Family law is the area of the law that deals with anything and everything pertaining to marriage and children. Here are some frequently asked questions concerning family law to be aware of before you go through the process and choose a family lawyer.
What exactly is family law?
Everything that has to do with the family unit is encompassed by family law. A family law attorney will handle divorces, annulments, child custody, visitation rights, child support payments, and spousal support. Family law also covers adoption, state child protection, and domestic violence cases; additionally, family law practitioners have the ability to grant restraining orders.
What is a restraining order?
A restraining order is a temporary court order that prohibits a person from contacting or approaching another person. Its purpose is to protect an individual and their property, and to restrict the other person’s behavior.
What is the difference between divorce and an annulment?
Both are court procedures that dissolve a marriage; however, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened. Most marriage dissolutions occur through divorce, even though the process takes a little bit longer.
How is child custody established?
The judge will take into consideration all aspects of the child’s lifestyle before making their decision. This includes the child’s relationship with each parent, the location of their school, and any other factors. Above anything else, the court will always make their decision based on the best interests of the child, so if you find yourself in this predicament, make sure to find an attorney that specializes in this type of case.
Does family law protect special interest cases?
Yes. Family law has covered many special interest cases in the past, including issues pertaining to Native Americans. As many as 35% of Native American children were taken from their homes nationwide and placed in non-Indian homes, until family lawyers intervened and created the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978.
What is family law mediation?
This is a type of therapy used to resolve family disputes. A third-party mediator will be present to smooth out any issues the family may have, in hopes of reaching a mutual agreement.
If you are looking to choose a family lawyer, look no further than The Law Office of Michelle D. Wallis, the Kings County California lawyers you can trust.