6 signs your family may need a lawyer

Many people think that dealing with family matters doesn’t require the services of a family lawyer. If it does, then they usually see it as the last resort when things become worse among family members. Typically, family issues are covered by family law, a field of legal practice that deals with marriage, adoptions, divorce, child custody, and many more.

Lawyers who specialize in this field of law have the primary role of keeping families together. If that’s impossible, they should at least find the best legal option to maintain love and peace among the members.

However, many families don’t realize the importance of working with a legal professional. Thus, to help you know when your family may need a lawyer, below are the six signs to consider from the get-go:

1. When you’re preparing for marriage

While marriage seems to be an exciting life event for most couples, it can become a complicated legal affair, especially when it comes to your financial and legal obligations as a spouse. Hence, if you’re getting married soon, it always makes sense to at least talk to a family lawyer who may guide you in handling any issues related to marriage.

For example, your lawyer may help you draft a pre-nuptial agreement before proceeding with the marriage. This is especially true if you and your spouse have already agreed upon how much assets or wealth should be brought into the union. Moreover, a pre-nuptial agreement drafted by an experienced lawyer like the ones in justicefamilylawyers.com.au can help protect your assets and ensure your financial future against a steep imbalance of wealth between you and your spouse.

2. When you’re filing for divorce

Typically, ending a marriage through a divorce can be a complicated and overwhelming process. It’s a serious legal matter that can take a long time to settle completely. From the division of property and determination of ownership to child custody matters, the entire process will never be easy.

Because of this, it’s best to hire a family lawyer who can help you and your family handle these divorce issues. Depending on the reasons for filing a divorce, your family’s situation may spiral out of control and eventually result in costly civil lawsuits. Thankfully, with a legal professional by your side, you’ll be able to protect your rights against your estranged spouse.

Also, family lawyers may assist you in reaching compromises without going to court and represent your interests by communicating and negotiating your demands on your behalf. This can be the best way to maintain peace in the family even after a divorce.

3. When there’s conflict over child custody

Generally, child custody problems occur after a divorce. When you and your spouse separate, both of you will try to fight for your legal right to care for and have custody of your children. This is how the conflict begins.

When this happens, you’ll be required by the court to prove your ability to take care of, support, and ensure your kids’ future. However, the process of settling the conflict over child custody can be difficult. If you’re into this kind of situation, then it can be a sign that you may need legal assistance. Most family lawyers may provide you with possible legal options in terms of child custody and help you ensure your children’s safety within the scope of law.

4. When you need to draft your will for the family

Inheritance can also be one of the most difficult aspects of family law. For example, if you have no will in place, the administration and distribution of all your assets after your death may cause some conflicts and financial troubles among family members.

To prevent these issues, it may be best to call a family lawyer who can help you make your last will and testament. With them by your side, you may be able to get everything in order by determining who will inherit your respective assets and how you’re going to do it. Also, a legal professional you hire may help ensure you follow the formalities required in the will and avoid doing things that can make this official document null and void.

5. When you consider adopting a child

Another sign your family may need a family lawyer is when you consider adoption. Just like divorce and other family-related proceedings, adopting a child can be a complex procedure. With all the requirements that you should comply with from the start, you may have to contact a lawyer to help you navigate this process much better.

For example, working with a family lawyer may be beneficial in several ways. They can help save months of waiting for the adoption to push through, anticipate the chances of success of your application, prevent errors in your adoption documents, and submit all the required paperwork promptly.

6. When there’s domestic abuse in the home

The hiring of a family lawyer is justified when there’s domestic violence in your family home. For instance, if you or one of your family members has experienced physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse from another person, it’s important that you seek the services of a legal professional.

With their assistance, you’ll be able to get restraining orders or civil orders of protection from the court against the other person’s acts of coercion, intimidation, ridicule, sexual harassment, shaming, belittling, and other forms of abuse. Also, by virtue of equity and social justice, they may recommend that the batterer will undergo a treatment program instead of some heavy criminal sanctions. This is especially true if the batterer is also a family member.

The bottom line

Realistically speaking, family relations aren’t perfect. No matter how hard your family tries to keep the love, peace, and harmony among yourselves, issues will eventually occur. However, when these issues aren’t settled amicably and matters aren’t handled properly, they can result in complicated and time-consuming legal cases in court.

Luckily, by considering the signs mentioned above, you can easily determine when should be the perfect time to hire a family lawyer by your side. Their skills, experience, and expertise can go a long way in preventing family problems from arising and causing more trouble in the family.

Samantha Rigby
Samantha Rigby
Samantha is the head of content, lifestyle and entrepreneurial columnist for Best in Australia. She is also a contributor to Forbes and SH. Prior to joining the Best in Au, she was a reporter and business journalist for local newspapers.
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