A Family Lawyer in Lafayette With a 5.0 Client Rating
Helping Families Find A New Future
No two families are the same, which makes family law cases difficult. The Thompson Law Office, LLC, has worked with clients throughout Louisiana. We provide you with the individualized attention you need. When you are navigating a family law case, you should work with an experienced Lafayette family lawyer. Together, we will work toward tailored solutions to your unique needs.
The firm holds a 5.0 out of 5.0 client rating on Avvo across 41 reviewers, and Danielle Thompson has also received Avvo’s Top Attorney badge for divorce, a track record built one family law case at a time.
Family law cases in Lafayette are handled by the 15th Judicial District Court and the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, located on 800 S. Buchanan Street in Lafayette. Because the 15th Judicial District Court covers Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes, the firm represents family law clients from across all three.
Family Law Cases We Have Experience In
At The Thompson Law Office, LLC, our areas of practice include:
CHILD SUPPORT
Child support exists to ensure both parents provide financial support for their child. It is calculated based on the gross income of parents, the number of children, and the amount of parenting time each parent spends with their child. When you hire a family lawyer, they can advocate for fair child support that considers your child’s needs without financially harming either parent.
Louisiana uses the income shares model set out in La. R.S. 9:315, which combines both parents’ adjusted gross income and the number of children to set a guideline amount, with an add-on for healthcare and childcare costs.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child custody determinations can be incredibly difficult for parents, especially if they do not agree on what the right custody arrangement is for their children. When making or approving a custody arrangement, the court considers several factors including: the child’s best interests, the health of all involved parties, the relationship between each parent and child, and the likelihood of child abuse or neglect on the part of both parents.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 132 creates a presumption in favor of joint custody, and courts weigh the factors listed in Louisiana Civil Code Article 134, including each child’s safety, stability, and relationship with each parent, to decide what arrangement best serves the child.
GRANDPARENT VISITATION
A compassionate Lafayette family attorney can help grandparents navigate the legal requirements and protect their important time with their grandkids.
DIVORCE
In Louisiana, divorce proceedings are among the most complex family law cases because they often include many different family law matters, including issues involving children, spousal support, property division, and more. These cases are very emotionally straining, and the support of an attorney is crucial to ensure your rights are protected.
PROTECTIVE ORDERS
Protective orders can be filed in cases of domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of abuse. They can place restrictions on a person, including requiring them to move out of a shared home, preventing them from going near your home or business, limiting or terminating their custody rights, and prohibiting them from contacting you. If a protective order is violated, they can be criminally charged.
These orders are issued under Louisiana’s Protection from Abuse Act, La. R.S. 46:2131 et seq., and violating one is a separate crime under La. R.S. 14:79.
ESTABLISHING PATERNITY
If parents are not married when the child is born, the father does not automatically have legal rights. He can gain those rights by signing a formal written acknowledgment (called an authentic act) with the mother, without going to court.
If the mother does not agree, he may need to ask a court to establish paternity through a filiation action. Louisiana law sets out these options in Louisiana Civil Code Articles 195 and 196, and a father may also need to prove paternity through a court filiation action if the mother does not agree.
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Spousal support is not a part of every divorce. However, in Louisiana, there are two types of spousal support: interim and final. Interim support is available while a divorce is pending and generally ends 180 days after the divorce judgment, and final periodic support can follow once interim support ends, under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 111 through 113.
WILLS
Creating a last will and testament is an essential way to help your loved ones and ensure your wishes are clear after your death. A will can make the succession process easier for the loved ones left behind.
SUCCESSIONS
Succession, called probate in other states, is the process of distributing the assets of a deceased person. It can be legally complex, and the process can feel even harder for someone grieving the loss of a loved one. Legal support is essential to navigating succession.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Power of attorney is a type of estate planning tool that allows you to place someone in charge of your financial or medical decisions if you are incapacitated. It helps you establish your affairs and makes things easier on your family.
How Louisiana Courts Encourage Mediation in Family Cases
Many Lafayette family law cases do not have to end in a trial. Under La. R.S. 9:332, a Louisiana court may order mediation in custody and visitation disputes. Mediators who handle custody and visitation matters must meet training requirements.
If you or your children have been the victim of family violence, the law does not require you to mediate with the other party under La. R.S. 9:363. Mediation often costs less and moves faster than a courtroom trial, and it lets both parents have more say in the outcome.
A Legal Team With Real Family Law and Judicial Experience
Danielle Thompson founded The Thompson Law Office, LLC and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 2015. She earned her J.D. from Southern University Law Center in 2015 after completing a graduate degree in administration and leadership. Before law school, she worked with at-risk students for the Lafayette Parish School Board, an experience that shapes how she approaches families going through custody and divorce cases today.
Ret. Hon. Paul J. deMahy, Attorney of Counsel at the firm, spent 31 years as a judge on the 16th Judicial District Court, from 1986 to 2017. During that time, he founded the St. Martin Parish Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2002 and presided over it for eight years. His decades on the bench give the firm added insight into how local courts operate.
We Understand How Difficult the Process Is
Many people never consider the possibility of divorce. When it happens, it can be overwhelming. It’s okay to be emotional and it’s okay not to know where to start. Our firm has handled cases of all shapes and sizes. This means we can handle your case no matter what stage of the process you are at.
We also help those with children and determine how that will look moving forward. There are many elements to consider in child custody cases, so it is important to have an attorney on your side who recognizes what the court considers and recognizes how much is at stake.
Our goal is to find a resolution that works for you and those you care about. Whether it is negotiating on your behalf or fighting in court, we will act as your advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lafayette Family Law
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses the income shares model under La. R.S. 9:315, which combines both parents’ income and the number of children to set a guideline amount.
Does Louisiana favor joint custody?
Louisiana Civil Code Article 132 creates a presumption in favor of joint custody, though a judge may award sole custody if it better serves the child.
How long does interim spousal support last?
Interim support generally ends 180 days after a divorce judgment under Louisiana Civil Code Article 113, though a court can extend it for good cause.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Louisiana?
It is a separate criminal offense, and Louisiana law requires the officer to arrest them immediately.
How does a father establish paternity in Louisiana?
A father can sign a voluntary acknowledgment or obtain a formal acknowledgment by authentic act, or a court can establish paternity through a filiation action.
Which court handles family law cases in Lafayette?
Family law matters in Lafayette Parish are heard by the 15th Judicial District Court at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse.
Can grandparents get visitation rights in Louisiana?
Louisiana law allows grandparents to request visitation in limited circumstances, and an attorney can review whether your situation qualifies.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested Louisiana divorce?
A lawyer is not legally required, but an attorney can help make sure your settlement, custody plan, and paperwork hold up in court and protect you long-term.
How is property divided in a Louisiana divorce?
Louisiana is a community property state, so most property and debt acquired during the marriage is generally split equally between spouses.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Louisiana?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions for the child, while physical custody covers where the child lives day-to-day. A parent can have one, both, or share them with the other parent.
Don’t Wait To Get Started; Call Today
The second you start having questions, it’s important to talk to a knowledgeable attorney. We listen to each client with an open mind and without judgment. Our job is to listen and take action. Call our office in Lafayette to schedule a consultation at 337-534-8761 today. You can also email us by clicking here.
