Family lawyers handle a wide variety of issues in the area of law. These include divorce, child custody and support, adoption and domestic violence cases.
When selecting a family attorney, you must find one you feel comfortable with and who has experience handling cases like yours. They should be able to answer your questions and efficiently work with you.
Divorce
Whether dealing with divorce, child custody, or any other family issue, you can always count on a reasonable family law attorney like the Palm Desert family law attorney to help you. They are often called family lawyers, domestic relations attorneys, or divorce lawyers.
They’ll help you negotiate with your spouse and resolve all issues involved in your case. The process can sometimes be long, but reaching an agreement is always possible.
In a typical divorce, the petitioner (the person starting the divorce) files court papers detailing the dissolution of the marriage. Usually, the documents will include property, custody of children, and alimony.
These papers also will contain information about the parties, such as their names and the date of divorce. If there is a clerical mistake in the court decree, either party can ask the court to enter a corrected decree. Likewise, a party can request that the court enforce the divorce decree or temporary orders if the other party violates them.
Child Custody
A family court can award parents either sole legal custody or joint custody. In joint custody, parents decide about their children’s health care, education, religious upbringing, and other vital issues.
Typically, a judge will order that a child spend a certain amount of time with each parent. Depending on the situation, it may be as little as two weeks or as much as two months.
The court will evaluate which parent can better provide the child with a stable environment and foster continuity in their education, neighborhood life, religious upbringing, and peer relationships.
However, judges can sometimes discriminate against lesbian and gay parents based on their own or community prejudices. If you believe your sexual orientation or gender identity could impact your custody case, speaking with a lawyer about your rights is essential. It will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you can reach an agreement in your child’s best interest.
Child Support
Child support is an essential issue if you have minor children. Hiring an attorney with the legal knowledge to help you fight for your rights and get the support you deserve is essential.
A family attorney will know all court procedures, current laws and child support guidelines to protect your rights. They will also be able to present your case in a way that will most likely gain a judge’s approval.
The amount of child support you must pay is determined based on your income. Each state has its guidelines used to calculate this amount.
If you are unemployed and your child support order is too high, it’s essential to file a petition for a modification to that obligation as soon as possible. If you do, the court may relieve you from your obligation during your unemployment and adjust it to match your new earnings.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence in the US is a significant problem that has a wide-ranging impact on many people. Anybody may experience it, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, degree of education, or financial situation. A family attorney can help you get the protection and legal assistance you need to end domestic violence. It can involve various issues, including criminal charges, restraining orders, child custody and support.
This type of legal case is complex and requires the services of a skilled family lawyer. A domestic violence lawyer can also help you obtain protective orders against your attacker, sometimes issued before guilt is found.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you need to seek help immediately. It is because it can lead to devastating consequences. The best way to start is by contacting a domestic violence hotline or women’s shelter and letting them know you need help.