What Is Family Law?

Family Law Attorney in Orlando

Family Law is the law that deals with a person and their family. For example, it may involve issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, formation of domestic partnerships, and support.

Family Law attorneys help a client determine how to resolve problems related to the formation or dissolution of their relationship – whether it’s in the form of same-sex couples choosing between ceremonial marriage or registering with state agencies for Domestic Partnerships; helping families in litigated divorces that want mediation over litigation; drafting prenuptial agreements for couples who want protection from matrimonial disputes during any future dissolution.

Family law is multifaceted emotional and legal terrain in which a lawyer may be able to provide not only sound strategic advice but strong advocacy skills as well.

It’s important to contact a family law attorney if you’re facing any of the following:

Separation from your spouse or domestic partner
Family violence
Custody disputes where there is evidence that one parent has been abusive towards the other
Debts incurred by either party during the marriage which may be claimed in divorce proceedings
Division of marital assets, including pensions and family trust funds
Child support

They can help you through the process step-by-step.

Typically, there are seven stages to a divorce proceeding:

One spouse or partner will file for legal separation (known as filing “for dissolution of marriage”). This is sometimes done so that the other spouse or partner can move out of the family home.
The second step is for both parties to file a petition in court, requesting that it establish temporary orders, such as custody and visitation arrangements for any children under 18 years old;
Once these provisions are established, one party will allege fault on behalf of the other. The party filing the petition will have to prove that their spouse or partner has committed an act of family violence, they are guilty of marital misconduct, adultery under Florida law (adultery can be grounds for divorce in some states), abandonment and/or neglect. This is called “fault”.
The other party then has a chance to respond to the allegations. After both parties have had a chance to present their case, the judge will make a decision on whether or not they are guilty of family violence and marital misconduct
The party that is found at fault by the court may be ordered to pay alimony (or spousal support) which can be in either lump-sum payments or payments over time
If the court finds that neither party is responsible for family violence, marital misconduct, adultery under Florida law (adultery can be grounds for divorce in some states), abandonment and/or neglect then they may decide on a “no-fault” divorce.
The final step of this process is to divide the marital assets (though in some cases, the parties may be able to decide on an uncontested settlement).

Family law is a very broad field of practice. There are many different ways that family lawyers can help their clients including:

Divorce and domestic relations
Child custody agreements
Prenuptial Agreements
Adoption
Establishing domestic partnerships
Annulment of marriage

If you need help with family law in Orlando, Florida or an attorney who specializes in family law, contact The Law Office of Christina Buchan today! Our experienced professionals will do what they can to make your divorce easy on you.

Whatever family law issue you face, you can rely on The Law Office of Christina Buchan as a team of legal professionals, we are set apart from other firms based on our awards, experience, and commitment to clients.