A family lawyer, as the name suggests, is equipped to deal with family law. In order to know all details about what a family lawyer is, how much does a family lawyer cost, or even if you need to hire one at all, we must first know what family law is.
When simply put, family law is exactly what the name suggests. It is the discipline that involves laws regarding family matters like spousal relationships, marriage separation, prenuptial agreements, divorce, alimony, child support, custody rights, and any such matter under the umbrella.
Marriage has been considered to be a sacrament all around the world. It is not to be entered lightly. However, for a distinct part of the population, a marriage may not work out as planned. To fix such mistakes and not suffer serious consequences, a family lawyer is supposed to soften the process for one.
What Does A Family Lawyer Deal With?
A family lawyer deals with a plethora of issues. In order to know when to hire a family lawyer, you must first understand what are the areas that a family lawyer deals with. A family lawyer usually is helping around people having the most sensitive issues. These issues wouldn’t always be considered to be strictly legal ones.
A family lawyer can also be a consultant at times contrary to what people believe.
A divorce lawyer who is a kind of family lawyer doesn’t always want people to get divorced. When the clients approach such professionals, they are often advised to try out a period of separation first. Such separation usually gives one the window to know if they actually want a divorce.
These Are The Concepts That A Family Lawyer Usually Deals With
1. Divorce
Divorce is when two people who are married decide to legally discontinue their marriage.
2. Emancipation
This is a process through which a minor who is unwilling to be a part of their family, separates and lives on their own. Such minor has to have the means to support themselves, earn their living, and have a place to live other than their parent’s house.
3. Property Matters
This lawyer is also often given the responsibility to deal with property matters. Such situations take place when a married couple is going through a divorce and it is unclear as to who gets to keep what.
4. Alimony
As commonly known, it is an allowance that is paid by one spouse to another as a form of legal financial support while they are going through a divorce or a judicial separation.
5. Paternity Matters
There is often a point where someone might face issues regarding origin. One might want to know who their father is. For that purpose, paternity tests are often initiated and supervised by family lawyers.
6. Prenups –
A prenuptial agreement is made before a couple is about to get married so that in case they end up divorcing each other or either partner meets with death, the property matters are dealt with according to conditions set before marriage according to the agreement.
So, How Much Does A Family Lawyer Cost?
A family lawyer who has attained their law degree like any other attorney usually charges by an hour like most other lawyers. An average family attorney can cost somewhere between $100-$400 an hour.
This, however, depends on the experience that the lawyer has gathered, the number of favorable judgments he was able to get from the court, the number of years that he has practiced, and the types of cases that he deals with.
Location is a very important factor. A popular lawyer practicing in urban settings can charge up to $1000 an hour.
Retainer Fee
Many lawyers charge a retainer fee which means that they charge in advance for the next few consultations and court visits.
Why Should You Hire A Family Lawyer?
A family lawyer most commonly represents people in marriage and divorce proceedings or another process that is usually related to a separation or a divorce. Since family law is a huge area, these lawyers deal with a plethora of matters. Such matters can only be dealt with by a trusted legal professional. The most common fields for this lawyer include:
Divorce
Divorce is clearly a sad and unfortunate circumstance. But what is even more unfortunate is that a family lawyer for most of his practice life deals with divorce cases primarily.
A divorce can be a tricky situation which can start with filing the case, seeing to the proper division of marital property, seeing that there is proper spouse support, working out proper visitation rights, successfully bringing about an end to the matter, etc.
Child Custody Matters And Child Support
The execution of court orders, the execution of settlement agreements, and both custody battles and child support battles are massive deals when it comes to divorce. Thus, to ensure that one is getting the best possible result out of such complex cases, it is important to hire a family lawyer.
Absentee Father And Paternity Matter
It is completely unfortunate that a person has to go to the lengths of taking a paternity exam for their child just so that a father starts paying child support. Other than this, fathers have often taken the help of paternity tests to get a court order and maintain a healthy relationship with their children. A paternity test which is carried out through DNA testing is thus supervised by a family lawyer.
Adoption
Adoption is a very serious and sentimental process for men. Family lawyers see to it that adoptions are carried out smoothly and a child finds a loving home and parents who will count themselves lucky to have the child.
So How Much Does A Good Family Lawyer Cost?
In order to know how much does a family lawyer cost in Texas, how much does a family lawyer cost in California, and throughout the US, we have to simply consider the facts of our case. The more complicated the case, the greater the fee charged by the lawyer.
And It’s A Wrap
A good family lawyer is like having a good friend. You must be sure to maintain a completely honest relationship with your lawyer. The deepest and darkest secrets that you carry are protected under attorney-client privilege. Whatever happens between you and your lawyer does not get out. Your lawyer cannot testify against you in court.
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