What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?

Understanding the Role of Your Local Family Law Attorney

Expert in Wills & Estates Family Law
A family law attorney often specializes in various legal aspects. They typically have extensive knowledge in multiple areas and can provide guidance in a range of life transitions, including divorce, child custody, and adoption. Here’s what they may help with:

Alimony
Also known as spousal support, this aspect involves the frequent payments from one spouse to another, often on a monthly basis. These discussions can be complex and emotionally charged. A skilled family law attorney can navigate these challenging situations to reach a beneficial and agreeable outcome for both parties.

Establishing Fatherhood
The court may need to formally identify the child’s father, sometimes requiring DNA testing. Paternity cases are not new, but they necessitate a distinctive skill set. Having an attorney with the ability to handle such situations with tact and discretion is incredibly beneficial.

Legal Separation
This is a legal alternative to divorce where the married couple separates their assets for independent living while maintaining their marital status. While this arrangement is infrequent, an experienced legal team can guide on cost-effective ways to agree on such an arrangement when the decision is mutual and friendly.

Adoption Process
Adoption can be expensive, and the formalities are always carried out through the court system. An in-depth understanding of the legal procedures involved can prevent potential disappointments for prospective parents.

Child Maintenance
Regular payments are made to cover a child’s basic needs, such as education, healthcare, food, and housing. Ensuring these payments are made may necessitate extra support. An experienced child support lawyer can effectively set up agreements to be practical, maintainable, and enforceable.

Child Custody
Issues like visitation rights, schedules, and deciding which parent gets physical custody and for how long each year often arise during divorces. An effective approach to child custody involves creating a flexible agreement that accommodates working parents’ schedules while also ensuring adherence.

Legal Guardianship
If a child’s biological parents are incapable or unwilling to take care of the child, a legal guardian may be appointed. This individual assumes responsibility for the child or “ward,” a process which can also apply to incapacitated adults. Swiftly establishing guardianship is critical to prevent the child from being left without a legally appointed guardian.

Divorce Proceedings
This area is the broadest in family law, encompassing property division, types of divorces such as “fault,” “no-fault,” “contested,” and “uncontested,” each with their unique challenges. A family law attorney can guide you through the divorce procedures, offering advice on protecting yourself and your family. Divorces can be tough, and sometimes combative. With a well-informed understanding of your rights and how legal provisions can benefit you, you can smoothly navigate this process. Seek a family law attorney proficient in all divorce aspects, someone whose communication style is compatible with yours.