| Divorce & Family Law |
| Child Custody |
| Child Support |
| Divorce |
| Domestic Violence |
| Guardianship |
| Paternity |
| Premarital Agreements |
Family and Divorce Law
Family law, or domestic relations law, is that collection of legal principles that defines relationships, recognizes the rights and duties of family members to each other, and apportions power among husbands and wives, and parents and children. It involves the formation, existence, and dissolution of marriage and other family units. Family law is one of those areas in law which has undertaken such radical changes in recent years. It has to adjust accordingly to the ongoing metamorphosis of American family life.
Although you must have noticed that the vast majority of family law is created and enforced by the states, federal law is playing an increasingly significant role. For instance, amendments to state paternity laws have been made because of the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the federal constitution. Interstate disputes involving child custody have fallen under the purview and become substantially regulated by federal statutes. The national standards in the child support enforcement are due to the statutes passed by the U.S. Congress. Indeed, the roles of U.S. Congress, federal courts and federal administrative agencies have grown in importance.
There is one aspect of domestic relations law that has been historically consistent, however. And this is the number of divorce lawsuits filed before the family courts. Divorce still comprises the bulk of family law practice because spouses cannot just divorce themselves: they need to ask the court for a decree of divorce.
There are a number of legal consequences that they must face and resolve in a divorce proceeding. Some of the complicated issues that need resolution together with the decrees of divorce generally include: physical or residential custody of children, legal custody, visitation or access, child support, other financial issues concerning the child, spousal support (maintenance or alimony), and property and debt division.
Your family lawyer can walk you through all the processes related to family law, including divorce proceedings.