What’s a Family Lawyer and Why Do You Need One?

What’s A Family Lawyer And Why Do You Need One?

A family lawyer is needed for certain cases because every lawyer isn’t the same. Learn more about why you may need one today.

There are over 400,000 attorneys in the United States alone.
However, not all of them can cover every aspect of the law. That’s why they specialize in different areas, like family law.
But, what exactly is covered under family law? How do you know when you should get a family lawyer?
Keep reading to learn more about what a family lawyer does and when to hire one.

What is a Family Lawyer?

A family lawyer is an attorney who specializes in any area of law that deals with families. They may cover all areas of family law or further specialize in just one of them.
Here are the various areas of family law:

• Adoption
• Child custody
• Child abuse or neglect
• Domestic partnerships and civil unions
• Prenuptial agreements
• Marriage
• Spousal abuse
• Separation and divorce
• Alimony
• Property settlements

A divorce lawyer is a great example of someone who is specialized in one area of family law, though others may cover several of these areas.

Why You Need a Family Lawyer

Let’s jump into some of the benefits of hiring a family lawyer. While there are certainly more than this, we’re only going to focus on three.

1. Impartial Third Party

When the family situation you’re dealing with involves you and another person, it can be difficult to resolve when you both are experiencing a number of negative emotions.
Bringing a family lawyer in provides you with an impartial third party who isn’t emotionally involved with either one of you. With an objective professional on your side, it may be easier to step back and keep perspective so a peaceful resolution can more easily be reached.

2. Knowledge of Family Law

This is the most obvious way a family lawyer can help you navigate a difficult situation. Family law can be complicated but an experienced family attorney will help you understand how the law applies to you.
A family law practitioner can guide you through any situation and ensure you take full advantage of the laws that are already in place. They can also help you from unknowingly or unintentionally breaking any laws. Family law varies by state and often has particularized rules that don’t apply to other legal areas, so hiring a lawyer who concentrates on working with families in your state is essential.

3. Avoid the Courtroom

When a disagreement ends up in the courtroom, it usually ends up dragging out the situation and you may not end up getting a ruling that’s in your favor. Even if you do, there’s a lot of hurt that happens during litigation.
To avoid having to take things this far, you’ll want to hire a family lawyer as early in the process as possible. This will help the situation to resolve peaceably and quickly, if possible, or if conflict can’t be avoided, you’ll want to be prepared as soon as possible.

When to Hire a Family Lawyer

Here are five situations in which you’ll definitely want to hire a family lawyer. There are others where you may be able to get away with other methods of negotiation, but these require legal help.

1. Divorce

If you and your partner are ready to call it quits, the first call you should make is to a family lawyer. Find one that focuses on divorce if you can.
Emotions run particularly high in divorces so you’ll want to ensure you have a steady, uninvolved person by your side. A family lawyer will also be able to make sure both parties are given a fair share of assets.

2. Child Custody/Support

Whenever there are children involved, it makes a family dispute far more delicate. After all, you don’t want your children to suffer because of a broken relationship with their other parent.
This is why it’s essential to bring a lawyer into any custody or child support disputes. A family lawyer will fight on behalf of the child to do what’s best for them.

3. Adoption and Foster Care

This is another situation involving children in which having a lawyer may make an enormous difference. Families who are in the process know well that the foster care system is complicated which can make adoption difficult.
There are a number of hearings and proceedings a family must go through on the road to adoption in most cases. Having a lawyer with you who can help you during each step will make the process less stressful and easier.

4. Child or Spousal Abuse

Abuse of spouses or children should never be taken lightly. For this reason, you’ll want to call a family lawyer at the first sign of abuse. A lawyer will be able to advise you as to the next step to ensure your safety or that of your children.

5. Property Settlements

As many people have learned the hard way, even families who get along well later regret not calling a lawyer to help settle a property dispute after the death of a loved one.
Because of the emotions that come with death, it helps to have an uninvolved party present who can ensure the will is carried out properly. This can resolve a number of disputes before they arise.
In families that didn’t get along before the death of a loved one, a lawyer is essential to avoid potential disasters.

What to Look for in a Family Attorney

Once you know you need a family attorney, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you go to search for one. Let’s take a look at them so you know when you’ve found the right one for you.

Specialty

The first thing to consider is someone’s specialty. As we already mentioned, ideally you can find a lawyer to specializes in your particular situation. If not, a family attorney who covers all areas of family law is best.

Experience

Before signing anything with a lawyer, be sure to ask them about their experience in the field of law and your specific type of case. This is crucial for determining if they will know how to manage your situation.

Agreeable

Although you don’t need to agree with your attorney on everything, you should find one that you get along with and that shares your goals in terms of your case.
For example, if a lawyer prefers taking the other party to court when you’re hoping for mitigation, you may need to find someone else.

Looking For a Family Lawyer?

Now you know what a family lawyer is and should know whether or not you need one in your situation. As you can see, there are many benefits to hiring a family lawyer no matter what you’re dealing with.
If you’re looking for the best family lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, contact us. Our committed family law experts are eager to help you work through any legal problems you may be having with family members.