As much as we don’t want this to happen, the fact of the matter is that many people will be required to hire a family law firm at some point during their life. This is especially the case when your specific matter needs to be handled by a legal professional similar to those at the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon.
Though they are most commonly known to help with divorces, these types of experts will have a background in managing custody battles, child support cases, as well as events that happen before a marriage has even taken place. This is called a prenuptial agreement.
That being said, this article will go into depth to discover more about how a family law firm can help you if you are ever in need of one.
Divorce
Put simply, a divorce is a formal ending of a marriage. Though some people like to think of it as a separation period, the truth is that a divorce is much more permanent as it requires you to go through a legal process to dissolve your marriage. No one goes into a marriage thinking that they are going to get a divorce further down the line. Unfortunately, it is something that can’t be foreseen before the marriage takes place.
So, when you and your partner have come to the conclusion that a divorce is the best route for you to take, the next step is to hire a professional family lawyer. Not only can they act as a mediator in what can be a very devastating time for both parties, but they will also be able to conduct the necessary steps needed to grant you a divorce, all within the relevant laws that are upheld in your area. You will find that most divorce cases can be settled without the need to go to court, however, there are some instances where a court hearing may be necessary.
Child Custody
If you have just filed for divorce from your partner, and you both share children, you must then come to an agreement about what will happen to them. As adults and for the sake of your children, you need to make sure that you can unanimously decide on the best arrangement for them going forward. Though this is a devastating time for you, you need to consider the feelings of your children and how this divorce will affect them too.
Just like with a divorce, a professional family lawyer will be able to handle any paperwork, legal jargon and processes that you will be expected to face during this process. This type of lawyer, with a clear head, will be able to calmly explain to you about what will happen, what you should expect, and what they may need from you if you want to have the best chance of winning custody. Of course, it is important to remember that this isn’t a competition with your ex-partner. This is about your children and what is in their best interest. A lawyer and the relevant laws will be able to determine this so you don’t have to.
Child Support
A family law firm can also help you navigate the complicated process that is child support. Once your divorce and child custody cases have been finalised, this is the next step that needs to be thought about. Child support is the giving of money from one parent to the other in order to provide financial support for any children you share together. In most cases, the person who has custody of the children, the custodial parent, will receive the payments from the non-custodial parent.
Sounds complicated, right? It can be, but your individual circumstances will play a role in how smoothly this step goes. Of course, a family lawyer will be on hand to help with all the difficult questions you may have, as well as guiding you throughout this settlement.
Prenuptial Agreements
Something that happens before you even have the opportunity to think about a divorce is if you want to have a prenuptial agreement in place before you get married. This is a contract that both parties sign prior to this event taking place. The terms of the contract will state how the assets will be divided if they eventually end up having a divorce, or if the marriage dissolves. Just like with a divorce or child custody and support agreements, what is set out on this contract is unique to the couple. It is very unlikely to find two that are exactly the same.
A family lawyer has the knowledge and expertise that is needed to draft such an agreement that can then be signed by the couple once they are happy with the information that it contains. As well as this, they will be able to manage any court proceedings that may occur as a result of this agreement.
The type of legal matters that a family lawyer can help you with vary, but one thing is for certain. They are the right people to contact should you need any advice or help when it comes to navigating the hardships of a divorce, child custody or support cases, and prenuptial agreements.
