Many people will need a lawyer at some point in their lives, and it’s better to hire a lawyer specializing in the particular field you need help in according to the Law Group of Iowa. Family law is one legal area for many people needing to hire a lawyer. Reasons for needing a family attorney can range from marriage, divorce, adoption, and more. We’ll explore some of these areas in more depth.
1. When Do You Need A Lawyer For Marriage?
While marriage should be a happy time in both spouses’ lives, the unfortunate reality is that divorce can happen. As such, couples may want to hire a lawyer to explore legal options like pre and post-nuptial agreements. These types of agreements detail what each spouse receives in the unfortunate case of divorce. Additionally, even if a couple isn’t considering this type of agreement, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about marriage’s legal requirements and expectations.
2. Divorces Often Require An Attorney
Divorces are never fun, even when the split is handled amicably between both parties. Additionally, many divorces don’t have amicable splits, resulting in emotional and legal headaches. Spouses will often hire a family lawyer during a divorce to settle matters like:
- Dividing assets and property
- Alimony payments
- Child support
- Child custody
Each area comes with its own complexities. In particular, child custody can be an intense legal battle, and a spouse may want sole custody. Alternatively, a spouse may want to fight to have greater custody or visitation rights for their child. In particular, any cases involving abuse should require assistance from a lawyer.
3. Adoption
Couples considering adoption may need to undergo a lot of legal red tape, and making sure all the necessary paperwork is in order alone can be a huge nightmare. An attorney can help couples navigate the adoption system to bring a child into their home as quickly as possible.
4. They Can Help When Mediation Isn’t An Option
When dealing with issues like divorce, it’s better if a couple can sort out their issues amicably. Many spouses may even come to a written agreement, making the job much easier for the court system. However, this isn’t always the case; sometimes, spouses will pursue mediation. A mediator is a third party that helps both sides reach an agreement. This process can be extremely helpful and even save both parties significant time and money.
However, mediation isn’t always helpful. When mediation isn’t working, it might be time to contact a lawyer.
5. Abuse and Neglect Cases
In dealing with issues like domestic abuse, legal help is almost always warranted. Simply divorcing may not completely resolve the problem, especially if children are involved. Attorneys may also be advocating for a parent who’s been accused of abuse or neglect.
These are the five main areas where a family lawyer can assist. Although family law can be hard to navigate, having a qualified attorney on your side can make the process easier.