One of the many branches of law is family law, commonly referred to as matrimonial law. As you can imagine, family law is mainly concerned with resolving family matters. The job of a family law attorney is extremely difficult since each case is totally different. Each case is different and each family has different circumstances that may require specialized handling.
That is one of the main reasons why attorneys that specialize in family law hold extensive discussions before taking on a case. The main concern that attorneys have is to make sure that all the facts of the case have been established before they take it on. The lawyer may hold discussions with several members of the family, depending mainly on the type of case. Most people think that the job of a family law attorney is to simply handle divorce proceedings. However, here are a few other services that they provide:
Adoption
Adopting a child is not as easy as it looks. You will have to file out a number of different applications and prove to the court that you are capable of caring for the child. Needless to say, this is much easier said than done. Your attorney will help you fill out the application and will also prepare you for any interviews and hearings that might take place. Remember, the life of a child will be involved in the decision. As a result, the authorities are usually very thorough with their investigation. You will need professional guidance if you wish to stand any chance of getting the application accepted.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy laws are extremely complex. A proper agreement needs to be drafted out by the authorities and must be signed by all parties. Finding a surrogate mother is not easy either. Once you do, you will have to provide financial care and support to the surrogate mother too. Most people don’t really understand the sheer complexity of surrogacy laws. Your family law attorney will help you understand what you have to do and will guide you on every step of the way.
Child Abuse
Child abuse cases are particularly difficult to handle. However, since they fall under the domain of family law, it is the attorney’s responsibility to make sure that the perpetrator is punished and the victim is protected. If a parent is being physically abusive towards a child, the law attorney may take responsibility. However, child abuse is a pretty broad term. It also includes mental and sexual abuse of children.
Since each case is so different, the attorney usually has his work cut out for him. They often have to consult past precedents and go through previous similar cases in order to find the best possible solution.
