Understanding the Basics of Family Law

Family law is a vast and diverse area of practice. It involves issues such as divorce, custody of children, adoption, and child support, among others.

Family attorneys help clients understand their rights and legal responsibilities in these situations. They also help gather evidence that could strengthen a case.

Divorce

Divorce is a difficult and emotional event for everyone involved. Especially for children who are involved in the divorce.

Family law often entails making decisions about child custody, parenting time, support and property division, among other issues. Spouses can negotiate these issues and reach an agreement themselves, or they can go to court.

A seasoned family lawyer can help separating couples make their way through a divorce without affecting the well-being of their children. She excels at finding creative and respectful solutions to child-related and property-related issues.

Child Custody

When you and your spouse are divorcing, the court will decide who will have custody of your children. This decision can be based on several factors.

Generally, courts want to award children equal time with each parent. However, this is not always possible.

Alimony

Alimony is a form of financial support that one spouse may be ordered to pay to the other after a divorce. It is typically awarded to spouses who relied on the other for their income during the marriage.

The amount of spousal support that is granted depends on many factors, including the length of the marriage, the income of each party and their future earning potential.

There are several types of spousal support, including permanent, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative and reimbursement. The type of spousal support you receive can impact your ability to achieve a successful and satisfying post-divorce life. Talk to a family law attorney today about your rights and options.

Adoption

Adoption is a process where an adult becomes the legal guardian of a child and incurs rights and obligations that result in a permanent change in status. Modern systems of adoption were largely developed in the 20th century, and are governed by comprehensive statutes and regulations.

The adoption process can be a long and difficult journey, but the joy that comes with it is unmatched. It is often a rewarding experience for the adoptive parents and the birth parents.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that defines the division of assets between divorcing spouses. It can also provide for spousal support (alimony) payments and is usually set up through the family law attorney.

Often, people who have substantial wealth or assets may consider executing a prenuptial agreement to protect their finances in the event of a divorce. However, even couples with modest means can benefit from a prenuptial agreement.

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney. These attorneys know how to craft a fair and lasting agreement that is custom-suited for your unique situation. They can also help you futureproof your estate plan and ensure that your wishes are honored.

Legal Separation

Legal separation is a temporary step that couples can take when they are struggling with their relationship. It can give them time to think about their future and figure out whether divorce is the right move for them.

They can also use it as a way to map out what they will do if they decide to file for divorce later. If they do, the court will generally treat their separation agreement as a basis for their divorce case.

Couples can separate for many reasons, including economic or family issues. They may also want to get away from a toxic marriage for personal or religious reasons.