Different lawyers have varying areas of specialization. For instance, some lawyers specialize in personal injury law, and others specialize in family law, employment law, immigration law, criminal law, or any other area of law.
Generally, family law deals with various issues such as divorce, marriage, adoption, and child support. These laws often vary in different countries and states, but they all serve the same purpose – to protect the family unit. Keep in mind that you can choose to retain the services of an experienced family lawyer depending on the specific family-related issue you are facing. Here are some of the situations where you need an experienced lawyer.
1. When handling major family issues
There are different categories of family-related issues that require the expertise of an experienced lawyer to resolve, particularly in the time of crisis. Some of these categories include;
Divorce: This is one of the common issues that require the attention of an experienced lawyer. Following disagreements or a series of unresolved issues that could lead to separation, you need a lawyer to figure out the best way possible to handle such issues. During your divorce process, a family lawyer can help handle various issues such as child support, child visitation schedule, child custody, division of property, and more. Your lawyer can also ensure that the entire process runs as smoothly as possible, even if it is an uncontested divorce.
Guardianship: You need a family lawyer in the event you or your spouse cannot provide your children with sufficient care. In this case, a guardian for the children may be necessary, and an experienced lawyer can help you make the critical choices involved in the process of getting a guardian legally. Your lawyer can help handle the necessary paperwork and help you avoid mistakes that could derail the entire process.
Domestic abuse: Suppose you feel that you have been mistreated by your spouse. In that case, you may want to consult with an experienced family lawyer who can help you take the necessary precautions to ensure both you and your kids are safe.
Adoption: The process of adoption is a significant act of humanity. However, you need to follow the right legal procedure to do it. When you are deciding to adopt a child, you may want to consult with a lawyer to ensure that the process runs lawfully and smoothly.
2. Filing essential family documents
An experienced lawyer can help keep your family’s essential documents. Such documents must be kept safe and presented as sufficient proof in the event of various issues such as divorce or separation in the future.
A power of attorney is a special document that grants and other entities permission to act on behalf of you. The law allows you to grant another person the permission to take care of your kids or the entire family business in case you are unable to do so because of old age or sickness. Having an experienced lawyer present when creating such a document will ensure that the deal is signed and the entity granted the permission or responsibility must follow all the given rules. Your lawyer can also counsel you when choosing an entity that is responsible for such duties.
3. Creating a will or estate plan
As mentioned earlier, experienced family lawyers can help manage various legal issues pertaining to your family. For instance, when drafting a will or an estate plan, it’s essential to have a lawyer present to ensure these documents are accurately created and stored. Suppose you intend to pass over your property to your heirs or other family members after death or retirement. In that case, your family lawyer will ensure that your estate plan is followed to prevent any form of family conflict. He or she can also act as a mediator in the event a conflict arises.
4. Forming domestic partnerships and civil unions
A civil union is simply a legal relationship between two people who can enjoy marriage rights though the union is not treated as a marriage. This is simply a domestic relationship or interpersonal relationship between people who want to share a common life, but don’t want to get married. These partnerships and unions are not considered legal in some states and countries. Before you decide to form one, it is essential to consult with a lawyer to first find out if it is legal in your current location.
Domestic partnerships and civil unions are common in people who want their rights to be protected the same way marriage rights are protected. If you plan to follow this route, it is recommended to work with a lawyer who can guide you through the entire process.
Summary
In addition to the aforementioned cases, there may be other instances when you need a lawyer to help you handle various family issues as either a mediator or represent you in court in case of family-related conflicts. Some of these issues include damage to family property, violation of human rights within the family unit, land disputes, and more.