The rising rate of divorce across the country makes family law more important than ever. But few people realize the extent of family law. In addition to dealing with divorce, family law also deals with other issues. There are several types of family law, each one involving different circumstances. Learn about the most common types of family law.
1. Divorce
This might not come as much of a surprise. One of the most well-known types of family law is divorce. With about 40-50% of US couples getting a divorce, it’s quite common.
When two individuals decide that they can no longer maintain their marriage, they need to legally terminate their marriage. This is easier said than done. With many shared assets and debts, couples often argue about how to handle the division of finances.
Other factors, like children and alimony, make a divorce even more complicated. In many situations, a family lawyer in Newnan, GA is necessary to negotiate the terms and successfully file the divorce.
2. Adoption
Although it’s less common than divorce, adoption is a key branch of family law. Georgia and other states have very specific laws regarding adoptions. If you want to adopt a child, you need to understand and comply with all of the requirements.
A lawyer who studies family law can help parents navigate the challenges of adoption. They can explain the regulations and ensure that the adopters complete all of the necessary paperwork. As a result, they can make the process quicker and improve the chances of success.
3. Child Custody and Paternity
Child custody is relevant to divorce. However, it’s also its own branch of family law. In some situations, child custody cases do not involve married couples. An unmarried father could fight for custody of his child, or an unmarried mother could do the same.
In either case, child custody is not a black and white issue. If two parents cannot agree upon a child custody arrangement, they need to go to mediation or to family court. A judge considers factors like the child’s age, the child’s needs, and the parents’ mental health. Typically, lawyers with experience in family law fight for an individual’s desired outcome.
Paternity is similar. If a child’s father wants custody, he first needs to prove his paternity. Once he does, he can seek custody. Paternity is also useful for a mother who is seeking child support from her child’s biological father.
4. Protection Orders
In 2015, police officers in Georgia responded to 65,487 domestic violence calls. Fortunately, family law can provide some support to victims of domestic violence. One branch of family law involves protection orders for victims of domestic violence.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you can file for a restraining order. The order requires the aggressor to have limited contact with you. If the other party violated the order, then he risks an arrest.
An Overview of Family Law
There are several other types of family law. However, one factor remains the same. Family law cases typically involves more emotion than other cases.
Issues like divorce and child custody have high stakes. If you find yourself in the midst of a family issue, you could be overwhelmed. Every state has specific laws that can affect the outcome of your case. If you have any questions about family law, you should speak to a lawyer who has experience in the niche.
