Family Law

This content is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion as neither can be given without reference to specific events and situations. This content is only intended to provide general legal information with respect to the area of family law.

COHABITIATION AGREEMENTS OR MARRIAGE CONTRACTS

Statistically speaking, the majority of the population will experience a family law issue at some point in their lives. Sometimes, it is preemptive in nature. There are Cohabitation Agreements or Marriage Contracts which people enter into to protect themselves from a possible breakdown in the relationship.These function as a guide for what happens before the event actually occurs. More and more people are investigating and completing such agreements to protect themselves. Sometimes it is because they have already had a bad experience in family law. Other times, they have adult children whom they wish to protect. There are a variety of reasons for wanting and needing such agreements. It is important to investigate and talk about the issues before a problem arises in a relationship.

ADOPTIONS

In family law there is one area family lawyers can help with, which is positive in nature. This is adoption matters. When we say adoptions this generally refers to a step parent or other close individual to the child, wishing to adopt the child.

SEPARATION ISSUES

The most frequent time for someone to have an encounter with a family law lawyer occurs around the time of or shortly after the breakdown of the relationship. It can involve divorce, joint family venture, various trust claims, parenting decision making, discussions about time with the children, child support, spousal support, equalization, restraining orders, sale of the home and other important issues to consider upon separation.

When considering the above list, it is not at all uncommon that a person hopes never to have to learn about the issues or consider them. In fact, many would choose to never have to call a family law lawyer for advice. The reason being is that even saying words related to family law generally create a fear and anxiety in people. When one has to deal with a family law issue, it will impact the person in the most personal of ways. It is undeniably one of most emotionally charged experiences a person will ever face. This is why proper legal representation is key to navigating the system.

Depending on an individual’s circumstances it is possible to deal with these separation issues through a variety of methods including mediation, arbitration, Court, Collaborative Family Law, negotiation and/or Separation Agreement. It is important to seek legal advice as early in the process as possible in order to understand the various processes and issues involved in any family law matter.

The breakdown of the family unit is already a financial strain. It is therefore vital at the outset to know your rights and responsibilities. The knowledge can be the best protection for moving forward. Good legal representation will assist in repairing the family unit to the point it can move past the separation to focus on the future. It is understandable that no one really wants to have to visit the office of a family lawyer. However, if you find yourself in such a situation the experienced family lawyer should be your first step.