There are many different types of families in Australia – families with and without children, single parents, blended families, heterosexual and same-sex de facto couples, separated, divorced and widowed couples. There are also families with children born through IVF technology or acquired through surrogacy, adoption or foster care. It’s no surprise then, that family law is the one of the most commonly practised fields all over the country. Robert Wood and Associates is home to a highly qualified team of legal experts specialising in family law matters. Let’s take a look at the common reasons Australian families might seek the assistance of a family lawyer.
What is a Family Lawyer?
Family lawyers are legal practitioners that focus on issues involving family relationships, such as adoption, divorce, child custody, adoption, financial settlements and other family related issues that need to be solved legally. Lawyers practicing family law can represent clients in family court proceedings or negotiations, and can also draft important legal documents such as court petitions or property agreements.
When Might I Need a Family Lawyer?
Helping you make right decisions for all family issues based on your present situation and legal circumstances, the most common reasons to hire a family legal practitioner include:
Divorce
While it is not mandatory to use a lawyer in a divorce proceeding, to ensure the fairest outcome it is highly advisable, especially if there are children and assets involved. They will explain the complete divorce process, provide support to resolve the legal issues with your ex-spouse, and take care of all the legal formalities with your case. Divorce lawyers are skilled at dividing marital property, calculating spousal support, and proposing a plan for child custody, visitation, and support.
Child Custody and Child Support
After a separation or divorce, one of the most challenging issues is what happens to the children. Couples need to agree on a reasonable care agreement for the children until they are of legal age. A family lawyer can help draft child custody agreements and can also help parents in amending child custody agreements if need be. For instance, if the financial situation of the non-custodial parent changes.
Adoption Cases
Adoption can be a long and complex process that differs according to the type of adoption, where the child is from, variances in state laws, and many other factors. A family lawyer can provide all the legal assistance to make the process as seamless as possible. In the case of foster families, foster parents sometimes adopt their foster children, but the foster process does not necessarily require legal representation.
Estates and Wills
Property agreements and estate planning are both under the supervision of a family lawyer. A will is a legal document that states how a person would like their property to be managed after they die. Family lawyers are responsible for assisting people in drafting these documents as well as helping to ensure that an estate is administered as stated by a deceased via the will.
Prenuptial Agreements
A contract signed by a couple prior to a marriage or a civil union, the content of a prenuptial agreement will vary from case to case, although its main aim is to outline the provisions of spousal support and division of the property in the event of a breakup or a divorce. A family lawyer can assist a couple in drafting such an agreement and handle any matters that may arise from the contract according to the law.
Dealing with a legal family matter can be a difficult time for you and your family. At Robert Wood and Associates, our aim is to achieve a prompt resolution to your family law dispute with compassion and understanding, providing accurate advice at an affordable price. If you need assistance in any aspects of family law including divorce and de-facto separations, settlement agreements, child custody and support and spousal maintenance, give us a call today on (03) 9762 3877.
