If you’re filing for divorce, the legal intricacies of family law and child support are going to be the main areas of interest for you. To help you better understand the different areas, we’ve compiled a brief summary for you below.
Areas of Family Law
Family law encompasses a broad collection of legal areas dealing with matters like child custody, visitation, support, relocations, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the most common practice areas:
Child Support: Child support is the amount that the court orders one spouse to pay the other to maintain the child’s well being and standard of living. The amount and allocation of child support vary by the laws of each state. Parties can occasionally negotiate these amounts as part of divorce proceedings and settlement. Alternatively, it may be the result of litigation. Generally speaking, the primary physical guardian of the child is entitled to receive support payments from the other parent (or parents).
Child Custody and Visitation: This legal area is concerned primarily with where a child will spend their time and what decision-making rights each parent has. While each state has different rules, by and large, custody and visitation are determined based on the best interest of the child.
Relocations: In instances where one parent is attempting to relocate with a child, a modification of child custody and visitation may be in order. Your lawyer can help draft changes and justifications to present to the court on your behalf.
Modifications of Child Support, Custody, and/or Visitation: It’s important to note that no court order is set in stone. Either parent can petition for modification of child support, custody or visitation. However, for the court to grant the motion, the party needs to demonstrate a significant change in circumstance. The term “significant change” is somewhat open to interpretation. Examples can include higher salary, loss of a job, job relocation, substance abuse struggles, and more.
Other Important Factors to Consider
At the end of the day, you won’t be able to do this alone. The laws governing the family are precise, intricate, and complicated. There is some flexibility in the system. However, you need a representative who understands the nuances and ways in which the law applies to your circumstances.
Your lawyer should have extensive knowledge and experience in the area of family law that applies to your case. More than that, they should be your advocate in the courtroom. They should also align themselves completely with your goals and desired outcomes.
And finally, your lawyer should be someone with whom you feel comfortable working with and trust implicitly. If you don’t have a good relationship, the months you spend working together will be painful for both of you.
Contact Us to Get the Help You Need
Still have questions? Contact the Reeder Law Firm now to schedule a free consultation with one of our family law attorneys in Cumming or Alpharetta. We offer compassionate support and experienced guidance to help protect you, and your children.
