Family law was created to protect the rights of individual family members and preserve the interests of the family as a whole. During a divorce, a family member is often faced with one of the most challenging and emotional events one will ever experience, and no one should have to experience it alone.
Do I need a family lawyer when faced with a possible divorce?
During a divorce, you may be vulnerable, your emotions may run high, your thought process may seem challenged, and it may be very easy to forget about what really matters. It is for these reasons that when facing the personal challenges that come with divorce, it is important to have someone there alongside you to educate you, advocate for you, and protect your rights and interests.
When is the right time to contact a family lawyer?
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
As with any challenge in life, the best strategy is to be prepared and plan ahead. Do you wait until you’re sick to schedule your annual check-up with your doctor, and do you wait until April 14 to begin preparing your taxes? With a possible divorce in your future, you do not want to wait until divorce papers are served on you to contact a family attorney.
Once your relationship has broken down and it is apparent there is no hope of repairing your marriage, it’s important to contact a family lawyer to learn about your rights and obligations, child-custody issues, division of property and financial assets, and to ensure that you make well thought out decisions throughout the process.
How do I know I’ve selected the right family lawyer?
It is just as important to make sure you have the right family lawyer. Without the right person advocating for and protecting your interests, it is very easy for a divorce to spiral out of control, lead to a civil lawsuit, and become overly time-consuming and expensive. When looking for a family lawyer, you want to be sure that: (1) you and the lawyer can communicate effectively; (2) the lawyer can resolve the case efficiently; and (3) the lawyer has experience in the courtroom, in the event the case cannot be resolved through settlement or mediation. Just like any other area of the law, the best results come from a good working relationship between the legal team and the client.
If a divorce proceeding is already started, is it too late to meet with a family lawyer?
Typically, the earlier you meet with a family lawyer, the earlier you equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate through the divorce process. Whether you are currently unrepresented or perhaps unsatisfied with your current family lawyer, it’s not too late to meet with a family lawyer to discuss your particular issues and determine how best to protect your rights.