Family Law

Attorney Mark Battaglia offers a caring, compassionate approach to clients in need of family based representation.  Divorce may mean the end of the marriage, but it doesn't mean the end of the relationship, especially when children are involved.  The tone that is set in divorce and parentage cases can affect the parties' relationship with one another, and their children, for years to come.  Mark will make separation as painless as possible, for everyone involved, both emotionally and financially.

Divorce

Divorce is the most difficult thing most people will ever have to do. Too often the stress of divorce is compounded by lawyers that have neither the compassion nor the understanding of human relationships to do the job well. Mark’s first strategy is to create a fair and reasonable solution to terminate the marriage amicably for both parties. The marital assets should be divided as much as possible between the former husband and wife, not their attorneys. People should leave marriage with their dignity intact, especially when small children are involved. Mark will work hard to ensure this happens for both parties.

Mark also realizes that this strategy will not always work. Sometimes divorce requires aggressive, no nonsense lawyering. If the situation calls for it, Mark is prepared to fight tooth and nail to secure your rights to raise your children, preserve your assets, and live free of your former spouse.

Adoption

This is one of the happiest times anybody will appear in Court. The addition of a new family member through adoption can fulfill a life’s dream of creating a loving family. Adoption proceedings are usually straight forward, but simple problems can quickly turn into nightmares if they are not handled properly by the attorney. Adoptive parents need good legal advice both before the petition is filed, as well as after judgment has been entered. Don’t trust your family’s future to just anyone. Mark has been through the adoption procedure before. Let him compassionately and intelligently guide you through the process that will create the loving family you have been longing for.

Guardianship / Powers of Attorney

Sometimes our loved ones need help managing their personal or financial affairs. There are a number of devices available to families to help them take care of elderly relatives or those with special needs.

A guardianship case requires the filing of a petition in Court and carries with it the possibility of litigation. If a judge finds that the alleged disabled person is in need of a guardian he will appoint one, usually the person filing the petition. This action may require the appointment of another attorney to represent the alleged disabled person (called a guardian ad litem).

If the alleged disabled person is capable of at least a limited understanding of the law, a power of attorney might be a simpler and more affordable route. A consultation with Mark Battaglia can help you determine what the best course of action would be if you have a family member or loved one who needs help with the day to day management of their property.

Paternity / Child Support

It is increasingly common today for people to have children out of wedlock. Fortunately there is a wealth of legislation on the books governing the support of these children and securing rights of visitation. Mark has represented both fathers seeking to spend time with their children, and mothers in need of money to raise those kids.