If you ask most people what they think family law attorneys do all day, most will say these legal professionals help people seeking divorce. But that’s only part of the job description.
Lawyers help people who want to terminate their marriages, but they can assist with other things. From prenuptial agreements to estate planning, cohabitation agreements to adoptions, and paternity matters to dispute resolution, family law lawyers offer a wide range of services.
Continue reading to learn about six reasons to contact a family law attorney for assistance.
- Prenuptial Agreements
You can count on a family law attorney for a prenuptial agreement. While many couples don’t see the need for such arrangements before getting married, they can be a good idea in cases where one party comes into the relationship with a much higher net worth than the other. A prenup can also help weed out potential partners who are solely motivated by financial gain.
When getting a proper prenuptial agreement, you and your partner will have a plan to determine how to divvy up debts, property, and other assets should the relationship end. It can also stipulate spousal support or put certain assets outside the other party’s reach. Both parties will know what they’re getting into with a valid prenup agreement.
- Estate Planning
Another reason to contact a family law attorney is for help with estate planning. It’s a good idea to make arrangements so that your assets go where you want them to after your passing. The best person to do that is you, and the best time to do it is now while you still can.
A legal professional will help you take inventory of your assets, set up a will, make arrangements for the care of your dependents and other family members, select a power of attorney, consider healthcare options, and do other things that are part of estate planning.
Some people drag their feet on estate planning since they don’t want to think about dying. But getting your affairs in order won’t hasten your passing — it will give you peace of mind.
- Cohabitation Agreements
If you’re in a common law relationship and plan to move in with your partner, it’s a good idea to have some agreement put in place. Common law couples don’t have all the same protections as married couples. One way to ensure fair treatment for both parties in a common law union is a cohabitation agreement that is legally enforceable. And a family attorney can help you with that.
- Adoptions
Family law attorneys can also help with any adoption matters. Whether you and your spouse want to adopt a child or you’re divorced with a child and want your new spouse to be the legal mother or father, you’ll need help from a legal professional who understands the process.
- Establish Paternity
While many people believe paternity tests should be mandatory once a child is born, the reality is that they’re not. But if you want to establish paternity, you can do so through a family law attorney. The law presumes the husband of a pregnant woman is the father of the child. That said, there may be situations where the man or woman in the relationship wants to establish paternity.
- Mediate Disputes
Are you in conflict with your ex-spouse? Does the problem involve co-parenting? Even after a divorce, co-parenting arrangements may cause conflict in the family. You may want a family law lawyer to step in and help broker peace for the good of the kids.
These are some ways a family law attorney can help you. So, they don’t just assist people with ending their marriages. If you ever need one, do some research to find the right fit.
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