Family law covers a wide range of legal topics and issues pertaining to families. This includes:
- divorce,
- child custody,
- child support,
- spousal support,
- domestic violence,
- adoption,
- and more.
While each state has its own specific laws surrounding these topics, there are some general principles that apply across the board.
Important Terms to Know
- Emancipation — A court procedure that allows a minor to become self-reliant, assume adult responsibility for their personal welfare and no longer be subject to parental supervision.
- Marital Property — A property acquired by either spouse during the course of a marriage that will be split between spouses when it comes to divorce.
- Alimony — An allowance paid by one spouse to the other for support during or after a legal separation or divorce.
- Paternity — Paternity may be established through father’s lineage, also known as patrilineal descent. This confirms a child is indeed the offspring of the father.
- Prenuptial Agreement — Also known as a premarital agreement or antenuptial agreement, this is a contract created by two people before they get married. The prenuptial agreement typically outlines how property will be divided in the event of a divorce.
- Child Custody — A legal term used to describe the legal and practical relationship between a parent and their child. There are different types of custody, including physical custody, legal custody and joint custody.
- Visitation — When one parent does not have primary physical custody of their child, the other parent may have visitation rights. This allows them the opportunity to spend time with their child on a regular basis.
- Child Support — Financial support provided by one parent to another for the care of their mutual child.
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What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?
Our family law attorneys help clients navigate legal processes associated with family law. The following cases are one in which you should hire a family law attorney for legal advice, service and representation.
Divorce
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process. A family law attorney can help you navigate the process with as little stress as possible.
Family attorneys can help you and your spouse settle your differences rationally and within the law — without having to go through any divorce proceedings in court. If you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement on your own, a judge will make the decision for you.
A family law attorney can also help if your divorce is contested, meaning that you and your spouse disagree on some or all aspects of the divorce, such as property division, child custody or alimony.
Child Custody
If you are divorcing and have children, you and your spouse will need to agree on who will have legal and physical custody of your children. If you can’t come to an agreement, a judge will decide for you.
A family law attorney can help by representing you in family courts and working to get the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Child Visitation
Visitation refers to when the non-custodial parent will spend time with the children. A family law attorney can help by making sure that the child custody and visitation arrangement is fair and that it is followed.
Child Support
Family attorneys can also help with child support issues. If you are divorcing and have children, the court will order one of you to pay child support to the other. The amount of child support will be based on factors such as each parent’s income and the needs of the children.
A family law attorney can help by making sure that the child support order is fair and that it is enforced.
Alimony
If you are divorcing and have been married for a long time, you may be entitled to alimony, which is also known as spousal support. Alimony is money that one spouse pays to the other to help them maintain their standard of living after a divorce.
Property Division
Another important aspect of divorce is property division. This is the process of dividing up the couple’s assets, such as their house, car and savings account.
Prenuptial Agreements
Family attorneys can also help couples draft prenuptial agreements, which are contracts that state how the couple’s assets will be divided if they get divorced.
Prenuptial agreements can be helpful for couples who want to protect their assets in the event of a divorce.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a common problem in many families. If you are a victim of domestic violence, a family law attorney can help you get a restraining order against your abuser.
A restraining order is a legal order that requires the abuser to stay away from the victim.
If you have been the victim of domestic violence, you should contact a family law attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Adoption
Family law attorneys help with the time consuming and difficult process of adoption.
Adopting a child can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also a lot of work.
A family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that everything is done correctly.
Representation In Court
If family problems ever get to the point of going to family court, you will need a family law attorney to represent you.
Family law attorneys are trained in the legal process and know how to represent their clients in court.
They can help you understand the complex legal system and make sure that your rights are protected.
Contact MZJ for Family Law Service & Representation
Our Idaho Falls attorneys can help you with all of your family law needs.
Our experienced attorneys can help you with everything from adoption to divorce.
We will work hard to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Call us today at 208-528-4188 to schedule a consultation with a qualified family law attorney. We look forward to helping you!
You can also learn more about Family Law here.
