Dealing with any kind of legal issue is stressful enough, but it becomes more so when it involves people you love and want to protect. A good family law attorney can make all the difference.
When you interview family attorneys, look for a track record of success that speaks to their skills and empathy. Each case is different, but a history of positive outcomes for clients with situations similar to yours is encouraging.
1. Divorce
Divorce is one of the most difficult life events to deal with. A skilled family law attorney can help you through this challenging time. They can provide emotional support and make sure all legal papers are filed correctly and on time.
Family lawyers are also helpful in negotiating settlements and agreements. They have experience dealing with opposing counsel and understand the ins and outs of family court proceedings. This can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
A skilled family lawyer can also help you deal with issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and other types of abuse. They will ensure that the proper legal steps are taken to protect you and your children.
When looking for a family law lawyer, it is important to consider client reviews. Many lawyers have a page on their website that displays their most recent client reviews. You can also check with local referral sources or ask for recommendations from trusted friends and family members. In addition to client reviews, you should also look for a lawyer who is clear about their fees.
2. Child Custody
The best family law attorney for your case will have a track record of success in custody cases and experience with your local court system. A child custody lawyer should be able to provide clear, concise legal advice, and they should be a good communicator who listens well. Narrow down your list of potential lawyers and schedule consultations with them.
The courts place great emphasis on the safety, health and wellbeing of children when determining custody arrangements. Abuse and neglect are a major concern and may lead to limited or supervised visitation, or even removal of parental rights altogether. Therefore, it is important to address any evidence of abuse or neglect in your child custody case and demonstrate a commitment to changing your behaviour.
The court may award joint legal custody or sole physical custody to one parent, or it may order a shared arrangement of time between both parents. It is becoming increasingly common for parents to share the care of their children, including liberal weekend and holiday visits (known as access). A strong argument for custody can include demonstrating financial stability, a detailed budget plan, and a commitment to sustaining a healthy parent-child relationship.
3. Child Support
Whether you need to get child support payments modified or you have issues related to establishing paternity, a family solicitor can help. Your lawyer can take care of all the paperwork and ensure it is filed accurately and in a timely manner. They can also help you prepare for court appearances and mediations.
During your consultations, be sure to ask potential lawyers about their fee structures. Some charge hourly while others may work on a contingency basis. Ask about their experience and how they can apply it to your case. You want a knowledgeable, compassionate lawyer who can guide you through the process with finesse.
If you are unable to get the non-custodial parent to pay on time, your family solicitor can file a money judgment for back support and request that the City Marshall garnish wages or seize bank accounts. They can even ask the Family Court to put the non-custodial parent on probation or revoke their driver’s license for wilful disobedience of a court order. This is a serious offense and could lead to jail time.
4. Prenuptial Agreements
In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of prenuptial agreements. These contracts clarify which assets belong to each spouse and outline a couple’s intentions regarding separate property, inheritances and property acquired during the marriage. A prenuptial agreement can also help prevent misunderstandings and disputes between couples about financial matters during or after divorce.
It’s important to hire a family lawyer who is experienced in this area of law. They will have a thorough understanding of the laws and precedents that apply in your province, and they should be able to explain the process and any associated fees in an understandable way. They will also be able to provide guidance on the best options for your specific situation.
A family lawyer will also be able to work with opposing counsel on your behalf. This can be especially helpful if you have a conflict with the other party’s attorney. They can negotiate terms and prepare for court proceedings on your behalf. They will also make sure that all deadlines and deliverables are met.
5. Property Settlement
An experienced family solicitor will be able to help with property settlement issues. This area of law covers many different aspects including dividing property and assets, alimony payments and custody arrangements. These are all often difficult to deal with on your own and it is best to have a family lawyer to ensure that you are fully protected.
A property settlement agreement (PSA) is the final contract between a husband and wife or domestic partners that determines the division of their property and assets. It can also include other financial issues such as whether one spouse will continue to be covered by the other’s life insurance policy or who will receive the payout of a pension.
It is important that you disclose all your assets and liabilities in a PSA. Failure to do so can result in the court finding the agreement unenforceable if the Judge feels that it is unfair to one or both parties. It can also make it more difficult to settle a dispute. A PSA must differentiate between community or marital property and separate property, which a person or entity owns individually.