May 26, 2021
Family Lawyers are responsible for dealing with legal issues that arise between members of the same family. They represent clients in court for contentious cases concerning divorce and domestic violence, but also oversee family estates and offer advice on areas such as adoption and guardianship.
What is Family Law?
Family law – sometimes known as matrimonial law – is a practice area concerning legal issues and domestic relations between family members. Much of family law concerns marital, civil and domestic partnerships, as well as the termination of these relationships including matters such as:
- Divorce — Whether your divorce is relatively amicable or highly contested, it is important to assert your rights and safeguard your interests so you can move forward to a successful resolution.
- Child custody and visitation — handle child custody and visitation arrangements with skill and sensitivity.
- Property division — Under equitable distribution law, judges have wide latitude to determine what is fair when dividing marital property. In negotiations, mediation and litigation, review the relevant information exhaustively and press for a proper outcome.
- Child support — Each parent has a responsibility to meet the financial needs of their children. During initial child support determinations, modification requests and enforcement actions, pursue a result that is supported by the facts.
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements — Creating an enforceable prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can protect your assets and avert costly disputes if the marriage ends. Regardless of the particular property that’s at stake, a family lawyer advises clients on how to reach a consensus.
- Alimony — a family lawyer advocates in cases where one spouse seeks support payments during the course of divorce proceedings and after the marriage is dissolved
Other types of family law include:
- Adoption
- Child care & protection
- Domestic violence
- Paternity
- Surrogacy
- Juvenile law
What does a Family Lawyer do?
Advising a range of clients – including vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly – on their options and rights, the duties of a family lawyer can vary greatly from case to case. However, the key responsibilities of a Family Lawyer usually include:
- Attempting to resolve complex claims and reach settlement outside of court through alternative dispute resolution.
- If no settlement can be reached, proceeding the case in court, representing your clients and carrying out all duties associated with Dispute Resolution or Litigation Lawyers.
- Drafting, negotiating and reviewing court documents such as pleadings or witness statements.
- Liaising with a variety of other professionals including psychologists, doctors, social workers and police officers.
- Researching historic cases that bear resemblance to your ongoing files.
- Examining and evaluating any evidence that may prove beneficial to your clients.
- Effectively and empathetically managing emotionally unpredictable situations.
Address Your Concerns Today
Each family law situation is unique, but whether your concerns can be resolved through effective communication or require litigation, always work to eliminate unnecessary delays and expense.
If you have any questions or need any help with a divorce or other family law matter, seek the guidance of seasoned professionals from a reputed law firm like The McKinney Law Group. Learn more about the ways a family lawyer can help you address your concerns.