DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW

When there are tensions and disagreements between spouses, it can be a very challenging time for the entire household. When these difficulties become particularly severe, unmanageable, or detrimental, one or both spouses may decide to pursue a divorce. Divorcing partners can simplify the process by choosing to hire a divorce attorney who can provide them with detailed and experienced counsel and advice. Divorce attorneys should also be prepared and able to argue convincingly on behalf of a divorcing spouse in negotiations or before a judge.

Divorce Can Be Complex and Emotional

Family law matters are not only complicated but are often emotionally challenging, as well. If you are worried or unsure about the divorce process, knowing your options and rights can help you and your family navigate the matter successfully. That is why attorneys are dedicated to helping families with this area of law.  

Even the most amicable divorce can produce stress and conflict. The emotional and financial strain that comes along with the dissolution of a marriage is often substantial. For this reason, your attorney should ensure that the divorce process moves forward as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Many attorneys have extensive experience in high-net-worth divorces, fault-based cases, military divorces, and no-fault divorces. These diverse cases can proceed in many ways, including through negotiation, mediation, contested litigation, and collaborative divorce. Divorce attorneys can assist you through the entire process, advocating for you all the way and ensuring that your rights are protected.

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Family law cases are a type of civil lawsuit that typically involves issues between or concerning spouses, parents, and children. The most common domestic matters handled in family court include:

  • Marriage Dissolution. When couples want to end their marriages, they can be terminated through divorce or annulment. Courts may also grant a separation, while the parties remain legally married. 
  • Paternity and Child Custody. When a man needs to be identified as the father of a child, a case can be brought to determine paternity. This legally establishes the father of the child. Unmarried parents may seek legal custody, child support, physical custody, and visitation plans.
  • Name Changes. Either a child or an adult may be able to change their name legally through a family court case. 
  • Guardianship. Determining guardianship establishes who will be responsible for the medical, personal, and financial decisions of a child or an adult who can’t care for themselves. 
  • Termination of Parental Rights Adoptions. If there are compelling reasons why an individual should no longer parent a child, they may have their parental rights terminated. Reasons for this include abandonment, abuse, neglect, and more. 
  • Adoptions. If someone wants to adopt a child (become the child’s legal parent), a parent-child relationship can be created legally in a family court.
  • Protection Orders. Victims of domestic violence can request that the court issue a protection order to keep their abuser away.
  • Juvenile Matters. Family law attorneys handle cases involving allegations of child neglect, child abuse, or matters in which minors are accused of illegal behavior.

Emancipation and Approval of Underage Marriages

Individuals under the age of 18 who seek to marry or become “emancipated” (legally free from the control of their parents) can petition for approval in court.