The law is complex, and family law is no exception. There are many situations that involve family law, but they all have different rules and requirements. If you have a family issue, it’s important to understand some basics of family law.
What Is Family Law?
By definition, family law involves the regulations and rules that apply to two individuals who are domestically tied together. Although this usually involves relationships between married individuals or relatives, it can also involve individuals in casual relationships.
One of the common threads of family law cases is high emotions. Most cases have high stakes, like the welfare of a child. Therefore, it’s difficult to keep the emotion out of the case. Typically, family law cases involve some type of legal representation to prevent emotions from overtaking the case.
Types of Family Law Cases
There are several types of family cases. In each type, the laws vary. Here are a few of the most common family law cases:
- Paternity
- Child custody
- Divorce
- Protection orders for domestic violence
- Adoption
A Typical Family Law Case
Most commonly, family law cases occur when a marriage or romantic relationship comes to an end. The end of the relationship sparks financial claims and child custody issues. When both parties disagree upon how to cut ties, they turn to the court.
The court resolves issues like divorce, child custody, and annulments. If you take your case to court, you leave the resolution in the hands of a judge. Issues like property division and visitation could be out of your hands.
However, there are other types of family law cases. Sometimes, legal action occurs long after the end of a relationship. For example, a father might seek child custody after years of uninvolvement. Other cases, like adoption, have nothing to do with a failed relationship. Nevertheless, the stakes are still high. You might need a lawyer to help you understand the eligibility requirements of issues like adoption.
Understanding Your Rights
Because there are so many facets of family law, it can be difficult for you to know your rights. Every state has different statutes under family law. For example, cheating on your spouse excludes you from alimony in a Georgia divorce.
Whether you have a divorce or a child custody case, you do have some basic rights. Both parents have a right to fight for custody or visitation. Likewise, a parent has a right to child support from the other parent.
Unless you’re familiar with your local laws, you might not realize your rights. If you speak to a local lawyer, you can find out what laws apply to your situation. Then, you can work towards protecting your rights.
What Happens in a Family Law Case?
As mentioned above, every family law case is different. It’s important to understand the various ways in which you can handle issues like divorce and child custody.
In some cases, you could handle your issues with mediation. This works for both divorce and child custody cases. You and the opposing party meet with your lawyers. Then, you try to reach an agreement.
If you can agree upon a decision, then you can have your lawyers draw up the paperwork. But a failure to agree means that you need to go to court. In many family law issues, the court provides the solution. Your family lawyer in Newnan, GA might need to stand up for you in court.
Because family law is such a broad subject, it can be difficult to comprehend. Your best chance at understanding more of the basics of your case is to speak with a lawyer.
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