What You Probably Didn’t Know about Family Law
Family is everything. To most people, their family is the most important thing in their life, which means that when a family breaks down, it can be emotionally driven.
Family law includes virtually any legal concept that touches the family unit. A family law attorney can help you keep your family together, like in child custody cases, or separate people if things are working out, like in divorce cases.
Some common examples of family law matters include:
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Divorce, Annulment, or Legal Separation
- Child Custody and Support
- Adoption
- Alimony or Spousal Support
- Legal Aspects of Living Together (without marriage)
- Emancipating Minors
- Reproductive Rights (including surrogacy and access to birth control)
- Domestic Violence (including child abuse)
- Guardianships
- Foster Care
- Artificial Insemination
- Establishing Paternity
- Parental Rights
- Legal Aspects of Same-Sex Relationships
Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
One of the most commonly contested cases in family law are those involving divorce. Getting a divorce can be a difficult time in many people’s lives. Often, couples have to divide up everything they own, and that can be a challenging process.
Divorce also has a significant effect on children and their living situation. A family law attorney can help you through your divorce by assisting with:
- Alimony
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Property Settlements
- Child Visitation
- Dealing with Prenuptial Agreements
Children in Family Law Cases
When any type of case involves children, the court system tries to be as understanding as possible. Ultimately, however, the court will decide what is in the best interest of the child, even if that means going into a foster care situation.
In decisions that support the child, such as child custody, visitation, and child support, the court will take the entire situation of each parent into account. The parent or guardian that can provide the most stable home for the child will likely be the home that the court chooses for the child.
Although older children occasionally have a voice in where they would like to live, younger children don’t always have this option.
Using a Family Law Attorney
Divorce laws and laws that affect your children vary significantly by state. It is important to obtain a family law attorney in your area who knows the local laws.
Every case is different, and having an attorney who can listen to your unique situation is invaluable in family law cases.
A family law attorney can also help you make sound decisions that are based on reason and law instead of your emotions. Do not risk the safety and security of your family by trying to deal with your case alone.
