Family Law

• Divorce
  The end of a marriage can be a stressful and emotional situation. We can guide you through the divorce process efficiently and effectively. The attorneys at Salley & Salley have over 40 years of combined experience helping our clients through their divorce, and we will make certain that you understand the steps that we will to take to address your needs. We can assist you with all aspects of your divorce, whether uncontested or complex. Some of the incidental matters you may encounter when going through a divorce are: Custody and Visitation, Community Property, Spousal Support/Alimony, Child Support, Paternity, Wills, Restraining Orders and Protective Orders, Relocation, Military Issues, Financially Complex Partitions. Our practice offers New Orleans divorce attorneys who are Board Certified Family Law Specialists, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. This is a title bestowed on a select few lawyers who meet specific standards of excellence and experience. Our in-depth knowledge of family law can work for you.
• Child Support
  We can advise you on all matters pertaining to child support including calculating the appropriate amount of support, determining if an increase or a decrease is required, addressing arrearages and having the court determine the appropriate penalties for non- payment. In some cases, paternity may need to be determined. We are also among a small group of Louisiana law firms that offer attorneys who are Board-Certified Family Law Specialists, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is granted to a select number of attorneys who meet specific standards of excellence and experience. Every day, we put our knowledge and experience to work providing personal service and aggressive representation for our clients. Sandra Salley has been a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist since January, 2000. Laurel Salley became a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist in January, 2004.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Child custody and visitation rights are delicate matters. We can assist you whether you are going through a divorce, you are initiating custody proceedings, or you wish to modify an existing visitation or custody order. When possible, a child should have a loving and supportive relationship with each parent. A child's home environment should be safe, stable and consistent. Whether you are the mother or the father, it is important to remember to keep the best interest of the child as your priority. Discuss your questions or concerns with a knowledgeable custody and visitation attorney. As a parent, educate yourself on the legal remedies available to you.
• Adoption
  In an intrafamily adoption, one family member agrees to become legally responsible for the minor child of another family member. The adopting family member can be a sibling, parent, stepparent, grandparent, cousin, or a member of the extended family. A family member seeking to adopt must meet certain criteria. Adopting a minor child will require a background check and at least one court appearance. If both parents do not agree to give their consent, additional steps may be required. Let us help you navigate the legal process so that you will have peace of mind that your adoption case is being properly and professionally handled. Our firm also handles adult adoptions. These adoptions are fairly simple. Adult adoptions legally recognize the loving child-parent relationship that has developed between two unrelated people.
• Paternity
  The issue of paternity can be an emotional situation. Either parent may decide to pursue paternity testing to determine the biological father. Once paternity has been established, decisions will need to be made regarding the role the father will have in matters regarding visitation and custody, upbringing and development, and support. The court can order DNA testing to eliminate or establish the biological father.
• Premarital Agreement
  Getting married is a time to celebrate. It is also a time to consider your financial future. A prenuptial agreement defines the specific financial agreement between parties, in the event of a divorce. This agreement must be signed by both parties and recorded with the court, prior to the marriage. This proactive approach eliminates the potential for any misunderstandings regarding how your finances will be managed.
• Spousal Support
  The two main types of spousal support are interim and final. Interim spousal support provides the spouse seeking support with funds to maintain his or her current lifestyle, while the divorce is ongoing. As a more permanent solution, final support may be granted. Final support is designed to cover the spouse's basic needs and may be granted if certain criteria are met.

Criminal Law

• Restraining Order

Trusts and Estates

• Wills
  If you die without a Last Will and Testament, your estate will be divided according to Louisiana law. Certain family members may be excluded under the law. This outcome may not be your intention. There are several reasons why you should create or update a Last Will and Testament: A marriage, birth of a child, divorce, death of a family member, extended travel, illness, or any major life change. Your are never too young or too old to protect your loved ones.
• Power of Attorney