Family law, also referred to as domestic relations in many states, is the broad body of law that covers marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, reproductive rights, and other matters regarding family relationships.
We, at Ramsey, Baxley & McDougle can represent our clients in family court proceedings or in associated negotiations. We can also draft and file important legal documents such as court petitions or property agreements and other matters related to divorce.
Since family law matters hit so close to home, having a trusted legal professional by your side can help you ensure your loved ones are properly represented and protected during any legal process.
The most common reasons to hire a family law attorney include:
- Divorce: Each partner hires their own attorney, who will help devise a settlement plan in order to avoid a trial. These attorneys typically are skilled at dividing marital property, calculating spousal support, and proposing a plan for child custody, visitation, and support (if applicable).
- Child Custody / Child Support: Court orders and settlement agreements involving both custody and support usually are included in the larger divorce case, but may be revised as conditions change. For instance, child support may be altered after the non-custodial parent’s financial situation changes.
- Paternity: In most cases, paternity cases are filed by the mother in an effort to secure child support payments from an absent father. But sometimes biological fathers file for paternity in order to have a relationship with their child. Paternity typically is determined through DNA testing.
Family law often involves a wide range of other legal practice areas. For example, instances of domestic violence and child abuse typically involve criminal investigations (and may result in arrests and charges). Along with that process, family courts are tasked with determining how to best protect the victims and ensure a relatively safe environment for those involved.