Family lawyers perform a myriad of legal services, from managing estates and enforcing wills to getting things in motion for a divorce proceeding. They handle legal issues that invoke family law, such as prenuptial agreements, child custody, guardianship, and domestic violence. They can also mediate between conflicting family members who decide to settle their differences outside of court.
Let’s go into detail about what our Greenwood-based family attorneys can do for you in this article.
Handle Divorces, Annulments, and Other Related Legal Processes
A marriage dissolution, which is carried out via a divorce or annulment, is one of the most common cases brought before family courts. The American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that about 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the U.S. end up in divorce.
However, divorce cases don’t always have to go to court. Family lawyers can mediate between divorcing couples and help them go through the process in a civil and rational manner.
As mediators, family attorneys present all legal options for both parties, i.e., divorce, annulment, or legal separation. They will also lead discussions about the following:
- Child custody and visitation agreements
- Parenting Plans
- Child support
- Alimony or spousal support
- Division of debts and marital assets
Legal Matters Involving Family Members
Family attorneys can be counted on to draft legal documents for family matters.
- Guardianship – If parents become incapable of caring for their child because of a disability, illness, or imprisonment, or if the parents pass away unexpectedly and leave behind minor children, relatives who wish to establish guardianship can file an application in court with the help of a family lawyer.
- Prenuptial agreements – Wealthy people draft prenuptial agreements to protect their respective wealth. Prenups are also advisable for couples with children from prior marriages. They can state in the agreement, for example, that their children will get properties they owned before getting married again when they die.
- Power of attorney – A family may designate a trusted individual to have power of attorney (POA) and act on behalf of someone in the family. The POA can be used to make financial and health decisions, such as adult children making decisions about their aged parents’ medical care.
Who gets the POA is an important decision for a family, and discussions about it can get heated when there’s friction between family members. It helps to have a family lawyer present to diffuse tension and keep the focus on choosing a reliable and trusted individual.
Litigation for Family Law Cases
Thus far, we’ve given examples of how family attorneys can mediate and help clients settle outside of court and avoid the high costs of litigation. If mediation fails, family attorneys can take the case to court and provide legal representation.
Below are examples of family law cases they can litigate:
- Divorce
- Alimony
- Child custody, relocation, and adjustments to parenting plans.
- Domestic abuse and restraining orders
- Estate disputes
- Will contests
- Juvenile matters
Settle Legal Issues and Family Law Matters with a Family Attorney
Cover all your bases and get the best legal advice from legal professionals who know family law best. Taylor Chadd Minnette Schneider & Clutter PC is a general practice law firm that handles various legal disciplines, including family law. We have practicing partners and attorneys with decades of experience in family law mediation and litigation.
Get reliable legal advice from our attorneys today.