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Category: Family Law

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What Falls Under Family Law in Portland?

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on What Falls Under Family Law in Portland?

Life can get relatively complicated, but sorting out legal issues related to family law in Portland shouldn’t be something that is overly complicated. Finding the right representation for your issue is key, and at Warren Allen LLP, we provide the best and most solid legal counsel we can. Whether you’re looking to adopt and need some legal guidance through the process or you’re getting ready to tie the knot and want to discuss your options when it comes to prenuptial agreements, we can help. If you’re seeking a legal separation, an annulment to your marriage, or even a divorce, Warren Allen LLP is here to help.

For other issues, such as guardianship, conservatorship, or domestic violence issues, there is someone here who can help you sort through the process and the impending legal framework. For more information about what falls under family law in Portland, Oregon, please keep reading.

Children & Families

Relationships in a domestic setting take a lot of work. When things don’t go as anticipated and new situations arise, a competent attorney can help you and your loved ones navigate the path. If you’ve recently dealt with a divorce and now need to figure out custody and visitation, a legal representative can make sure that you’re securing the results that are best for you and your family.
For other issues that fall under the umbrella of children and families, you’ll find assistance with parenting plans, birth through three, child support, the enforcement of parenting plans, parental education, adoption, mediation, temporary orders, and supervised parenting time.

Divorce, Separation & Annulment

If you were recently married and you’ve realized that it’s not going to work out in the long run, and you’re within the required time period, you can sometimes get an annulment from the courts. A family law attorney can help you with this.

If you’ve been married long enough that you need to take a different course of action, you have the choice to either separate or divorce. A legal separation might be issued in the place of a divorce for a variety of reasons, including if one party wishes to remain on the spouse’s insurance plan, if there is a moral or religious reason not to divorce, if the minimum required residence (six months in the state of Oregon) hasn’t been reached yet, or if the parties don’t wish for a divorce but still do want legal help to split their property and debts, establish a parenting plan, and so forth.

Otherwise, the final option is divorce. Once the papers have been served to the receiving party, the respondent has 30 days to file a response. A divorce doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out, or vicious affair. If both parties work together, including putting together a shared custody and parenting time plan if children are involved, the process can go fairly smoothly.

Guardianship & Conservatorship

If a person is incapable of managing their own care or legal affairs, or if a child doesn’t have a legal guardian, a competent and capable adult can petition to gain guardianship or conservatorship of that person. All people applying for this role must be up front with the court about their legal background, including if they have ever had a professional license canceled or revoked, if they ever went through a bankruptcy, or if they have ever been convicted of committing a crime. A court-appointed visitor will be assigned to the case and will be involved in the case to verify that all parties are adhering to their roles.

Because of the complexity of guardianships and conservatorships, it’s a good idea to get a lawyer who can help walk you through all the rules and laws around this topic of family law.

Prenuptials

Before getting married, a couple can outline and then legally put into place an agreement that outlines their plans for their property, their debts, and other legal rights that they acquire by getting married. There are traditional rules and laws related to marriage, but a prenuptial agreement gives more power to the couple to decide what they do and do not want relating to their marriage and their legal relationship. This is especially relevant if the marriage ends in divorce or death.

In simplest terms, it’s an outline of how the couple would like things to play out should something outside of their control happen in the course of or at the end of their marriage. Relevant topics in a prenup may include the division of property, retirement benefits, savings, and even spousal support. Having an attorney work through all of the legal processes related to prenuptial agreements makes the most sense for the couple involved, as they will need to file with the court and make sure that their agreement is deemed legal and valid.

Domestic Violence

Should things escalate and your safety become at risk, always get out and away and contact a first responder. Once you’re in a safe space and you’re in need of legal counsel on the issue of domestic violence, family law in Portland, Oregon, can help you in a handful of ways.

You can file a restraining order in the Family Abuse Protection Act (FAPA), get help through the Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act (EPPDAPA), or get a Sexual Abuse Protection Order (SAPO). If there are other issues, such as stalking, an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), or firearms restrictions, then there are family law firms that can help sort through the thick of some of these heavy topics.

There are many laws and rules that attorneys are versed in. Particularly when your physical, mental, or emotional well-being is in jeopardy, it’s best to have representation to make sure all the bases are covered and that you and your family are safe and secure. Attorney’s may also have other recourse and access to other resources to help protect you and those you love.
If you have questions or would like more information about family law in Oregon, contact Warren Allen. Our expert team can help you out.

Man and woman signing divorce paperwork with witness.

Who Are the Involved Parties in a Divorce Case in Oregon?

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on Who Are the Involved Parties in a Divorce Case in Oregon?

Unless you have been divorced before, or you are a divorce attorney yourself, you probably have a lot of questions about how these types of legal cases work. Unsure how many parties could be involved? Don’t know the difference between a petitioner and a respondent? That’s where our experts come in to help. Read on below to find out more information about what is involved in a divorce case in Oregon.

Petitioner

A petitioner is the term used to refer to the individual who files the petition for a divorce in Oregon. This party is also known as the plaintiff. The specific paperwork you will need to fill out can be found online or obtained through a court. There will be different paperwork if you petition or if you are the respondent.

There are some important requirements to note if you are planning to be the petitioner. First of all, the individual who files the petition for divorce must be an Oregon resident. They are required to have lived in the state for at least six months prior to the dissolution of the marriage. Also, the petitioner must make sure that their petition is filed in the county where they and/or the other spouse lives.

If only one of the parties lives in Oregon, the court may still be able to dissolve the marriage. However, this could lead to problems down the line. The court may not be able to require certain things of the party who lives out of state.

As the petitioner, you may have a specific reason for pursuing the divorce. However, Oregon also allows what is known as a “no-fault” divorce. Unlike with other grounds for divorce, no-fault divorce doesn’t require you to submit any proof. The grounds for divorce can just be irreconcilable differences.

Respondent

While one party is the petitioner in a divorce case, the other party is the respondent. The respondent is the defendant to the petitioner’s plaintiff.

After a petitioner files for divorce, the respondent is the one who will then be “served” with a copy of the petition, a summons, and other important paperwork. The petitioner can give this paperwork to their future former spouse themselves. Or the petitioner can also arrange for someone else, such as the sheriff, to serve the respondent.

In order to confirm that they have received the petition, summons, and paperwork, the respondent will sign an “Acceptance of Service.”
If the respondent is unable to be reached and/or found, there are some other ways they can be served. Although that is usually a last resort. This can include a notice published in an Oregon newspaper or something posted at the courthouse.

Once the respondent has been served with the petition, they are given a certain amount of time to file their response to the court. In Oregon, a respondent is given 30 days after they have been served. Once a response has been filed, the court can set a date for a trial, settlement, or mediation.

If the respondent does not file within those 30 days, the petitioner can ask for a default judgment from the court. If they decide to do so, it could mean that the petitioner will get everything they ask for in the petition.

Attorney

The state of Oregon does not necessarily require petitioners or respondents to have an attorney for a divorce case. However, it is still strongly recommended.

One very helpful service that attorneys provide is an initial consultation. Even if your divorce seems super simple and straightforward, this wouldn’t hurt. An experienced attorney may notice something that the average person would miss. That could save you a big headache later on. In some cases, these legal consultations are even free of charge.

Judge

Ultimately, a marriage is officially over when a judge signs a judgment of dissolution of marriage. This judgment will include the division of assets and how court costs and fees will be divided. If there are children involved, this judgment will include custody and child support arrangements as well.

At Warren Allen LLP, you can count on our excellent attorneys and decades of service in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. Whether you are the petitioner or the respondent, turn to us for your Oregon divorce case. You can find more information about Warren Allen LLP on our website. If you’re interested in meeting with one of our attorneys for a consult, you can find our contact information on our website as well.

Man and woman signing Divorce Decree with gold wedding bands laying on table.

Do I Need a Divorce Attorney in Portland Oregon?

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on Do I Need a Divorce Attorney in Portland Oregon?

Going through a divorce can be a difficult experience, one that is often accompanied by financial and emotional strain. But hiring a divorce attorney in Portland, Oregon, to represent your interests and keep you informed throughout the process could make things go more smoothly.

We know because the legal team at Warren Allen LLP has helped countless clients get a favorable outcome in their divorce proceedings. We’ll explain why having someone on your side to fight for your interests during a divorce is the smartest decision you can make.

You Have Options

You may feel like you’re backed into a corner when you’re going through a divorce, but the first thing to know is that you have options. There’s no legal requirement in Oregon to hire an attorney for divorce proceedings. This means you can choose to represent yourself if you’d like.

If you’re considering going this route, keep in mind that family law can be quite complex. Laws vary by state, so you’ll want to make sure you know what particular laws apply to your locality. There are many nuances to family law as well. A misstep could be costly, both financially and personally.

That’s why it’s important to keep in mind what’s at stake. All your assets, including personal property, financial assets, business interests, and even custody of your children if you have them, are up for grabs when you’re going through a divorce. Think about whether you can afford to take the risk of representing yourself. It will help you make the most informed decision about whether to retain legal representation.

If you have an uncontested divorce, few assets, no kids, and a fairly straightforward situation, you may be able to represent yourself. But even so, you will need to do your research. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with all applicable laws and remember that once a final court order is filed in an Oregon divorce proceeding, it can be exceptionally difficult to alter it later. In other words, make sure you know what you’re doing before deciding to represent yourself.

Summary Dissolution

If you have a fairly simple divorce case and do want to represent yourself, you may be able to proceed with a “short form” summary dissolution proceeding. The paperwork for this type of proceeding is fairly simple and can be picked up from the courthouse in the county in which you reside. Some courthouses even have family court facilitators on hand to help you complete the paperwork.

Even if you decide to go this route, though, keep in mind that you should have a divorce attorney review your paperwork before it’s filed. This can help you avoid potential oversights and errors.

What About the Cost?

One thing that may keep someone from hiring a divorce attorney in Portland, Oregon, is the expense of legal representation. We get it. A divorce can be an immense financial strain. You may be looking to save money. But remember, experienced family law attorneys are skilled at negotiating the best possible divorce terms.

Concerned about paying alimony or losing a major asset? Worried about seeing your kids less often? If you want to protect your investments and ensure the best possible relationship with your children, securing legal representation is key. Many divorce attorneys offer payment plans, and hiring an attorney can save you from the risk of an overall much more costly divorce.

Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Attorney

A divorce attorney will look out for both your financial interests and your best interests. Tensions can run high during a divorce, which leads many people to not think clearly when negotiating its terms.

But an attorney has experience and understands options you may not even be aware of. We can get creative with solutions. We also don’t have the same emotional attachments to the situation. Emotions can cloud your judgment and sometimes impede your ability to find the middle ground that’s most advantageous to you. Allow a divorce attorney to take care of that for you. We can negotiate in a fair, equitable way while prioritizing your needs.

If it’s important to our client, it’s important to us. So we will do everything we can to make sure your interests are always front and center at the negotiating table.

What If You Have Children?

If you have kids, you will more than likely establish a shared custody agreement. You may have to make concessions when it comes to sharing custody of your kids during the holidays or on weekends or other special occasions, for instance. An attorney can help you negotiate the most favorable outcome possible, as we have more experience and are more knowledgeable of custody laws.

And if you’re in a situation where your children’s other parent is suing for full custody, you will most definitely want an experienced attorney representing your interests.

What You Need to Know

Hiring a divorce attorney in Portland, Oregon, should be a thought-out, deliberate process. Do your research. Ask for recommendations from close family and friends that you trust. Read reviews. You should also check with the Oregon State Bar to make sure any attorney you’re considering is in good standing. Then check to see if the attorney’s services are within your budget.

Once you have settled on a few potential attorneys, arrange for a consultation. See how well the attorney listens to you and communicates with you and how comfortable you feel with them. Ask questions about the attorney’s past experience and whether they’ve had cases similar to yours.

If you’re looking for a divorce attorney in Portland, Oregon, and would like to schedule a consultation, contact Warren Allen. We provide legal representation and advice to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Even if your marriage ended badly, your divorce doesn’t have to. Let us be there for you to make sure everything goes smoothly. We can help you close the book on this chapter of your life and begin a whole new story.

Male family law attorney shaking hands with male client.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Family Law Attorney in Portland

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on 5 Tips for Finding the Best Family Law Attorney in Portland

When you experience a distressing situation in your family that needs potential legal intervention, looking for a family lawyer is the best way to proceed. However, choosing a family law attorney can be stressful. In the absence of adequate due diligence, you may end up with one who cannot give you the desired results.

So how do you go about choosing one? To make the process easier for you, here are Warren Allen’s five tips for finding the best Portland family law attorney without any hassle.

1. Always Go with an Expert

Family law is complex, as the interpretation of the law can change with every new case. Your attorney should be able to identify the core issues right away and provide tailored advice. They should also know the various practices and legal procedures followed by family law courts in the region.

The best way to narrow down your options to the most qualified experts is by browsing through attorney profiles available online to assess the experience of each lawyer, their educational qualifications, and the types of cases they have dealt with. You can prepare an initial shortlist and start a deep dive to assess each of the profiles in-depth.

You can start reading the blog posts and articles published by such lawyers to know more about their work. There may be a lot of general practitioners in the market, but your goal should be to find someone who specializes in family law.

You can look up their social media handles to see the type of posts they have. You can assess your lawyer by asking questions. For example, if you’re approaching a Portland family law attorney for a divorce case, ask them about the recent cases they have dealt with and the outcomes. You can also ask if they’re willing to take on difficult matters for representation. Moreover, an expert attorney will keep track of recent developments in the field of family law. So the more questions you ask, the better it will be to assess their expertise. While this may sound like a lot of work, it can give you a clear sense of whether you want to work with a particular attorney.

2. Make Sure Your Lawyer Is Easily Accessible

Your Portland family law attorney should be someone you can contact easily and receive quick responses. With many family matters, things can go from bad to worse very quickly. Having an attorney who is prompt with turnarounds can go a long way in helping you navigate through complex legal issues.

Your attorney must be able to simplify legal jargon and explain it to you in layperson’s terms. If your lawyer is bombarding you with too much jargon or doesn’t make you feel at ease about your issues, it’s probably a huge red flag. After all, family law involves a lot of complex emotions, and that’s why your lawyer must make you feel comfortable.

In addition to that, also take into consideration the location of the attorney’s office. If it is too far away from where you live, it can be immensely stressful to keep traveling for in-person meetings. Having a local attorney who is closer to home also means you can schedule more face-to-face appointments to discuss the challenges you face.

3. Know What You Want

Too many begin on a wild goose chase to hunt down a Portland family law attorney without knowing what they expect as an outcome. Plus, unsolicited advice from family and friends can make it even more overwhelming for a person to have clarity about the end goal.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s time to take a step back and think. Write down the problem that you’re facing and the outcomes you’re expecting. You should also spend time thinking about the best alternative to your hoped-for outcome.

Doing this will help you find a lawyer who’s more suited to your needs. For instance, if you’re engaged in a custody battle but you don’t want things to get too heated up in the court, choosing an attorney who’s known to be too aggressive in the court may not be ideal, even though such a lawyer may have many years of expertise under their belt.

4. Be Clear About the Costs

Hiring a family law attorney doesn’t come cheap. To avoid any last-minute surprises, it’s best to iron out costs and fees right in the beginning. Usually, attorneys like to charge a retainer fee and then work by the hour, but you may have the option to work out alternative arrangements. Also, make sure to ask about any out-of-pocket or overhead costs (such as travel expenses, postage charges, filing charges with the court, etc.) that you may need to bear as the client.

Asking for discounted rates is also a common practice in the industry. Don’t hesitate to have a conversation if you think you may not be able to work with the fees quoted by your attorney.

5. Ask People Around You

Word-of-mouth references are a great seal of approval for an attorney. You can always ask your friends and family members to pass on references of lawyers they have worked with. Moreover, if you’ve worked with other attorneys, such as a personal injury attorney attorney for another matter, you can also ask them for referrals.

However, be mindful that when it comes to legal problems, there is no one-size-fits-all approach you can take. Ensure that the lawyer you choose is the right fit for you.

Working with an experienced family law attorney can help you get through challenging legal issues and give you the results you deserve. If you’re looking for a Portland family law attorney, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experienced family law lawyers at Warren Allen is here to help you overcome any challenging situation in the field of family law.

 

Petition to file for divorce form with hand with pen.

How Do I File for Divorce?

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on How Do I File for Divorce?

Divorce processes can vary from case to case, depending on the parties involved. Though some can be long and complicated, others can be fairly straightforward. Understanding the process of how to file for divorce can help prevent unnecessary delays and complications. Before you begin the process, be prepared by learning the basics of what steps you will need to take.

Residency Requirements

Before you get started, you must first determine residency and where to file. Most states require that you or your spouse have resided in the state in which you’re planning to file for at least six months. Some states also require three-month residency within the county where you’re filing. The residency requirements can differ from state to state so make sure you do a search of your state’s specific conditions.

Reason for Divorce

All fifty states are no-fault divorce states, though some states still provide the option to allege fault if desired. “No fault” means that only one spouse needs to file a petition, and they may do so without filing a fault-based complaint. The filing spouse may claim “irreconcilable differences” and can have the marriage or domestic partnership dissolved, regardless if their spouse consents or not.

Some states require a separation period before you can file for divorce. States such as Oregon and California don’t require such a period of separation. As each state has different requirements, it’s best to look up these specifications.

Filling Out Forms

Now that you have determined the requirements for filing, the first step is preparing the necessary documents. Often, domestic relations law provides two types of dissolution. The simplest procedure is summary dissolution, which is an uncontested divorce. The other is complex dissolution, which means the divorce is contested.

If your marriage or domestic partnership has limited issues, you may be able to file for a summary divorce. Some of the requirements include:

  • Being married for 10 years or less
  • Neither spouse is pregnant
  • No minor children involved
  • No real estate owned
  • No more than $15,000 in debt
  • Personal property values less than $30,000
  • Petitioner waives the right to alimony and temporary orders

If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll have to file for a complex dissolution. Depending on which dissolution you choose, each requires specific forms. If you and your spouse have biological or adopted minor children, additional forms will be required.

Regardless of which procedure you use, your documents must include a petition for divorce and a summons. The petition for dissolution will outline for both the judge and your spouse what you’re asking for in the divorce. The summons is a document notifying your spouse that they need to appear in court. It also includes instructions prohibiting moving out of state with joint children and written consent required for obtaining passports for the children.

Reviewing All Forms

It’s imperative your forms are reviewed for accuracy. Though the court may have resources to help you review these forms, you may want to consider working with a family law attorney. If your forms are not in order and any of the information is inaccurate or incomplete, this can affect the outcome of the divorce.

Making sure that you have all the necessary forms to successfully file for divorce can be difficult without help. Each case has its particular needs. Do you require alimony? Division of property? Child custody? A do-it-yourself approach may affect the outcome in an undesired way. If you need legal advice and representation, contact our expert team at Warren Allen LLP. Our experienced family law lawyers are able to help with your unique situation and needs.

Filing Forms

Once your documents have been thoroughly reviewed, it’s time to file them in the appropriate county. Turn in the petition for dissolution with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county where you or your spouse resides.

When doing so, you must also pay any fees associated with filing for divorce. If you cannot afford the fees, it’s possible to ask the judge to waive or defer the fees. However, you’ll have to fill out court papers documenting a low income.

Serving the Forms

Unless you’re filing for divorce with your spouse as co-petitioners, the law requires you to inform your spouse of the intended divorce. This is done by serving your spouse with copies of the divorce petition as well as all other paperwork filed with the court. This can be done by mail or by personal service.

Personal service doesn’t mean that you can personally hand the papers to your spouse. They must be served by another adult over the age of 18. Once the papers have been received, your spouse signs a “Proof of Service” or “Acceptance of Service” form (depending on the state). If your spouse refuses to sign, you can hire a private process server or pay a fee for the county sheriff to deliver them in-person.
If your spouse is difficult to locate, you can obtain an order signed by a judge that allows you to publish or post a notice that you have filed for divorce. This may include posting in the courthouse or publishing in a newspaper.

Finalizing the Divorce

After your spouse has been served, there are various options they can take. Your spouse can default, which means they do nothing, or they can file a response agreeing or disagreeing with the terms of the divorce. They have 30 days to file a response with the court.

If your divorce is uncontested, you can write up an agreement outlining the terms and fill out final forms to be submitted to the court.

If you cannot reach an agreement on the terms or your spouse contests the divorce and a compromise through mediation cannot be reached, you must ask the court for a divorce judgment. A trial date will be set and, ultimately, a judge will determine the terms of the divorce.

Having an understanding of how to file for divorce will help, but ultimately, a knowledgeable family law lawyer on your side will better ensure a smoother dissolution and potentially help you achieve your specific needs.

 

What Services Are Offered By Family Law Firms in Portland?

What Services Are Offered By Family Law Firms in Portland?

Written by George McCoy on . Posted in Family Law. No Comments on What Services Are Offered By Family Law Firms in Portland?

Family legal issues are some of the most sensitive topics to discuss, as they are deeply personal and often extremely important. When you can’t come to an agreement within your family about legal matters, it’s often best to enlist the help of a family law firm. Family law firms in Portland, Oregon, can help guide you through those difficult times and help you to come to an agreement that’s in the best interests of you and your family.

Family law firms deal with a variety of issues that can arise within families, including divorces, child custody agreements, adoptions, and much more. With the help of family law firms such as Warren Allen LLP, you can feel at ease knowing that knowledgeable professionals are on your side. If you’re having legal issues within your family, you may be able to benefit from hiring a lawyer from a family law firm. Here are a few of the services offered by family law firms.

Prenuptial Agreements

If you’re considering getting married and want to come up with a way to protect your assets in case of divorce, a prenuptial agreement may be a good choice for you. A prenuptial agreement is a contract that two people sign prior to becoming a married couple. What the contract states will be unique to each couple, but it’s generally a signed contract that explains how their assets will be divided if they get divorced. This could cover topics like property ownership, spousal support, and financial assets.

When the couple signs this agreement, they will have a much easier process of divorce should they ever choose to end their marriage. One of the biggest conflicts that divorced couples have is agreeing on how they will split up the things that they own jointly, but with a prenuptial agreement, those decisions are already made.

When you want to create a prenuptial agreement, you’ll need the help of a family law firm. Family law firms in Portland, Oregon, will consult both parties on which things should be covered in their agreement. They will also be the ones drawing up the agreement and taking care of legalities.

Divorce

Not many people consider the fact that they may get divorced, which often leaves them unprepared when divorce becomes an option. People divorce for a variety of reasons, but most stem from having two people with different ideas for how they want the rest of their lives to go. When it gets to this point, it can be hard for those same two people to come to a mutual understanding about the things that matter most. This time can be intense for all parties involved, which often leads them to need a family law firm to act as a mediator.

A divorce lawyer at a family law firm in Portland can help you to figure out what happens next after you decide to get divorced. Having this third party can make conversations less confrontational and provide needed support in a time of stress and intense emotions. A family lawyer can also help couples come to an understanding before ever having to go to court. With an experienced law firm like Warren Allen LLP on your side, you can ensure that you get what’s fair after your divorce.

Child Custody Agreements

In divorces or separations where the couple has children, figuring out who gets what time with the children can be difficult. With both parties typically very emotionally attached, it can be impossible to come to a fair agreement without the help of a third party. These situations are also more likely to become confrontational. When you enlist the help of a family law firm, a lawyer will help you to fight for the time you want with your child and create a more professional environment to come to that conclusion.

Coming to agreements about child custody can cause enormous tension within families. This is especially relevant in cases where an agreement was attempted outside of the court and one party is failing to uphold that agreement. The benefit of going through a family law firm and drafting a legal agreement is that the law is on your side in the case that someone breaks that agreement. In your contract, there will be specific repercussions for not adhering to the rules of the contract. This helps to hold each party accountable. When dealing with child custody issues, going through a family law firm can be the easiest way to a solution.

Adoption

If you’re interested in expanding your family through adoption, a family lawyer can assist you in navigating the legal requirements. Adoption isn’t as easy as just wanting to bring a child into your home. You have to prove that you’re fit and sometimes be chosen by a birth mother.

Aside from having a lawyer to help you adopt successfully, they can also help you to understand your rights after the child is in your care. Some people run into situations where the birthmother rescinds her offer, there are undisclosed health issues, or a stillbirth occurs. Having a lawyer draw up documents that detail how these situations will be handled beforehand can protect you should any complications arise.

Paternity

If you need to prove the paternity of a child, a family law firm could be of assistance to you. Mothers often choose this route to legally determine the paternity of their child when the father is absent. This allows the mother to file for child support payments from their child’s father by showing proof that the child biologically belongs to them, despite their current role in the child’s life. The mother has a right to these payments, and hiring a lawyer will assist her in obtaining them.

Mothers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from hiring a family law firm to determine paternity. Fathers who are seeking custody of a child can use a family law firm to help them legally establish paternity and go after full or partial custody of that child. Having a family lawyer on your side can help you to understand your rights and speed up the process of obtaining custody.