What Family Law Services Do Most Family Law Firms Provide

Family law services can vary from practice to practice. However, there are eight different areas most will be able to cover. We’ve listed them out for you below, along with a brief description of each.

Divorce Law

If you are beginning the divorce process, or even just thinking about it, it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney. They can walk you through the process step-by-step and help you understand what’s to come. And most importantly, the right attorneys will be straightforward right from the start, work hard to understand your goals, and set realistic expectations for results.

Uncontested Divorces

Even if you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce before filing, you still need legal counsel to review the documents, ensure everything is accounted for, and to help you file the papers. It’s worth noting, however, that a law firm will only represent one spouse. Each individual must have his or her own legal counsel. While most Uncontested Divorces can be simple to complete, there can be complications, perhaps your spouse is in another state or maybe has been charged for a state or federal crime? These are things you should make your attorney aware of.

Child Custody, Visitation, Support, and Modification

All aspects of rearing a child are complicated enough, but when you add legal intervention into the equation, it’s a whole different ball game. A family law firm can assist you with both initial agreements and modifications of existing orders.

Alimony

While based in part on a person’s need for support, there are also other considerations: standard of living, the length of the partnership, current health, and distribution of marital assets, including property and debt. Furthermore, your lawyer will explain the factors specific to your state and help you identify an alimony strategy.

Settlement Modification

As life goes on, your situation may change. Unfortunately, the standards to which your original court order applies may no longer be valid. In these cases, your attorney can help you file for a modification or amendment of the current order in effect.

Contempt

Even if your orders are airtight and finalized, there is still the possibility the other party won’t cooperate. If you have unpaid child support, interference with visitation and custody rights, or other issues, you should begin filing for contempt right away. Alternately, if someone has filed a contempt case against you, you’ll want to start mounting a defense ASAP.

Prenuptial Agreements

Similarly, detailing the division of property and assets, these agreements are a good way to protect yourself in the event your marriage fails. And, there is even the option for a post-nuptial agreement, which can accomplish virtually the same result.

Wills and Probate

In other words, this is the documentation of how you want your assets to be distributed after your passing. If you do not have a will, the state will divide the property per the legal guidelines. So, it’s important to have a specific and well-crafted will to avoid having your decedents challenge it later on.