A family law attorney can help clients with a variety of legal issues. Depending on your practice area, you may handle cases that involve divorce, adoption, custody, and property division.
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Divorce
Family lawyers assist with divorce-related legal issues, including how assets will be divided on a fault or no-fault basis and determining financial child support. They may also advise clients on spousal support (alimony) and the laws governing adoption, which involves becoming a legal parent to someone who is not biologically your child.
Personal recommendations are often a good starting point when choosing a family law attorney. However, it’s important to remember that each person’s situation is unique, and your needs should be the primary deciding factor when selecting an attorney. You should also consider the attorney’s experience and area of specialization and their availability to discuss your case. In addition, you’ll want to make sure they are comfortable negotiating with opposing attorneys and handling litigation. Also, it is helpful if they have extensive knowledge of the local courts. This includes familiarity with court rules, procedures, and judges. This helps ensure communication and timely resolution of your case. An asset search can be instrumental in ensuring a fair and equitable division of assets during a divorce
Child Custody and Support
In cases involving child custody, family law attorneys Spring Hill FL work to establish a parenting plan that will benefit the entire family. They also present evidence about the child’s best interests to the court, including school records, testimony from a psychologist, or drug screening results.
Parents who cannot reach an agreement on their own may opt for mediation, which allows them to work with a trained professional to settle their differences. Otherwise, a judge will decide the fate of the children involved. This can involve sole legal custody, where one parent has the right to decide about the child’s upbringing, or joint physical custody, in which both parents share equal time with the child.
Regardless of the specifics of each case, all parties must provide financial support for their children until they are 18 years old or graduate from high school, whichever comes first. A good family lawyer can help determine the amount of support that should be paid and enforce these payments if necessary.
Adoption
Adoption is an exciting process that creates a legal and permanent new parent-child relationship. It is common for singles and couples to become parents, and it can be beneficial when other parenting methods fail.
Every adoption goes through a lengthy legal process to get approved by the judge and made final, so it is often essential for all parties to have an experienced family law attorney on their side throughout the procedure. A lawyer can help ensure that all required steps are taken, and all necessary documentation is filed correctly, which can significantly reduce the time it takes for an adoption to be completed.
In addition, an attorney will be able to refer clients to professionals who can assist with the emotional aspect of the adoption process. This is vital for both birthparents and prospective adoptive parents, as it can help make the adoption process smooth and seamless.
Relocation
Whether you are preparing to get married, divorced, or facing custody issues with your ex-spouse, your family law attorney will draft critical legal documents and participate in court hearings. This highly demanding field requires excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Custodial relocation requests are high-stakes cases in which the court must consider the child’s best interests. Courts often allow the custodial parent to relocate with the children if they receive permission from the non-custodial parent or a court order authorizing the move.
During a court hearing, your NYC family lawyer will explain the details of your case and present the evidence that supports your request. Depending on the situation, your attorney may also advise you to hire a private investigator or other expert witness for your case. If your case is contentious, the judge might favor your request or decide against it.
