Building a family is one of the most important milestones in anybody’s life and the court recognizes this, which is why family law was enacted to focus on issues within family relationships including divorce, child custody, and adoption. But what exactly is family law for?
Execution and Administering of Estates and Wills
Since the conflict in the division of assets of a deceased family member is a common issue, family law covers the execution and administration of estates and wills. These legal documents will state how a parent or any family member would like his property to be managed after his demise. Family lawyers help clients draft these documents and ensure that an estate is administered according to the wishes of the deceased through his will.
Settling Divorce Issues
A divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally draining experiences that any family can go through. When emotions are running high and children are involved, it’s hard for a couple to settle things within themselves, which is why a family lawyer may act as a mediator.
In these cases, each party will hire an attorney to help them create a logical settlement plan without necessarily going to court. This includes dividing marital assets, creating a plan for child custody and visitation, and calculating family support.
Ensuring Child Custody and Support
In the case of a divorce or separation, family law ensures that the fundamental rights of a child are maintained through proper child custody and support. Family lawyers help clients agree on a fixed visitation schedule to allow the child to build a relationship with both parents in an equal manner.
A lawyer can also assist a parent in his/her battle for child support if one party has failed to fulfill this responsibility.
Handling Paternity Cases
A paternity case is usually filed by a mother, which will help her secure child support payments from the biological father of her child. Proving paternity is strong evidence for a mother to demand child support from an absent father.
There are instances, however, when a father files for paternity to be given the rights to his child. This is typically done through DNA testing and certified by the court with the help of a family attorney.
Taking Care of Prenuptial Agreements
These days when most men and women already have their own income, a prenuptial agreement has become popular for couples who would like to get married. This contract is drafted before a marriage or civil union with the help of a family lawyer and states all the provisions of division of assets and spousal support should a divorce or separation occur in the future.
The Bottom Line
In cases involving family law, it’s very important to work with the right family attorney to help you go through the process easily and ensure that you have the most favorable results. Whether you’re undergoing a divorce or chasing after child support, it really pays to hire a professional to help you through the long and tedious journey.
The Law Office of Jon R. Boyd practices Family and Probate Law and has two offices located in Fort Worth and Fort Worth, Texas. We‘re happy to offer our services here and to the surrounding areas: Fort Worth, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Lewisville, Denton, The Colony, Little Elm, Carrollton, Richardson, Addison, Dallas or Fort Worth
