Lake Charles Family Lawyer
100+ Years of Combined Experience Serving Families
As a family-oriented law firm, Sudduth & Associates, LLC understands that legal matters involving family can be emotionally tense and painful. Whether you are about to file for divorce from your spouse or seek a restraining order, you deserve to be treated with empathy during this time. We can handle the legal paperwork, investigations, and court proceedings so you have the space you need to process and decompress. Our client lawyer reviews speak to just how committed our team is to serving your needs and making you feel comfortable before we proceed with your case.
Why Choose Our Lake Charles Family Lawyers
Our Lake Charles family law attorneys focus on in-court litigation and are passionate about securing your desired results, but we can also explore alternative options if you’d like to settle your family issues as efficiently as possible. To begin your journey to a better future for you and your family, reach out to our firm.
Call 1-833-SUDDUTH for a consultation with our team today, or contact us online for help with family law in Lake Charles. We offer our services in English and Spanish and strive to always be available to answer calls.
The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side
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If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James.
“Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.”
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They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'
“James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame”
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If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.
“If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.”
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His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area.
“Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.”
How Can We Help?
Family Law Matters
Helping You Protect What is Important
Though most people associate family law with divorce, our family law firm offers a wide range of services to aid you in your unique situation. Because of our commitment to our clients, we can assist you with all aspects of your case. Family-related legal matters can be personal and make you feel vulnerable. You can trust our lawyers to practice with discretion and give you the privacy and confidentiality you and your family deserve.
Support You Need. Results You Want.
Our law firm wants to make sure you understand the legal implications and regulations that relate to your case before you make any decisions. We’re happy to be the bridge between the legal system and our clients and pass down the knowledge we’ve acquired over our years of experience.
FAQs
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What’s the Difference Between a Divorce and Separation?Divorces and legal separations are similar in that negotiations must still be made for both, especially if children are involved. However, they differ in that a couple is no longer married after a divorce, while spouses are still legally married after a separation. There are many reasons a couple may decide to remain legally married, one being that there are notable tax and healthcare benefits for married couples. Some couples stay married if they believe there is a chance for reconciliation in the future.
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Can Child Support Amounts Be Changed?Courts understand that life can be unpredictable, so parents can file an order of modification to change the amount of child support they must pay monthly. You can request both an increase and a decrease in payments. One reason many parents ask for a decrease in the amount of child support is because they’ve lost their jobs.
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How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in Louisiana?No-fault divorces are granted in Louisiana after couples have filed a petition and then lived apart for 180 days or more if no children are involved, or for 365 days if there are minor children in the marriage. No-fault divorces are the most common form of divorce, but an at-fault divorce is favorable for couples who want to seek custody of their child or have a dispute with their spouse.
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How Is Child Custody Determined?Despite the popular misconception that judges typically award child custody to the mother, courts consistently award custody based on the best interests of the children involved. To make the determination, courts examine a variety of factors, some of which include each parent’s ability to nurture and provide financially for their child, what the existing relationship is between each parent and child, the physical and mental health of each parent, and the child’s preference if they are deemed old enough.