Family Law Defined

Family law encompasses many different aspects of law, including divorce, spousal support, custody, child support, adoption, paternity, domestic violence, annulments, name changes, prenuptial agreements and more. While many states have a separate family law court, family law cases are heard in a civil court. Family law attorneys need to be skilled in negotiating as well as litigating. Since they work with individuals, couples and families at times of great emotional turmoil, many family law attorneys act as a counselor. And family law issues frequently involve finances, so a good family law attorney has an understanding of accounting and financial issues as well. Divorce issues can involve many different subjects, including: property, child custody and support, alimony, separation, annulment, name changes, tax impacts, retirement and social security benefits and much more. Family law attorneys can represent the petitioner or the respondent in a divorce, protecting their rights and looking after their best interests and the best interests of any minor children that are affected. Domestic violence issues can include physical behavior, forced or coerced sexual acts, threats, psychological abuse, child abuse and child neglect, stalking and cyberstalking.

Family law attorneys can obtain restraining orders and advise you on all of the actions that are considered domestic violence along with the legal remedies available in your state. Adoptions and custody issues are also family law topics. Custody issues can be a result of divorce or intervention by the state and family court. Family law attorneys help make sense of the complicated maze of laws relating to child custody, visitation, fathers’ rights, adoption, foster homes and more. Family law attorneys also help with prenuptial agreements, name change processes, same sex unions, and essentially any type of personal legal matter that does not involve criminal law, business law, tax law and the like. When choosing any attorney, it’s a good idea to do some research before you select an attorney to represent you. Attorneys can be board certified or not; they may have scant experience or years of experience; they may have a good track record at getting positive results for their clients or they may fail more than they succeed. Family law matters usually have a deep impact on people’s lives and it is important to have confidence in the attorney who will be helping to determine issues that will have a lasting effect on you and your family.