What Can A Family Law Attorney Do For You?

Family law attorneys focus on issues in family relationships that involve divorce, marriage, adoption, child custody, child support, paternity, alimony, division of property, and more.

Many people will find they need an attorney at some point. Most attorneys specialize in certain areas and if you need a family law attorney in Bakersfield, make sure you hire an attorney who is experienced in family law.

A family law attorney is one of the most widely utilized types of attorneys, as many people frequently need them. This article will tell you some of the various issues a family law attorney helps you with and what they can do for you.

The Role Of A Family Law Attorney

A family attorney can help you with various things, including court proceedings and helping to negotiate through mediation. A family law attorney helps with issues around the family, family, legal paperwork, and more.

#1. Divorce

Divorce is essentially the dissolution of a contract; however, it’s also very emotionally challenging and legally complex. It is important to hire an attorney when navigating a divorce. When you are going through a divorce, it is emotionally, mentally, and physically tiring, and a family law attorney can help represent you using their experience, knowledge, and expertise. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the complex family court system, keep you from making some common mistakes and ensure that your rights and family are protected. They will also help alleviate some of the stress of a divorce and ensure that all the legal paperwork is filed correctly.

#2. Pre and Postnuptial Agreements

Legal documents such as pre and post-nuptial agreements detail how everything will be distributed to each party after a divorce. The prenuptial agreement is created before marriage, and all property and assets of both parties are outlined as and how they will be divided after the couple’s divorce. Certain things, such as child support and custody, cannot enter a prenuptial agreement. A postnuptial agreement is created after the couple is already married.

#3. Spousal and Alimony Support

Family law attorneys must negotiate common issues such as spousal and alimony support. Depending on the state you live in, a judge may make the final decision, or some states have laws regulating the amount of spousal support awarded depending on various factors.

Family law attorneys can provide the court with all the needed information to help achieve the best possible outcome for their client. State guidelines for awarding spousal support may vary; however, the judge still requires accurate information, including such things as:

  • Income
  • Level of accumulated joint debt
  • Ability to work and earning potential
  • Sometimes, even the conduct of each spouse will be considered

Your family law attorney will help gather and request all necessary documents to help you navigate this complex process.

# 4. Child Custody

Child custody is usually an emotionally charged issue for all parties involved in the matter of custody and is determined by many factors, including the following:

  • The parent and child bond for both parents
  • Criminal activity of one or both parents
  • Drug or substance abuse of one or both parents
  • The stability of each home
  • Domestic violence, including emotional, physical and mental, and financial abuse

Sometimes a child custody agreement can be created before going to court, and the judge will usually support it unless the child’s best interest is not being served. However, if no agreement is reached, it is up to the family law attorneys to gather evidence and present it to the judge to ensure that the child’s best interest is cared for when deciding child custody.

#5. Child Support

The majority of states have specific formulas used for determining child support. One of the crucial jobs of a family law attorney is ensuring that the court has all the necessary information to calculate the correct amount. Child support is to help ensure that the children have the financial resources they need and would enjoy it if both parents were living together. Information that needs to be gathered includes the following:

  • Accurate and transparent reporting of income
  • Healthcare expenses for the children
  • School and education expenses for the children
  • Allowable deductions

Your family law attorney can also gather evidence and report it if the other party hides resources or is intentionally underemployed or unemployed.

#6. Adoption

Family law attorneys are helpful during adoptions in California as they can ensure the paperwork is filled out and filed correctly. Adoptions often come with a lot of legal red tape, and a family law attorney can help your adoption be processed as quickly as possible.

#7. Paternity

If paternity is questioned or undetermined, a family law attorney can help protect your rights and family. This includes establishing paternity to receive child support or to obtain parental rights.

#8. Domestic Violence/Abuse or Child Neglect

If you or your child experiences neglect or abuse, hiring a family law attorney to help you is essential. The attorney may represent the child or you if you’re being abused physically, mentally, emotionally, or experiencing financial abuse. They may also be in the position of defending the parent who is being accused. Hiring an experienced family law attorney is essential to protect you and your family.

Azemika & Azemika Law Is Here To Help You

At Azemika & Azemika, a family law attorney in Bakersfield, California, we handle divorce cases, dissolutions of domestic partnerships, child custody and support, paternity, alimony and spousal support, adoption, and more.

Our highly skilled attorneys are here to help you navigate this challenging time and complex legal system. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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