Family law is a field of case law that governs the legal relationships between people who share a familial relationship. Generally, family law encompasses issues that deal with property, children, paternity, alimony, and divorce. These cases generally involve parties who are closely related by marriage or blood, but family law may also impact those in more casual or distant relationships. In addition, family law can also be implemented to provide protection for other relatives, pets, business interests, and assets. Family law is also responsible for protecting the economic interests of a family as well, especially during the lifetime of the person being represented.
The primary function of a family law attorney is to provide legal counsel to individuals or parties involved in familial relationships. The primary means by which this occurs is through representing clients in matters related to property and assets. Representation occurs before a judge or through court ordered mediation. In order to effectively represent clients, one must have excellent communication skills and be familiar with local customs, law practices, and personal rights. Lawyers must be aware of the paternity of their clients, particularly if they are married, in order to establish paternity. Additionally, they must be familiar with any prenuptial agreement, or parenting plan, and must know the details of alimony, spousal support, child custody, and other divorce laws.
When a person is seeking legal counsel because of a familial relationship, family law attorneys may also ask for assistance in determining the legitimacy of the individuals involved. For example, in cases involving prenuptial agreements or parental trusts, these professionals are often called upon to investigate the validity of these arrangements. If one party was forced to enter an agreement against their will, or if they had no reasonable choice, family law attorneys may also represent those who have been subjected to such agreements. Furthermore, in instances involving domestic violence, spousal abuse, or child abuse, family law practitioners are also authorized to help those who have experienced such issues.
If the parties involved in a case cannot agree on the terms of a divorce, they will likely need the services of a divorce lawyer. It is important for a divorce lawyer to represent their clients with the utmost respect. In most states, divorce lawyers are required to take a comprehensive ethics education course. These courses are designed to ensure that the divorce lawyer possesses an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding regarding the laws governing the area of law in which they practice. In addition, all divorce lawyers must complete a state examination in order to legally practice in their jurisdiction.
No matter what the circumstances are, many people want to retain the services of a qualified divorce attorney. Family law attorneys are particularly adept at negotiating the terms of a divorce. When a couple is struggling to come to terms with their differences, a divorce attorney can help them focus on the future rather than the past. A family law attorney can also provide advice on how to protect assets that both parties may have accumulated during the course of the marriage. Although there are many aspects of a marriage that a divorcing couple will want to consider, protecting any assets that were accumulated during the course of the marriage is often the responsibility of the divorce attorney.
When a couple is about to separate, they may want to seek the legal help of a skilled family law attorney. A divorce lawyer can make the separation much more manageable by working out details that have been difficult for the couple to negotiate. It is important to remember, however, that although these lawyers are experienced in family-related issues, they cannot assist couples who have filed for bankruptcy. The only exception to this rule would be if the couple were living in a state in which no property or financial debt can be collected after a divorce is finalized.