Do you think you may need to hire a family law attorney, but are not quite sure whether or not this is the right type of attorney for your needs? If so, you are not alone. There are many people who find themselves unsure when it comes to what type of cases family law attorneys handle. This article can help to eliminate some of this confusion by introducing you to three of the most common types of cases a family law attorney will handle.
Divorce Cases
Many people believe that divorce lawyers are in a category all of their own. However, the fact is that most divorce cases are handled by family law attorneys. In fact, this is often the most common type of case that these lawyers will handle.
In addition to helping individuals file the necessary paperwork to obtain a legal divorce, family law attorneys can also help with other aspects of a divorce case such as property division, child custody, and child support. In many cases, family law attorneys will also offer mediation services to individuals seeking a divorce in order to assist them with reaching an agreement when it comes to the terms of their divorce settlement.
Adoption Cases
One of the most important legal matters that some families will ever deal with is the matter of adoption. This is because an adoption case has the ability to make a family whole. Unfortunately, adoption cases can often be quite complex and time-consuming. A family law attorney can help families to navigate this process and ensure the positive end result that they are hoping for.
In addition to traditional adoption cases, many family law attorneys will also handle stepparent adoptions. While these cases do have many similarities when compared to traditional adoption cases, they can also have some unique challenges that must be addressed. For instance, if both of the child's biological parents still have their parental rights, the rights of the noncustodial parent will need to be terminated before the stepparent adoption can take place. This is just one of the many issues that a family law attorney can help you navigate.
Child Welfare Cases
If there are concerns about the welfare of any children currently or previously under your care, these issues will typically be heard by a family court judge. This judge will be tasked with determining issues such as where the child should live and whether or not any ongoing services are required in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. If you are dealing with this type of legal matter, having a family law attorney represent you can make a world of difference in preserving your family unit and ensuring that you do not find yourself facing a related criminal matter.
For more information, contact a family law attorney near you.
