Thomas P. Carnes, Attorney & Mediator

06/06/2026

Establishing legal paternity can help secure important rights and responsibilities for both parents and children. Learn more about paternity testing, child support considerations, and the legal process involved in confirming parentage.

Learn how paternity testing impacts child support decisions. Explore legal rights, DNA testing options, and how to establish paternity for financial support.

05/30/2026

It might be tempting to use a cheap online platform to draft a DIY prenuptial agreement, but family courts heavily scrutinize these contracts. In many states, if both parties do not have independent legal counsel or if financial disclosures are incomplete, the entire agreement can be thrown out during a divorce. Protect your future with an enforceable, attorney backed prenup. Check out this guide on prenup lawyers and schedule a consultation with our team today.

Considering a prenup? Find out when you should hire a prenup lawyer, what a lawyer does, and how much a prenuptial agreement typically costs.

05/23/2026

Stepparent adoption is both a legal process and an important family decision that can create lasting legal rights and responsibilities. Learn more about the steps involved and what families can expect during the adoption process.

A stepparent must get consent from both biological parents, submit a petition to the court, attend hearings, and take other steps to adopt their stepchild.

05/16/2026

The "Right of First Refusal" sounds like a great way to maximize time with your kids, until your ex uses it to micromanage your personal life. If you are dealing with a high-conflict co-parent, this popular custody clause might actually backfire. Read the pros and cons, and contact our firm to draft a parenting plan that protects your peace.

Learn more about right of first refusal and how it commonly works in child custody agreements.

05/09/2026

Did you get married without a prenup? It’s not too late to protect your assets. A postnuptial agreement can secure your finances, but they are heavily scrutinized by judges and require expert drafting to be legally enforceable. Let our attorneys help you get it right.

More couples are choosing to use prenups and postnups to protect their assets before or after marriage. Here’s what you should know about these spousal agreements.

05/02/2026

Grandparents who care for grandchildren can seek legal custody, guardianship, or adoption for long-term authority; temporary tools like powers of attorney and medical/educational consent laws may help short-term but are revocable — consult a local family-law attorney to determine the best, state-specific option.

As a grandparent raising grandchildren, there are many practical issues to consider—including legal, financial, and caregiving support.

04/27/2026

Marriage is both a personal and financial partnership. Prenups and postnups can provide clarity on assets, debts, and future responsibilities—learn more about how they work.

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/what-is-a-prenup

04/18/2026

Parents with significant unpaid child support may face passport revocation as enforcement efforts expand. Staying updated on these policies and resolving outstanding obligations can help avoid travel restrictions and other legal complications.

Parents who owe a significant amount of child support soon could lose their ability to travel internationally as the Trump administration expands and steps up enforcement of a 30-year-old law that allows the federal government to revoke American passports until payments are made.

04/13/2026

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just about protecting assets—they’re about setting clear expectations before marriage. From property division to financial planning, understanding how prenups work can help couples make informed decisions.

https://www.pnc.com/insights/wealth-management/being-prepared-/prenuptial-agreements-key-considerations.html

01/31/2026

https://www.pnc.com/insights/wealth-management/being-prepared-/prenuptial-agreements-key-considerations.html

A prenuptial agreement can help keep family wealth in the family. Read about what a prenup is, when it is needed and key considerations when entering one.