Services Provided By a Family Lawyer
Family law is a field of law that deals with matters pertaining to family relationships. Attorneys who specialise in family law represent clients in court cases or settlement negotiations. A family lawyer is familiar with the Family Law Act and is involved in drafting legal documents and preparing necessary evidence to support your claim. Here are some of the services provided by a family lawyer.
Divorce and Child Custody
A divorce is a messy affair that often results in court cases that can span several years. In divorce cases, some of the pertinent issues involve the division of property, alimony and child custody. The question of the division of property becomes complicated if the divorce was based on a nuptial agreement.
Alimony is also complicated when one spouse claims they can't support themselves while evidence shows they are self-reliant. The question of child support is settled by determining the best interests of the child. A family lawyer can help you get a fair share of property after a divorce. Furthermore, they will negotiate the terms of alimony and child custody that will work for you.
Adoption and Paternity
In cases where a couple wants to give up their child for adoption or wants to adopt a child, it is crucial to have a family lawyer present. If the child is to be given up for adoption, there are specific requirements that need to be satisfied. Furthermore, both parents should consent to the adoption. Adopting parents should also meet certain conditions to be allowed to adopt a child. The court will look at what is in the best interest of the child. However, it is the role of the family lawyer to make a case go in favour of their client.
Paternity helps determine whether a person is the father of the child in question. Since conducting a paternity test will require DNA samples from the father, a family lawyer will advise you on whether or not to submit to this test. A paternity test may provide crucial evidence when a marriage is being dissolved based on one partner's infidelity.
Summing It Up
When choosing a family lawyer, it is advisable to find an attorney who specialises in your particular case. For example, for divorce, look for a divorce lawyer. Family law is a broad field that spans beyond divorce, child custody, adoption and paternity. Some other issues family lawyers sometimes deal with include estate planning, emancipation and child abuse.