What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
To navigate the tough and touchy issues that arise between family members, you may want to consult a family lawyer. Family lawyers can handle legal issues that involve your family members, including unions, disputes, separations, negotiations, and lawsuits.
How Do I Know If I Need a Family Lawyer?
You may want to consult with a family lawyer for any big changes in the family dynamic, including:
- Civil unions and domestic partnerships.
- Marriage.
- Prenuptial agreements.
- Divorce.
- Separation.
- Property settlements.
- Alimony.
- Child abuse.
- Spousal abuse.
- Child custody.
- Child kidnapping.
- Adoption.
Not every family attorney will have experience in all of these areas. Be sure to ask which areas your lawyer specializes in to confirm that their expertise fits your needs. You may want to consult with a Rocket Legal Pro for guidance.
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?
Family lawyers typically charge by the hour, though some offer flat rates for simple services like document drafting or reviews. Rates will vary depending on where you live and the complexity of the matter. It may be a good idea to set a rate with your lawyer upfront so that you know what to expect at the end.
What Should I Expect When Working with a Family Lawyer?
Because the family law practice area is so broad, it's hard to say exactly what you can expect from a family law proceeding. However, you should ultimately have a better-defined relationship with your family. In any case, your lawyer should provide advice on whether you should take your case to court and how strong your case is. Your lawyer should take you through every step of the process, including filing papers or a lawsuit. For document creation or review, you can expect your family lawyer to create a legally binding agreement with clear terms you can understand. If you have to go through negotiations or go to court, there is no guarantee that the outcomes will be ideal for you, but having a family lawyer on your side will give you the best information and chance of winning your case.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
