You may have heard the term “family law” but might not be familiar with its exact meaning or its place among other legal fields. Family lawyers perform an important role in mediating family financial disputes as well as assisting families and individuals in processes such as divorce and estate settlements.
The scope of family law can be quite broad, and there are certain things about the legal area that everyone should know. This article will detail the role of a family lawyer, areas they can assist in and when it might be appropriate to hire one.
What is a Family Lawyer?
Family lawyers can conduct work across many different legal matters, but they have a specific focus on assisting in any legal issue or dispute that involves families and members of a family. No two family disputes are alike, but family lawyers will often conduct work that involves assisting couples going through the divorce process or helping a family to fairly settle a will and estate.
Put in its most simple form, a family lawyer is a trained and accredited law professional who has particular expertise in the area of family law.
What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
The day-to-day tasks of family lawyers can vary depending on the type of dispute as well as the desired outcome. On one day, a family lawyer may be representing a litigant in court, helping them defend themselves legally against an intervention order. On another day, a family lawyer may simply be acting as a mediator between parties who are attempting to resolve their dispute without it proceeding to litigation.
At every stage, a family lawyer provides the best advice and direction for their client’s particular needs. They understand the sensitive and nuanced nature of family matters and aim to reach a favourable solution for all parties involved with as much amicability as possible.
What Legal Areas Does a Family Lawyer Work In?
Within family law, there are many complex areas and issues family lawyers work across. For instance, a family lawyer can assist in lodging an application for divorce and then mediating between the divorcing parties to help them fairly split assets and liabilities.
A family lawyer can also help families navigate the issue of wills prior to or when a loved one has passed away. A family lawyer experienced in wills and estates can help individuals prepare and update their wills as needed. They can also assist family members who wish to contest a will in the event that the contesting party feels a will does not make fair provisions for them, or if they feel their deceased family member was not in a stable frame of mind when writing the will.
For any issue that pertains to the family, you can be sure a family lawyer will be needed at some stage in order for the dispute to proceed.
When Do You Need to Hire a Family Lawyer?
While you can attempt to navigate a family dispute yourself, these kinds of disputes can quickly become complex and contentious, so hiring a family law professional may be the best course of action. You may need a family lawyer if you’re attempting to negotiate a complex estate settlement amongst multiple family members. If you feel the terms of your divorce are unfair or you feel you have grounds to contest any rulings, you may need the assistance of a family lawyer in order to advise you of your rights and represent you in any future court proceedings.
