Family Lawyers – Their Roles And Responsibilities
The last 50 years have shown forth a dramatic change in the American family and the way it is constructed.
Divorce has risen among US citizens. More people choose to live together rather than sign a marriage license before moving in together. Voters’ recent approval of same-sex marriages in many states signals an acceptance to “blended” families of both gay and heterosexual people. More and more children continue to be born to single mothers as well.
These changes have resulted in complicated networks of family relationships which affect the form and content of relationships. The rise of dual career, two-income marriages has also transformed domestic arrangements. As the family shape moves our laws move and at times when people are going through these types of transitions, they need a family attorney that understands the changes and is skilled with the legal maneuverings. Family attorneys need to understand the statutes in your state.
They can explain the difference between common-law marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships, cohabitation and the legal ramifications of each of these.
An attorney for the family can help before the union, during the union and through the dissolution of the union. This often includes drawing up a document that will protect both sides in the event of a separation.
Most family law cases involve a life-changing process that deserves careful planning and execution. Your choice of an attorney will play a significant role in how your case is handled and the fairness of the final result.
Family attorneys deal with very personal and emotional matters. Divorce, child custody, splitting assets, adoption, surrogacy, legitimacy issues, property disputes-all of these can be very traumatic events. Many of these issues are sensitive in nature and have a tendency to end in an ugly manner. Being represented by a skilled lawyer can mean the difference between weeks of frustration or a quicker resolution.
Finding a lawyer who understands how to mediate in an emotionally-charged environment is important. This means that your attorney needs to understand the emotional and psychic costs as well as the financial costs of a divorce or any custody issue. You also need an attorney that shares your values and is compassionate enough to understand the intricacies of your particular case.
Family attorneys also need to understand children and how a new situation will affect them. Zealous advocacy does not always work when youth are involved. Sometimes parents must compromise for the welfare of their offspring.
