Family law attorneys provide advice and representation to clients throughout a variety of family law-related issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and more. Family lawyers may also specialize in a particular area of family law, such as the law of domestic violence or the law of adoption. They may also represent clients in other matters related to family law, such as wills and estates, or in cases involving family violence. Family lawyers can act as mediators when family disagreements arise. They may also represent litigants in family disputes that end up in court.
This article explains 4 areas where a family law attorney can work and why you might need one.
- Divorce and separation
Going through a divorce is probably one of the most exhausting experiences a family can face. Divorce, in essence, is the dissolution of a contract: the marriage contract. A family law attorney can act as a mediator and help them approach the problem rationally and within the law.
In some cases, couples may be able to reach a settlement without the need for a divorce. However, if this isn’t the case, or if they can’t agree on a settlement, they will need to determine if they want to file for divorce or to continue to work out their issues through a mediated settlement. The first step in either of these scenarios is for them to contact a family law attorney. They may be able to find the answers they’re looking for by discussing their situation with an attorney and exploring their options.
- Child Custody Agreements
The issue of child custody, whether during a divorce or between never-married couples, can be heated and traumatic for all parties involved. The couples must agree on how to care for any children they have had together in the new arrangement.
Child custody is defined by an agreement in which both parents have to live with the terms of the agreement. A family lawyer can help separating parents draft such an agreement. A family law attorney can also help parents modify child custody agreements if necessary.
- Division of Property
Family Property generally includes the following types of assets: the marital home, businesses, business assets, pensions, bank accounts, and investments. After reviewing your background, a family attorney can work with you to plan an appropriate strategy for dividing and equalizing your family property. It may be that your goal is to seek a redistribution of your business, exclude other properties, and divide the balance of the family property equally. In any case, a family lawyer will be of great help.
They will be able to strategize with you and your spouse, help you understand the law, and also represent your interests. The family property division process is not an easy one and requires a great deal of communication and negotiation. However, together, you can work through the process and come out stronger on the other side. A family lawyer can provide you with the support and legal representation you will need to make it through the difficult time.
- Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a contract signed by a couple before a marriage or civil union. Although the content of such a contract may vary from case to case, its primary purpose is to spell out provisions for spousal support and division of property in the event of a breakup or divorce. A family lawyer can help a couple draft a prenuptial agreement and handle any issues that may arise from the contract in accordance with the law.
The purpose of a prenuptial agreement is to define the terms of the marital relationship before it ends. The agreement should spell out which property belongs to whom, and how much each spouse will be responsible for paying the other in the event of a divorce or breakup. A prenuptial agreement can also include provisions for child support, alimony, and division of community property. A prenuptial agreement is not legally enforceable, but it can be used as a tool in a divorce or family law case to help establish a fair marital distribution of property and assets.
Final thoughts
A family lawyer can help you understand your rights in these areas and also work with you to develop a strategy for addressing these matters in your case. Family law attorneys can help family members rationally handle emotional family disputes. A family lawyer can provide you with legal advice and representation, help you understand the law, and represent your interests.
The family lawyer will work closely with you, your spouse, and your family to help you reach a fair and equitable solution to your legal matter. Thus, if you are having a family legal matter that needs a rational approach, schedule your Initial Consultation or call us for a qualified family law attorney to handle your case.
