The Benefits Of Retaining An Experienced Attorney In Family Law
Legal cases involving family matters are often contentious and emotional. Even if you and the other family members involved are on relatively good terms, you still may find yourself at odds over how to end the case to your satisfaction. Rather than going to court alone, you can get the objective advice and help that you need by hiring a lawyer. An attorney who practices family law can provide vital services to you during your case.
Filing for Divorce
Divorces are some of the most common cases that family law attorneys file for clients. Filing for divorce can be complicated even if you and your spouse do not have children or shared assets. You may have to petition the court for the change of your last name and division of your marital debts, for example.
Your attorney can get your divorce case filed quickly and petition the court for all of the matters that you want to be included in the final decree. If you have children, you can have your lawyer ask the court to settle matters like custody and child support. Depending on the length of your marriage, you also may be entitled to spousal support, which your lawyer can also file for on your behalf.
Child Custody and Visitation
Attorneys who work in family law also routinely handle cases involving child custody and visitation. Parents who are not together need the court to issue a formal decree establishing custody of children under the age of 18. The court also must settle matters involving visitation.
Your lawyer can represent you in court by asking for custody and visitation that protects your best interests as well as those of your children. You can present evidence to the judge to show why the children should live with you, for example. You can also argue for an increase or decrease of financial support if the current decree no longer is practical for your financial situation.
Adoption
Adoption cases are also handled in family law court. Your attorney can streamline the adoption process for you by ensuring that your case is heard promptly. Your lawyer can also make sure that your adoption is legally binding and not capable of being reversed later.
An attorney who practices family law can provide vital services to you. He or she can handle cases like filing your divorce, petitioning for child custody, or representing your adoption case.