When most people think of hiring a family law firm, they reflect on the advice they need when going through a divorce. A family lawyer will be able to navigate you through the tangled web of property division, child custody, child support, and parental rights that accompany a decision to have a divorce.
However, the term “family law” refers to the body of law in your state that governs all aspects of having a family. Besides help in a divorce, a family lawyer will be able to help you:
- Adopt a child: The laws governing adoption are different for every state, so a family lawyer will be able to smooth your path to adding to your family should you want to do so by adopting a child.
- Getting married: Marriage should be a simple matter and for most people it usually is. For some people with a great many assets, a prenuptial agreement is a very useful step to follow.
- Entering into a domestic partnership: For some people, a formal marriage is not to their preference or maybe living together is the first step toward an eventual marriage. A family lawyer will be able to draw up a domestic partnership agreement that will set out the obligations of each partner in the arrangement.
- Having a child with a surrogate: Laws governing having a child through the artificial insemination of a surrogate vary from state to state, and some have certain restrictions. A family law firm will be able to advise you if you choose this path.
Deal with domestic violence or child abuse: While the criminal courts deal with such crimes, a family lawyer will be able to advise you about your options if you or your child are a victim.
If you're looking for a family law firm, let us help you. Contact Gerkin & Decker for all your family, business, and estate law firm needs.
