Just like the name suggests, family law deals with domestic and family matters. Lawyers who deal with family matters represent their clients during court sessions, negotiations, and settlement regarding family matters. They also help when dealing with the necessary paperwork. Situations that require a family attorney include:
Divorce and property settlements
Most divorces are messy, especially when the couple cannot seem to agree. There are a lot of emotions that tend to come up during the process. Hence, having a lawyer comes in handy. It would be best if you find someone who will represent your interest well. A family lawyer will ensure that when it comes to dividing assets, you get a fair share. Even in cases where both parties have signed a postnuptial agreement, you still need a lawyer to represent you and explain what you need to do.
Child Custody, visitation, and support
When couples with children decide to separate, they have to determine where the children will stay. In most cases, couples may agree to joint custody for the kids’ well-being. However, there are occasions where one party will fight for the full custody of the child. If one is an unfit parent, the lawyer will have to prove that the other party is incompetent to raise the child. When it comes to visitation, both parents can settle this out of court. In case one parent frustrates the effort of the other, then get a lawyer. They will help you agree on how often the parent without custody should see the child and under which conditions. Both parents must support their child as required by law. In most cases, the non-custodial parent will be ordered by the court to contribute a certain amount of money to support the child. A lawyer will help you in getting child support as a single parent.
Alimony or spousal support
After divorce cases, there are certain situations where the court may order one party to support the other one financially. This is to allow the other party to gain some financial independence. Once you have filed a petition in court for alimony, get yourself a lawyer who can persuade the court that you deserve spousal support, especially if you stopped working to raise the family. If you are the one to pay the alimony, then you will also need a good lawyer so that the other party does not take advantage of you.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence comes in several forms other than domestic abuse. It can be emotional violence, harassment, economic abuse, stalking, and sexual abuse. It would help if you protected yourself from the abuser by taking several measures. You cannot know the extent to which an abuser may go. They may end up killing you. You need to get away from a violent partner and get the help you need. Get yourself a lawyer who will walk you through the steps to ensure that you are safe. One of the things a lawyer does is to help you get a restraining order from the abuser. With a good attorney, the abuser may end up in jail, get a court order to pay you for damages, or an order to take rehabilitation courses to manage their anger.
Other significant cases that require a family lawyer include paternity, adoption, guardianship, and inheritance. While most people try to handle family cases on their own, sometimes you may find that you are in a situation where you just cannot agree. There are many benefits to hiring a qualified family attorney to handle your issues. Not only will they represent you well, but you will also have peace of mind knowing someone is fighting for you.