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Family Law and Divorce

The field of family law is composed of a nearly limitless number of legal topics: marriage, divorce, annulment, child custody, return of engagement ring, visitation rights, child support payments, spousal support (alimony), adoption, guardianship, child protection, domestic violence, and the different kinds of restraining orders all fall under the greater umbrella of "Family Law."

Annulment & Divorce
Divorce and annulment are two legal procedures with the power to dissolve a marriage. But while annulment is retroactive, treating a marriage as though it had never existed, divorce acknowledges the end of a legitimate legal marriage. Nearly all dissolutions are divorces, but an annulment can be granted under certain circumstances, usually just weeks or months after the marriage takes place.

Child Custody & Visitation Rights
When courts make custody decisions, or rule on child custody and visitation rights, they will always rule in favor of the "best interests" of the child, particularly when it comes to relocation and child custody. Parental desires become secondary to those of their children. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the details of your separation agreement before scheduling activities with your children.

Child Support
Child support is a sum of money that a parent is legally required to pay to their child's primary custodian, often their ex-spouse. Again, this type of support is intended only for the benefit of the child-payments made for the benefit of an ex-spouse are "spousal support" payments, or alimony. Child support most frequently covers:

• Food, clothing, and shelter
• Medical and health care
• Education and related expenses

Spousal Support (Alimony)
Alimony, or spousal support, are regular payments made from one spouse to another. They can be mandated following a separation or a divorce, but terminating alimony can also occur under several different circumstances. Spousal support is meant to acknowledge the recipient's contribution to the marriage, as well as to assist the recipient while they seek financial independence. Spousal support can be affected by any spousal support provisions in prenuptial agreements, and can differ in different states.

Hiring a Family Attorney
Family law lawyers can help you navigate the most difficult parts of a divorce, adoption, or other family matter, and an attorney's help can be invaluable when you're trying to figure out what to do with your case. Many lawyers also provide a free thirty-minute consultation for new clients, so you can get a sense of what they can offer you before you commit.