parents can still play a role in their children’s lives but cannot make formal decisions.
What Is A Legal Guardian?
A legal guardian is a person that is appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of another person. A legal guardian is responsible for the person’s physical, mental, and financial well-being.
What Determines If My Loved One Needs a Guardian?
Guardianship is appointed when a person is declared incapacitated by a court of law due to physical or mental illness, age, chronic drug use, intoxication, or mental deficiency. A legal guardian steps in to help protect a person’s well-being and make decisions concerning their medical care and residency.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?
You can file a personal injury claim for your pain and suffering caused by the injury and your loss of earnings. Porter Law Firm’s legal team will assess the value of your claim for pain and suffering caused by the injury.
Did You Suffer an Injury?
We will obtain your medical reports to determine the amount of physical and mental suffering caused by your injury. The level of compensation will take into account the severity of your injury, the extent to which it resulted in long-term disability, and the extent that it disrupted your life.
Was Negligence Involved?
If negligence was involved, we will determine the accurate compensation. Negligence includes tripping over obstacles, impact from a falling object, slips on wet floors, and anything that physically harms you due to a property owner’s neglect.
What Are the Main Types of Personal Injury Cases?
We handle many different types of personal injury cases, including:
- Negligence –Negligence cases happen when you’re injured because a property owner or manager did not take the actions needed to keep you safe. Negligence often includes tripping over objects, slips, and falls, and impact from falling objects.
- Intentional Harm –When a party harms someone with intent, we’ll help you get compensation for the traumatic experience and physical injuries.
- Strict Liability –If the dependent enabled a dangerous activity, they may be liable if that activity causes any harm. Strict liability cases often include building demolition and transporting hazardous liquids.
Can You Afford A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Yes! A personal injury attorney helps you get the compensation you deserve from someone else’s negligence. A personal injury lawyer is affordable and ensures you’ll get the money you deserve.
Why is Estate Planning Important?
Estate planning is important because it’s an essential part of managing your assets. Our legal team guides you through trusts and estates to ensure your estate doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. You need a simple, legal plan to disburse your estate. We understand the distribution of assets is sometimes disputed, so our mediation team is here to settle any arguments regarding estate planning.
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Yes! An estate plan involves the power of attorney, trusts, designations, beneficiaries, and powers of appointment. Estate planning is essential to ensure the fate of your estate is positive.
What Are the Basics of Estate Planning?
The basics of estate planning boil down to establishing who receives your assets after you pass away or cannot handle your business affairs. Our legal professionals will help you through the decisions and basics of your estate plan. Most people think it’s all about money, but estate planning involves many different components.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business?
While every business is different, the cost to start a business depends on your industry and business model. On average, it costs over $30,000 to start your business from scratch the first year.
What Business Structure Is Right for My Company?
We’ll help you determine the best business structure for your company. Your business structure impacts how much you pay in taxes, the paperwork needed your liability, and your ability to raise money. Business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, C corp, B corp, S corp, close corporation, non-profit organization, and cooperative.
What Are the Types of Guardianships?
The State of Utah offers full or limited guardianship. Plenary, or full guardianship, transfers all rights to the guardian. Limited guardianship enables the guardian to make decisions in limited areas determined by the court.
Are There Damages?
We will assess your damages for pain and suffering. Damage compensation may be received for emotional or physical harm and property damage.
Contact Porter Law Firm Today
If you have any additional questions or concerns, Porter Law Firm is here to answer them openly and honestly. Our family law attorneys specialize in divorce, child custody and support, wills, trusts, estate planning, and other legal services. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our compassionate, knowledgeable team.