Family law is a wide field of law that is associated with family-related issues. Many lawyers of family law choose to specialize in one area, such as estate planning or divorce cases. However, there are lawyers who deal with all family matters. The following are some of the general services you can expect from a family lawyer.
Divorce
In the U.S., you qualify for a divorce if you have irreconcilable differences with your partner. You should also be separated for at least six months in most cases. Filing for a divorce on your own can take time and money.
A family lawyer can advise you on how to file for a divorce. Your attorney will also defend your claim when your spouse contests the divorce. Additionally, your lawyer will help you get a fair ruling with regard to issues such as child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of property.
Estate Planning
The process of planning your estate is quite tricky and has severe ramifications. Any miscalculation on your part could leave your dependents fighting amongst each other. Furthermore, if you don't draft your will correctly, the courts may end up deciding on the distribution of your assets and liabilities.
A family lawyer plays a significant role in the process of estate planning. Firstly, your family attorney will ensure you follow all the right legal procedures when drafting your will. Your lawyer will also ensure your creditors are accounted for, and all your tax obligations are handled. Your attorney will make sure you have made all the appropriate considerations when planning your estate to avoid family feuds and to prevent your will from being contested.
Paternity
During a divorce, one of the issues that may arise is the question of paternity. Determining whether a child is yours will affect the court's decision on matters involving child custody and child support. Paternity helps clear out any doubts about parenthood.
A family attorney will advise you on how to go about this issue. Your attorney will help prove that you are the rightful father of a child so that you are given a fair custody arrangement. In issues involving inheritance and child support, your family lawyer may use paternity to justify a child's rightful claim to your financial assistance.
In Conclusion
Choosing a family lawyer can be quite a daunting task, especially because of the broadness of this field of law. It is advisable to seek an attorney who specializes in your specific area of interest. Therefore, apart from reviewing credentials, reputation, and client reviews, you should be focused on a prospective lawyer's experience in the type of case you are dealing with. Reach out to a family lawyer today to learn more.
What do family lawyers really do? Most people know that they help clients in divorce proceedings, but this is only a small piece of their job. These attorneys also help draft custody arrangements, create adoption contracts, formulate prenuptial agreements, and designate alternative guardianship of kids in situations of abuse. As you can probably guess, working as a family lawyer requires tact, compassion, and an endless drive to do good. We are passionate about the work that these attorneys do, which is why we chose to write about that work on this blog. Our hope is that in reading these articles, you will also develop an improved understanding of family law.