Situations Where You’ll Need to Hire a Family Attorney
Family law attorneys deal with divorce, child custody, alimony, and adoption. They also know about estate planning and can help ensure your wishes are met after death. Hiring a good family attorney can be challenging. You want someone who is experienced and has a good track record.
Divorce
If you are considering getting a divorce or have already been served with papers, it is important to hire a family attorney immediately. You may protect yourself from your ex-spouse’s nefarious behavior, better grasp your legal options, and maintain composure in tense situations with the assistance of an experienced attorney. They can also ensure all legal documents and court filings are completed properly and completely, which can impact the outcome of your case. In addition, a family attorney Tampa keeps up to date on changes in case law which is critical in ensuring you receive the best possible result from your case.
Other family matters, such as child custody disputes, spousal support, property distribution, and paternity lawsuits, might be assisted by a knowledgeable divorce lawyer. In many cases, a divorce is just the beginning of a lengthy and complicated process and hiring an attorney early on will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Child Custody
A family lawyer is a must in any child custody situation. Even if you and your ex-spouse agree on custody issues, it is important to hire your attorney so that the documentation, paperwork, and other legal processes are handled properly. You will be better protected from unforeseen events while the process is underway. Your attorney will also help you determine your best options for custody. It will depend on many factors, including the child’s age, the lifestyle you and your spouse lead, past domestic violence, current financial status, etc. A family lawyer will also be able to assist you in modifying custody as your child grows older. For example, if your ex-spouse gets a new job that significantly increases their income, this may change how much child support they pay. Your lawyer will keep up with changes in case law so they can handle any modification requests you may have.
Adoption
Whether adopting through an agency or independently, you must have a family attorney to ensure the process goes smoothly. Adoptions can take a long time to complete, and you will want an attorney with experience in this law area. When you are interviewing attorneys, ask about their experience with adoptions. You will also want to know whether they have a social work, sociology or psychology background, which can give them the empathy to understand your situation and help you through it. Having a good family lawyer can be expensive, but you must have one on your side to ensure your rights are protected. Many family lawyers have programs to help those unable to afford their services, so feel free to inquire about these options. They will usually be happy to explain the options and what they can do to help you.
Child Support
Getting full custody of your children can be complicated, especially if your ex-spouse tries to thwart your efforts. A family lawyer will know how to deal with these situations and achieve the desired results. If your ex-spouse gets a promotion and suddenly has more income, you may need to request an increase in child support payments. A good attorney can help you with this process and ensure the new amounts are fair. Family attorneys can be useful before you get married by helping you create a prenuptial agreement. It will determine how assets will be divided if the marriage ends in divorce. They can also assist with adoptions, making sure all regulations are followed. It can be a very happy time for families, but the legal aspects must be handled correctly. A family attorney can be a huge asset in this area.
