Family problems are inevitable—it’s a part of human life. Some people say that challenges make their family stronger and closer. However, these can be a source of stress and strained family relationships for others. This is especially true if arguments and disagreements become too often or intense and can no longer be settled peacefully.
If you’re in this situation, you may want to seek the help of a law expert. But here’s the thing: not all of them have the same expertise and practices. That means you can’t randomly pick from the more than 1.3 million lawyers in the United States or in your local area and expect them to tackle your family law disputes. All you need is a family lawyer—a professional who specializes in resolving family-related legal issues such as:
- Divorce and separation
- Property division
- Child support and custody
- Adoption or guardianship matters
- Pre/postnuptial agreements
These are common areas where a family lawyer may have expertise. Let’s discuss each one and how this legal professional can help.
- Divorce and separation
Divorce is one of the common issues family lawyers handle. In fact, around 690, 000 divorces were granted in the US in 2021, according to Statista. It’s something that no one likes to go through as it can be emotionally draining, and you’ll also need to face the complexities of the divorce process. But all these burdens can be lessened to a certain extent if you work with family law attorneys.
For example, the Shapiro Family Law practice areas include divorce and legal separation. Their role is to explain your rights, ensure that all the legal requirements are met, and make everything go as smoothly as possible. They’ll also guide you throughout the process, from filing the initial documents to finalizing the divorce.
- Property division
When people divorce or separate, their accumulated property has to be divided. This includes real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and other possessions—both tangible and intangible. It’s usually one of the most contested issues since it involves who gets what in terms of assets and liabilities. To avoid a long-drawn battle between you and your former partner (or family members), you can always seek the help of a family lawyer.
The attorney may compile the list of possessions that you and your spouse have acquired during the marriage. Afterward, they’ll create a plan for an equitable division of the assets. Moreover, it’s also their job to review the list of liabilities and determine who should shoulder them. With their help, you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re expecting to get out of the property division process.
- Child custody and support
Family law attorneys have an important part in resolving child custody and support cases. Here are some of the things they’ll do:
- Explain the law on child custody and visitation rights
- Make sure all custody arrangements are paid and fair according to the law
- Help you decide on the best parenting plan
- Represent your interests in court, if necessary
This aspect can be difficult to navigate as it involves the well-being of children. For this reason, a family attorney is your best asset.
- Adoption
Adoption is a legal process that allows you to become the adoptive parent of a child. It’s a great way for those who can’t have children biologically or those who want to extend their family. This process comes with several requirements, and you need to know your rights and obligations. Family law attorneys can be of great help in this case.
The lawyer may look into the legal aspects and prepare all the documents needed for adoption. Such documents include the petition to adopt, application for adoption records, and other necessary paperwork. They can also help you modify or change the child’s birth certificate and issue the final adoption decree.
- Pre/postnuptial agreements
Let’s talk about something that might not sound romantic but can truly be a lifesaver in relationships: prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Picture this: you’re head over heels, planning a life together with your partner. It’s all sunshine and rainbows until someone brings up the topic of a prenup. Prenuptial agreements are contracts that couples sign before getting married. These outline what will happen to their assets and liabilities should they divorce or one of them pass away.
A family lawyer can help you draft such documents, as well as postnuptial agreements, similar to prenups but signed after marriage. These are important as they can protect your financial security and rights. Simply put, they’re your future safety net when things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
A family law attorney can be your most trusted ally when it comes to resolving family-related legal issues. They can explain your rights, prepare all the necessary documents, and represent you in court if needed.
So, if you’re in the middle of a legal battle related to your family, consider working with an experienced family lawyer. With their help, you can resolve your family disputes most effectively and favorably.