What Does a Family Law Attorney Cover?

When most of us hear the term “family law,” we think of divorce lawyers. And while assisting with divorce and everything that comes with it legally is a big part of what family law practices do, they can actually cover a lot more than just an actual divorce.

Here are five primary legal issues a family attorney can assist you with when needed.

1. Divorce

Divorce is the number one issue family law attorneys cover. When emotions run high, it can be challenging for both parties to see eye-to-eye or come to logical decisions. A family law attorney can assist in the decision-making process and act as a mediator. If both parties can come to terms about their divorce with their lawyers’ help, the courts and judges do not need to get involved as heavily.

2. Child Custody

Along with divorce is another very personal process for families affected by divorce: Child custody. In other words, child custody determines which parent will have legal responsibility for the child or children, whether custody will be split, and if so, how that will be done.

Custody involves decisions related to education, health, and other legal aspects of raising a child. A separate, but related part of custody is visitation rights for the noncustodial parent. Visitation rights are often referred to as “parenting time” in Michigan.

3. Prenuptial Agreements

On the opposite end of the family law spectrum is assistance with prenuptial agreements. A prenuptial agreement happens between two individuals before they get married and is designed to create clarity on details such as spousal support, division of property, and child custody in case of separation.

Prenuptial agreements can vary greatly depending on the couple’s wants and needs, which is why utilizing a family law attorney can be helpful.

4. Wills and Estates 

Unfortunately, a prominent legal aspect of a person’s life is, in fact, their death. Determining what happens to a person’s property and assets, after they have passed, can be made clear by drafting a will before they die. Estate planning is also something a family law attorney can assist with by helping individuals to declare what they want to have done with their finances and property while they are still alive.

5. Representation in Court

If all other methods have been exhausted in cases such as divorce, child custody, or will and estate disputes, the involved parties may have no choice but to present themselves in front of a judge for litigation. When this happens, it’s best to have a family law attorney present, as they can be a guide through the processes, expectations, and outcomes from the justice system.

Here To Help

Regardless of your situation, a family law attorney’s primary purpose is to provide guidance and assistance to those in need. Lawyers are trained and certified to navigate the complex and confusing legal world so that you don’t have to do it on your own. Family law attorneys can act as a guide to help you achieve the best legal outcomes in complicated legal matters.