Services - F.A.Q.

FAMILY LAW | CUSTODY | CHILD SUPPORT | PROPERTY | PATERNITY ACTIONS | CRIMINAL LAW | PERSONAL INJURY

FAMILY LAW

When faced with a divorce you need experienced legal representation. My law firm has handled hundreds of divorces and can help you with the simplest of divorces to the most complex. Every divorce or custody situation is unique. Whether you have already been served a divorce petition or just have questions about the process, call my office for an appointment.

Divorces cost between $600 to $1,000 if all issues are agreed on. You can expect to pay a $1,000 to $2,000 retainer if there are disagreements about custody, visitation or complex property issues. Custody proceedings have become very expensive because of mandatory mediation and the more common use of health professionals and Guardian ad Litem being appointed for the child. These third parties can cost thousands in some cases. If you are challenging custody , being denied visitation, been thrown out of your own home, or facing an order of protection being entered against you the whole process could cost over $5,000 and you should make sure you have the funds you need. Having money available for your case can make a big difference in your outcome as your attorney can do more for you. This is true in criminal cases a well.
Divorce laws are constantly changing and are handled differently in different courts. We have a special circumstances in Southern Illinois because we are so close to Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, which all have their own divorce and custody laws. You need experienced and compassionate representation. In contested custody hearings Tom’s winning percentage is over 90%!

I am committed to keeping the needs and best interest of any children involved in a divorce of primary importance. Negotiation and attempts to work thing out with a Settlement Agreement are usually worth a try and should be done when possible.

CUSTODY

Custody issues are the most emotional, expensive and difficult aspects of divorce when parents do not agree on custody or visitation. Even when parents agree it is essential that you have lawyer who can represent your wishes by properly written agreements. Either the father, mother or even grandparents can be granted custody.

There have been many changes in the way the courts deal with custody issues in Illinois in the last few years. The Supreme Court of Illinois has mandated that parents must take part in mediation to try to resolve their differences, before having a custody hearing. This increases the cost of some divorces but it is better for all concerned if the parents can reach their own agreement.

Contested custody proceedings can be difficult for children. It is important to make decisions in their best interest and not try to use them as weapons or to hurt the other parent.

CHILD SUPPORT

Thomas is experienced in all aspects of child support issues. Whether you are a custodial parent in need of establishing support, collecting support or changing the amount, we can help you. We can also help the parent paying support to pay the appropriate amount for their income.

Often the other parent may have to pay your attorney fees if they are willfully behind in payments.

PROPERTY

In Illinois each spouse is to get an "equitable" share of marital property. Assets such as a house, pensions, vehicles and money can be difficult to divide. Sometimes there are more debts than assets. It is always best to agree on division of property if possible but iff the parties cannot agree on how to divide assets or debts the court will divide them after a hearing. Results can be devastating to you without proper representation. How an attorney gathers information and prepares for court depends on experience. All the Judge knows about you is what information is presented in a few hours.

PATERNITY ACTIONS

There are rights and responsibilities that come with being a parent. A father can petition the court for custody or certain visitation rights even if they have not been married to the mother. There are issues such as DNA testing, back support, and restricted visitation which you may need help with. I feel it is extremely important for both parents to have court orders to protect their rights. You may not think you need a court order if all is agreeable but I feel that is the best time to enter an agreed order that protects both parent’s rights in case of a disagreement.

CRIMINAL LAW

When deprived of your freedom or facing serious criminal charges you need experienced representation knowledgeable in criminal procedure, statutes and court decisions. The Moyer Law office can help you in dealing with minor traffic citations or serious felonies. Most cases are resolved through plea arrangements but if necessary a jury trial may be your only hope. It is extremely important that plea arrangements do not negatively impact your future when possible and only an experienced lawyer can help protect your future.
The sooner you contact the Moyer Law Office after your arrest the better, or even if you are being investigated. I will visit you in jail to discuss your case when necessary and can work to get excessive bail amounts reduced.

PERSONAL INJURY

Call or E-mail for a free consultation to see what the Moyer Law Office can do for you if you are injured in an accident, at work, or the victim of a crime. It is important to have an experienced attorney help you with your claim and represent you when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies are first and foremost concerned with how little they can pay you to escape liability. Accident claims can be very complicated with limits of policies and multiple responsibilities for an accident.

The Moyer Law Office has handled many accident claims. Tom’s experience as an ambulance paramedic helps him understand medical reports and trauma. If your case is not settled fairly by the insurance company, we are prepared to take the claim to trial. We specialize in accidents cause by drunk drivers. There are special laws and ways to collect when you are victimized by a drunk driver!

WHEN IN AN ACCIDENT ALWAYS:
1. Render aid to all who need it.
2. If you can move your vehicle to a safe location off the road o so.
If your car cannot be moved turn on emergency flashers and move all people to safety off the road. Unless they cannot be moved due to injuries.
3. Call police. Inform the officer what happened from your viewpoint.
4. Find out the name, contact information and insurance of all involved in the accident. Provide the same to them.
5. Seek medical help as soon as possible if needed. Some injuries do not have symptoms until a day or so after the accident.
6. Find name and contact information of any witnesses.
7. Tell your medical provider the injury was from an accident.
8. Take pictures of damage to car and injuries.

NEVER:
1. Leave the scene of an accident. It is against the law!