Family Law - divorce and adoption

Family Law in New Smyrna Beach

Family law is one area that Attorney John Nelson is very passionate about. As a father of five and having gone through divorce he understands how hard the emotional aspects of divorce are. At the same time his empathetic approach will help you navigate one of the most trying times in your life.

Attorney Nelson handles divorce, post-nuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, adoption, child custody, and other family law matters from his New Smyrna Beach office. All documents can be signed and notarized in-office.

In-Office Signing & Notarization

All family law documents — including marital agreements, post-nuptial agreements, and prenuptial agreements — are signed and notarized in-office at the New Smyrna Beach location. Attorney Nelson works with you to get documents prepared efficiently so the signing appointment goes smoothly. In-office notary available as needed.

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Post-Nuptial & Prenuptial Agreements

A post-nuptial agreement is a legal contract between spouses entered into after marriage. It defines how assets, debts, and property will be divided if the marriage ends in divorce or upon death. Post-nuptial agreements are increasingly common - particularly for couples who have experienced a significant financial change, are blending families, or simply want clarity and protection for both spouses going forward.

A prenuptial agreement serves a similar purpose but is signed before marriage. Both types of agreements are enforceable under Florida law when properly drafted, signed, and notarized.

Post-Nuptial Agreement Services

  • Post-nuptial agreement drafting and review
  • Agreements addressing property division, debt allocation, inheritance rights, and asset protection
  • Blended family post-nuptial agreements
  • Post-nuptial agreement modification and updates
  • In-office signing and notarization in New Smyrna Beach
  • Coordinated drafting with estate planning documents when both are needed

Prenuptial Agreement Services

  • Prenuptial agreement drafting and review
  • Florida-compliant prenuptial agreements
  • Asset and debt disclosure preparation
  • In-office signing and notarization
  • Combined prenuptial agreement and estate planning appointments available

When Do You Need a Post-Nuptial Agreement?

You may benefit from a post-nuptial agreement if:

  • One spouse has received a significant inheritance or financial windfall
  • You are a blended family and want to protect children from a prior marriage
  • One spouse is starting a business and wants to define business ownership
  • You want to clarify financial responsibilities and protect both spouses
  • You did not sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage but wish you had
  • You are updating your estate plan and want your marital agreement to align with your will
John Nelson and his children

Divorce

Calling a divorce attorney is hard. In fact, just calling an attorney is hard. The decision on whether to get divorced is tangled up with kids, pets, cars, house, and stuff. How does it get split up? Who will see the kids and when. New Smyrna and Port Orange Divorce Attorney John Nelson can have frank conversations with you from first-hand experience.

Adoption

One area of adoption that has personally intrigued me is working within families where a child may not be able to care for their own children due to death, drugs, or incarceration. In otherwords "grandparent adoption" or "close family member adoption".

Family Law Questions

What is a post-nuptial agreement?

A post-nuptial agreement is a legal contract between married spouses that outlines how assets, debts, and property will be handled in the event of divorce or death. Unlike a prenuptial agreement, which is signed before marriage, a post-nuptial agreement is entered into after the wedding. Florida law recognizes and enforces properly drafted post-nuptial agreements. Common topics include property division, debt allocation, inheritance rights, spousal support, and asset protection for blended families.

Can I get a post-nuptial agreement and a will done in the same appointment in New Smyrna Beach?

Attorney Nelson handles both family law and estate planning matters, so clients who need both a post-nuptial agreement and a will can work with one attorney through the entire process. After an initial consultation and drafting period, documents are finalized and executed at a signing appointment in the New Smyrna Beach office — with notarization available in-office. The process is handled efficiently to minimize the number of appointments needed.

Is notarization available for post-nuptial agreements?

Yes. All post-nuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, and other family law documents can be signed and notarized in-office at Attorney Nelson's New Smyrna Beach location. There is no need to find a separate notary - notarization is included as part of the signing appointment.