You may have heard the term “family lawyer” and wondered what it means. It can be confusing to figure out which kinds of cases a lawyer can handle for you. If you are getting a divorce, seeking custody of children, or need help preparing a prenup, you need to see a family law lawyer.
What Is a Family Law Lawyer?
Family law lawyers handle issues related to family relationships in a separation and divorce context. Lawyers who practice family law can help people involved in conflicts or stressful situations find a path forward. This may happen through a court case in front of a judge, by using an alternative dispute resolution method, by negotiating a contract, or some other method, depending on the situation.
Which Kinds of Cases Do Family Law Lawyers Handle?
Family law lawyers take on many different kinds of cases, including:
- Divorce
- Collaborative divorce
- Property division
- Child custody
- Child support
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Separation agreements
- Enforcement and modification of family law court orders
- Marital fault tort claims
- Domestic violence issues
All of these types of cases involve family relationships. Divorce, in particular, can be complicated and stressful for families. A divorce case may involve property division, spousal support, child custody and child support issues as well as prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Family law lawyers are familiar with the divorce process and can help you navigate the process and develop a plan that best fits your needs and situation.
Why Do You Need a Family Law Lawyer?
You may question why you need a family law lawyer. You may think you and your spouse can work together and navigate the process, but the truth is, you need a trusted advisor to explain your legal rights and help you find your best outcome. Divorce, child custody, and other family law matters can be high risk – it’s your family and property on the line. Without a nuanced understanding of the local family laws, you may find yourself overwhelmed and at risk of losing rights to marital property, financial support and/or custodial rights with your children.
Moreover, the local family laws can be complicated or allow the judge to weigh the available evidence. For example, a judge deciding whether to award spousal support in North Carolina can consider several different factors, such as the spouses’ relative incomes, earnings potential, and, potentially, marital misconduct. A trained family law lawyer can help you present appropriate evidence to make a stronger case for appropriate spousal support. When dealing with North Carolina family laws, you need the legal knowledge and experience that a lawyer can bring to the table.
In addition, family law lawyers may assist you in finding alternative means of resolving your family disputes outside of court. For example, collaborative divorce is a different divorce method than standing in front of a judge in court. Instead, you, your spouse, and your separate lawyers trained in collaborative divorce work together to decide on the many issues involved in a divorce case. If you want to learn more, ask your family law lawyer about the alternative resolution methods available to you.
