If you’re in the beginning stages of an issue that seems like it will become a family law matter, you may be wondering “what does a family lawyer do?” It’s a basic question, but one that often gets taken for granted.
In this blog, we shed light on what family law is, what legal issues family lawyers deal with, and how they help their clients navigate legal matters.
What is Family Law?
Family law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to family relationships. The goal of family law is to address and resolve conflicts in a way that protects the legal rights, interests and well-being of all parties involved, especially children.
Service Areas and Issues Family Lawyers Handle
Family law encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including:
- Divorce and Separation: Facilitating the end of a marriage with dignity and fairness.
- Child Custody and Parenting Time: Crafting arrangements that best serve the children’s interests.
- Child Support and Spousal Support: Creating fair and adequate financial support arrangements.
- Property Division and Equalization: Equitably dividing marital assets and debts.
- Adoption, Marriage Contracts, and Cohabitation Agreements: Solidifying the legal foundation of family relationships.
Experienced family lawyers have in-depth knowledge of these issues, and they use their understanding to help clients navigate their family law matters and pursue fair outcomes.
Dispute Resolution: Mediation, Trial, and Arbitration
Beyond providing legal advice, a big part of what family lawyers do is help their clients solve disputes. This is normally done via one of two routes: family law mediation or trial.
Mediation
Mediation is the process of amicably resolving disputes outside of court. During mediation, family attorneys act as neutral facilitators, helping those involved reach mutually agreeable solutions. This approach not only saves time and resources but also allows for more personalized resolutions.
For example, a divorcing couple may want to participate in mediation to iron out their child custody arrangement.
A divorce lawyer might propose a joint custody arrangement that allows both parents to spend time with their children and maintain strong parental relationships after the divorce. If both parties are on board with the resolution, an agreement is then drafted into a formal document. After being reviewed and signed by both parties, it can be submitted to the court for approval; if approved, it becomes a legally binding agreement.
Trial
That said, when mediation does not lead to a resolution, or if the nature of the dispute calls for legal adjudication, family lawyers transition to advocating for their clients in the courtroom. In these situations, family lawyers conduct thorough case analyses, examine court documents, gather evidence, and strategize to present a compelling argument to the judge on their client’s behalf.
Using their experience with family law cases, family lawyers increase their clients’ chances of achieving outcomes that are in their best interest.
Arbitration
Arbitration provides an alternative to trial and mediation. In arbitration, a neutral third party, the arbitrator, reviews evidence and arguments from both sides, and then makes a binding decision. Much like with trial, your family law lawyer represents your interests, prepares evidence, presents arguments, and advocates for favourable outcomes.
Despite its similarities with trial, arbitration, like mediation, is typically less formal, faster, and more cost-effective. It can be particularly beneficial for complex or high-conflict cases where both parties want a quicker resolution while maintaining a great degree of control over the outcome.
Lighthouse Family Law – Helping You Craft a Better Future
Family lawyers are indispensable when it comes to resolving family law matters. Through their guidance, protection, and advocacy, they help individuals navigate their legal journeys with confidence and clarity.
If you’re facing a family law issue, don’t go it alone; contact Lighthouse Family Law today for a consultation. Let us provide you with the tailored legal support you need to achieve a favourable outcome in your family law case. A brighter future starts here!
