Practice Areas

• Family Law

Child support — I will seek an arrangement in which you receive or pay an equitable amount of the financial support required to raise your child in a happy and healthy environment.

Child custody and visitation — I advocate for parenting time to be divided in a way that grants a child stability and safety and preserves your parental bond. I assert clients’ rights to make decisions about how their children are raised.

Adoption — Adopting a child is a joyful occasion. When something goes wrong, there is a chance of substantial heartache. I handle the legalities of adoption so you can concentrate on preparing for your child’s homecoming.

Juvenile delinquency — If your child gets in trouble with the law, their future and your parenting rights may come under threat. When authorities interfere with your rights, a compassionate advocate can help you navigate the bureaucratic red tape.

• Estate Planning

Wills — Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute property, establish care for children and otherwise express your final wishes. A will is also the primary means by which you can leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative.

Trusts — Trusts are flexible instruments that allow you to put conditions on gifts and provide an allowance for a beneficiary rather than a lump sum. When you set up a living trust, for example, you can enjoy your property during your lifetime and transfer wealth seamlessly at your passing, helping your loved ones avoid probate.

Advance directives — Advance directives allow you to clearly articulate your preferences for medical treatment and lifesaving interventions. They can set forth instructions on various matters, including who should serve as your healthcare proxy (or power of attorney) if you are incapacitated. Advance directives can also include DNR orders.

Guardianships — If you have minor children, it’s important to plan for their care in the event you and their other parent pass away. While you can name a guardian in your will, the court will need to appoint them to serve in that capacity. Choosing a reliable, capable and trustworthy guardian can help ensure your children grow up feeling cared for and loved.

• Divorce

Child custody and visitation — Court orders determine where your child will live, how parenting time will be split and to what degree each parent gets to make decisions about their child’s life.

Child support — A number of factors are used to calculate child support payments, from each parent’s income to each child’s particular needs. I will seek an order that protects your child’s welfare.

Distribution of property — The division of your home and other assets often depends on whether property is owned by a couple (“marital property”) or by just one spouse. I will press for a fair division.

Division of marital debts — Both spouses may be accountable for debts accrued by the couple, or one partner may be found to be more responsible.

Spousal support and temporary support — Whether you seek spousal support, also known as alimony, on a permanent or temporary basis or must pay it, I will seek a fair determination so that divorce doesn’t leave you financially strapped.

• Real Estate

At Joseph C. Somma, PC, I draw on extensive knowledge of Alabama real estate law and financing when handling real estate transactions for my clients. If you are ready to buy or sell a property in the Birmingham area or anywhere else in Alabama, or if you need skilled representation during a real estate dispute, I provide responsive counsel to protect your real property investment. With a thorough understanding of both the commercial and residential markets and my familiarity with the local landscape, I am able to represent your interests from contract to closing. I also handle title conflicts, zoning and land use issues, eminent domain, foreclosures and other relevant property matters.

Awards

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