The field of law can be broken down into many specializations. Whether you are studying law and are nearing the point where you have to choose which type of law you want to specialize in, or you are someone who is looking to hire a family lawyer – it is important to know the different areas of law and what they consist of.
Bankruptcy law, corporate law, criminal law, entertainment law, environmental law, family law, international law, labor law, personal injury law, and tax law are just some of the unique legal sectors that lawyers can specialize in.
Some of these sectors are quite self-explanatory, such as criminal law or tax law, while others, such as family law, are more ambiguous, even though the situations they deal with are incredibly common, everyday situations that even you may end up needing help with at some point. So what does a family lawyer do?
Below we go over some of the different situations that family lawyers handle.
What Can A Family Lawyer Help Me With?
Typically, the first thing that will come to most peoples’ minds’ at the mention of a family lawyer is divorce but, in reality, family lawyers are more than just divorce lawyers. Of course, people believe this because divorce, unfortunately, is the most common reason people hire family lawyers. Despite this, however, there are actually a variety of issues and situations that they are capable of aiding with.
Some of the other areas of family law include:
Child Custody
If you are currently in a custody battle with your child’s other parent, you most likely need the help of a family lawyer. Of course, you can go to court without one, but if the situation is complicated, you are crossing jurisdictions, you have unique circumstances, or you fear for your children’s safety, your best bet is to have a family lawyer on your side.
Child Support
Similarly, if you are having ongoing problems surrounding child support payments you are owed or are being requested to pay, a family lawyer can help ensure a fair settlement of the issue.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Saying “I Do” is a big commitment, and many people feel that pre- or post-nuptials are a great way of protecting themselves in the unfortunate event that the marriage does not work out. If you and your future spouse are interested in these types of pre-marital agreements you should go and see a family lawyer.
Adoption
Whether you are looking to add a child to your family or put a child up for adoption, you will need the aid of a lawyer and a family lawyer is your best bet. Adoption is a lengthy and complicated process and a family lawyer can help you and the child get through the process as smoothly as possible.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence cases (and similarly child abuse cases) are a combination of family law and criminal law – this means you can seek the help of either a criminal lawyer or a family lawyer or even both. In the case of abuse during pregnancy, the impact on the fetus can lead to an additional need for legal support.
As you can see, family lawyers are experienced and educated in a number of legal situations – if you and your family are going through any of these circumstances, a family lawyer may be what you need to keep the process running smoothly and help secure the best possible outcome for all parties.
