What is a Family Lawyer?
Family lawyers, or family litigators, represent clients in family court proceedings or in related negotiations within the realm of family law or domestic relations. Family attorneys are able to draft important legal documents including property agreements and court petitions, as well as help you and your family create and identify clear boundaries. Family law is a very broad area of practice, and many family-related or domestic matters fall under the umbrella of family law. Here are the most common reasons for consulting with a family lawyer:
- Adoption
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Paternity
- Foster Care
- Emancipation
- Reproductive Rights
- Divorce
- Alimony
- Annulment
- Guardianship
- Spousal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Separation
- Property Settlements
- Child Kidnapping
- Marriage
- Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships
Not every family attorney may have the experience in nor specialize in each of these different categories, which is why it is highly important to discuss with your attorney what their areas of practice are concerning family law. Once you and your family lawyer have a clear understanding of each other’s interests, goals, and approaches, you will be better prepared for what to expect during and after your case.
Family law also intersects with other legal practices such as mediation, collaborative law, estate planning, and immigration and naturalization. Whether you’re going through a difficult divorce or need help with adoption or child support, a family lawyer can help you find a resolution for your special situation.
A family lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of filing the appropriate paperwork, determining the strength of your case, creating detailed documentation and reviews of your case, and negotiating on your behalf or representing your case in court.