- DivorceHoward & Reed has been the go-to firm since 1970 for helping clients settle divorce and family law cases as well as the injuries caused by negligence. We provide cost-effective and timely resolutions to serious legal matters, often tackling national corporations. Upon your initial consultation at our office in Covington or New Orleans, we discuss our approach to using the law to protect your rights and what you can expect at each step of the process. We provide legal representation throughout the State of Louisiana. Our successes for clients have earned us Super Lawyer designation and the respect of the legal community.
- Child SupportIn the case of financial child support obligations, Louisiana uses the "Income Shares" model. This model is based on the concept that a child should receive the same percentage and type of parental income it would have benefitted from if the family remained intact. However, each case is unique and financial responsibilities requirements are determined with the needs of the child and the resources of each parent in mind. Contact The Law Offices of Howard and Reed to discuss your child support needs. In order to determine the amount of child support that will be owed, the court will require each spouse to provide legitimate income statements that show gross income, adjusted gross income and documentation of current and past earnings. In some cases the court may require detailed household expenses, accounting details and other income source information. In Louisiana the child support obligation ends at age eighteen. If the child remains in high school after age eighteen, child support ends at age nineteen or graduation, whichever occurs first.
- Child Custody and VisitationInitiating and pursuing a divorce is almost always difficult and emotionally trying. When there are limited joint assets to be divided and no children involved, some divorces can be handled fairly quickly and amicably. However, a typical divorce case involves mutual finances, jointly owned property and children. Disagreements regarding the division and distribution of these elements creates a far more complex process. Such situations can be emotionally charged and frightening when combined with the complicated structure of the legal system. Most couples cannot divide their property and make child custody decisions on their own. They need an experienced divorce attorney to advise, protect and stand up for their best interests from the initiation of the process to the closure.
- Spousal SupportSpousal support (sometimes referred to as alimony) can be awarded to either spouse based on a set of circumstances that includes the spouses" relative financial needs and their ability to pay. Alimony awards can be set up in different ways; they can be temporary, required until the divorce is complete, or permanent, to continue after the divorce proceedings are completed. Permanent alimony rulings usually occur when the recipient is free from fault in the marriage breakup, and not able to support him or herself. In Louisiana, when an individual is proven at fault in the breakup of the marriage, that party will not receive permanent spousal support. Permanent spousal support obligations cannot exceed one-third of the responsible spouse"s income unless the alimony support is paid in a lump sum amount. There are some advantages to lump sum payment arrangements that can be discussed with your attorney. Final monthly spousal support is required to be paid indefinitely until the recipient remarries, cohabits or the support award is terminated by the court. Changes in support detail and amount can be made only when there is a significant change in a spouse’s financial situation and ordered by the court.
- Criminal DefenseJonathan Pedersen concentrates his practice on Personal Injury, Class Action, Medical Malpractice, Mass Torts, Asbestos, Civil Rights & Police Abuse, Insurance Claims and Criminal Defense.
- DUI/DWI
- Wrongful Death
- Property Damage
- Personal InjuryJonathan started working with Howard & Reed during his first year of law school in 2005, and began learning early how to properly prepare cases for a judge or jury. He has built a winning trial practice and successfully argued cases before the Louisiana Fourth and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal. He represents personal injury plaintiffs in battles against big insurance companies. He has also successfully represented clients facing criminal prosecution and the victims of police abuse.
- Medical MalpracticeShawn C. Reed brings over two decades of experience in the practices of Personal Injury, Class Action, Medical Malpractice, Mass Torts, Asbestos Poisoning/Mesothelioma, Nursing Home/Elder Care and Veterans Benefit Claims.
- Auto Accidents
- Dog Bites