The need for a family lawyer normally happens during one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Whether a divorce arises out of abuse, neglect, or insupportability, the attorneys at Gulstrom, Henson & Petrie, PC, have the experience and knowledge to help you through this difficult time, and initial consultations are always free.

It is the goal of Gulstrom, Henson & Petrie, PC, to move the case along in a speedy and efficient manner, while explaining your legal rights and options in easy-to-understand terms. Further, we appreciate that, especially in the current economic climate, it is crucial to provide effective legal service without causing further distress by charging exorbitant legal fees. Attorneys and staff work together to provide quality legal service at unbeatable rates.

Family Law deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including, but not limited to: divorce, alimony, property distribution, child custody and support, paternity, domestic and child abuse, and adoptions. Divorce, custody, child support and alimony are handled in state court. While most family law issues involve only private parties, the state government may also be involved depending upon the issue.

The most common family law matters in court are divorce and child custody. Divorce will typically be granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, but may also be granted in cases of (1) Adultery; (2) Extreme Cruelty; (3) Wilful Desertion; (4) Wilful Neglect; (5) Habitual Intemperance; (6) Conviction of a Felony; or (7) Insanity. Because Idaho is a “no-fault” state, however, the grounds for divorce alone will generally have little bearing on property distribution or child custody issues.

Idaho’s family courts often have the most crowded dockets, meaning litigation can take a significant amount of time. Thus, the attorneys at Gulstrom, Henson & Petrie, PC, understand that it is crucial to obtain competent and reliable information with good legal and financial advice because your case can be handled easier, faster, and with better results. We will help you become informed and educated, while developing a divorce plan that will be in yours and your children’s best interests.

The clear goal is for our clients to arrive at a workable agreement without court intervention. This approach affords our clients maximum control over the outcome of their case, keeps our clients’ costs down, and gives our clients peace of mind. With your best interests in mind, we will advise you and negotiate with your spouse. By working together, we often settle issues with favorable terms for our clients, and then present your case to a judge who, if approved, will issue a binding order on those issues. Sometimes despite the best efforts of the parties and attorneys, an agreement cannot be reached. If complete agreement cannot be achieved, we will aggressively argue your case before the judge.

While final orders concerning property issues cannot be modified, child custody and all financial support orders may be later modified.