5 Things a Family Law Attorney Can Do For You
Family law issues can be stressful and leave you feeling helpless. But in the worst of cases, it is always recommended to consult with a family law attorney. There are many reasons to consult a family law attorney, with the complexities of the legal system, which is often taxing to navigate alone being among them. These lawyers also act as mediators when family disagreements develop. Seeing how high-stake family law cases are, it is highly recommended that you seek the services and counsel of an experienced family law attorney to protect your rights.
Who is a Family Lawyer?
A family law lawyer is a legal professional that specializes in matters to do with legal issues between family members. They represent their clients in court for family issues concerning domestic violence and divorce, offer advice on adoption, visitation rights, and guardianship, and oversee family estates.
What Are the Duties of a Family Law Attorney?
Family law lawyers work with clients of all ages, including vulnerable individuals like children, people living with disabilities, and the elderly. Lawyers educate clients about their rights and explore options for resolving family disputes. The duties of family lawyers vary significantly from one case to the next. However, their key responsibilities include:
Handling all of the necessary paperwork.
There are many documents to complete during most family law cases. Family lawyers are responsible for drafting and reviewing court documents like witness statements or pleadings. They also help you better understand this paperwork.
Monitor mediation sessions
It’s possible to resolve family-related issues out of court with the help of a family attorney. These professionals can help you resolve legal family issues and reach a settlement out of court.
Offer legal representation in court
If no agreement is reached out of court, the attorneys proceed with the case to court. Here, they represent their clients and carry out all duties affiliated with litigation lawyers.
Offer legal advice
Family attornies examine and evaluate any evidence that may prove beneficial to family law disputes. They also liaise with other professionals, including doctors, social workers, police officers, and psychologists.
Ensures professional attorney-client relationship
These lawyers maintain client confidentiality through attorney-client privilege. Once you agree with them, these lawyers keep all communication related to the case and legal advice confidential.
What Can a Family Lawyer Do for You?
Handle Divorce Issues
Divorce is the dissolution of a marriage contract. If you are going through a divorce, a family law attorney will represent you with knowledge and expertise. They will help you in navigating the complex court systems and make sure you receive everything you are entitled to regarding:
Property division
Assets
Child support
Alimony
Etc
Divorce lawyers are typically skilled at dividing marital property, proposing a plan for child custody, visitation, and support, and calculating spousal support. Overall, a good family law lawyer will help ease the stress by ensuring appropriate representation for you during these difficult times.
They will guide you through legal procedures, protect your reputation, take care of the legal paperwork, and offer legal representation in court. If you choose to enter into a separation agreement without taking it to court, the lawyers work with you to ensure the deal is in your best interest.
Handle Estate and Wills
A Will is a legal document used to declare how you want your property handled when you die. Having a family law attorney to guide you in drafting an official Will ensures that your assets and best interests are protected. It also reduces the stress your loved ones go through after your passing. With a valid will in place, even after your demise, the administrator can distribute your property accordingly and protect the financial security of your loved ones.
If your Will is poorly executed, people can challenge it in court, and your wishes may fail. Having a lawyer draft your Will is vital to ensure your properties and affairs are dealt with according to your wishes. They will thoroughly review the document to ensure it will hold up in court.
They will draft a professionally written Will that is clean and covers any conceivable contingencies to ensure no potential disputes arise due to a miscommunication or error in your Will.
Handle Child Custody Agreements
One of the hardest things a couple has to decide during a divorce is child custody. Child custody issues can be a thorny area, especially if the parents cannot agree on the best living arrangement for their children. In such moments, it can be challenging for the involved parties to focus on the essential details and information that could positively impact the case.
In such situations, the services of a professional attorney will prove helpful. These professionals understand custody laws and always consider the kid’s interest first. With a child custody lawyer on your side, you can be sure to expect:
Expert advice on how to navigate the court system
An experienced lawyer understands the custody laws and can help you determine the best move forward. The first asset a family attorney will bring to the courtroom is knowledge of how the court proceedings occur. They make sure you are prepared for everything when they enter the courtroom. They also know precisely how to handle any particular issues during the proceedings.
Experienced representation
If a child custody case ends up in the courtroom, your lawyer can identify the most critical issues in your case and build a strategy that highlights your specific concerns and pushes your requests forward. They work hard to frame your case in the best possible light and demonstrate why the court should approve your ideas.
Detail-oriented representation
Once the family court approves your child custody agreement, it immediately becomes legally binding. It can be challenging, sometimes even impossible, to make changes later. A family lawyer can help you create a child custody agreement that ensures the most favorable conditions for you and your children until adulthood.
Handle Pre-nuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a legally binding agreement between a couple. The agreement outlines the assets and properties of everyone and what happens to them in the event of a divorce. Some couples sign this document before they marry officially.
While every state permits prenup, some are not uncommon to be rejected, especially if they do not meet state requirements. Using an attorney to draft your prenuptial agreement can prove vital, especially if you aren’t familiar with your state law and do not understand the rules.
A family attorney helps you understand what legal rights each acquires and what you give up after you get married. Your attorney will help convey your last wishes in the proper legal form so your state acknowledges it as a valid and legally binding contract.
Represent Litigants in Court
Although the primary goal of attorneys is to help people resolve issues out of court, some of these problems always end up in court. If you and your partner have a family law matter that you cannot agree on and have tried resolving through other methods but failed, litigation may be your only other option. In such a case, family lawyers are better placed to represent litigants and help them obtain justice.
Our Monroe civil litigation experts are well experienced in handling similar cases often. They have the legal knowledge and experience to help litigants navigate the complex maze of family law and ensure that justice is served. Our skilled team takes the time to understand your goals and your story so that they can guide you to the most favorable outcome of your divorce, adoption, custody case, or any other legal matter.
Need a Family Law Attorney in Monroe?
Whether you are in the process of a divorce, need help with adoption, or have questions about enforcing a child support order, it is in your best interest to work with an attorney. At Hanks, Ballard & Barth, LLC , we handle every family dispute with tact and empathy. Our family law attorneys understand how complex family disputes can be and work to make this difficult time easy.
As experts in family law, we can help you navigate the legal issues with such cases. So whether you need help dealing with a custody dispute, dividing property, or claiming spousal or child support, be sure to give us a call. We are attentive to your needs and communication style. Our goal is to help you during this difficult time in your life.
If you or a loved one have a question about a family law dispute, call (770) 267-8988 or visit our Monroe law office today for personalized, comprehensive legal advice. Our Monroe family law attorneys assist people in need of help with family law matters.
