Family law is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of different legal issues related to family relationships. Within family law, there are several different types of cases that a Manassas family law attorney may take on, ranging from prenuptial agreements to divorce and property division. In this article, we will explore the various types of cases that fall under family law and what each entails.
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Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements
One area of practice in which family law attorneys work is pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements. These agreements are legally binding contracts that spell out how assets and debts will be divided in the event the couple gets a divorce. The main thing that differentiates a prenuptial from a post-nuptial agreement is timing – a prenuptial agreement occurs before a marriage and a postnuptial agreement occurs after a marriage.
Divorce
Divorce is, perhaps, the most common type of case that family law attorneys typically handle. A divorce is a legal dissolution of marriage in court, and there are two main types – uncontested and contested. In uncontested divorces, both of the partners are in agreement on the key issues of their divorce, whereas a contested divorce involves contention and disagreement.
Separation Agreements
Separation agreements are another type of case that family law attorneys handle. The main difference between a divorce and a separation agreement is that a divorce legally terminates the marriage and allows for the couple to remarry, whereas a separation permits the couple to live separately while remaining legally married.
Alimony
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is another area of practice that falls under family law. Alimony is a legal arrangement that orders the higher-income spouse to pay the lower-paying spouse after a divorce. The goal of alimony is to ensure that the partner who made lower or no income before the divorce can continue living the same lifestyle as they did before the divorce.
Child Custody Arrangements
Child custody arrangements are another type of case in family law attorneys typically handle, and they are used to determine which parent will have physical and/or legal custody of their child(ren). Custody arrangements can be either joint or sole and are often contingent on a number of factors such as the mental state of the parents, keeping in mind what is in the best interest of the child(ren). This is a crucial decision that has the potential to greatly change the course of a child’s life.
Child Support
Child support is another area of family law, and it involves the determination of financial responsibility owed by the non-custodial parent. The specific amount that is owed is determined on a state-by-state basis, however, the end goal is for the non-custodial parent to provide ongoing financial support to help cover the costs of raising their child(ren).
Adoption
Adoption is another type of case typically handled by family law attorneys. When adopting a child, there are several legal requirements and paperwork that must be completed by the adoptive parent(s). A family law attorney can help you navigate this legal process, as well as inform you about the adoption laws within your state.