Family law isn’t just the break-up of a marriage: It spans a wide range of legal issues affecting a family. A family lawyer is a type of specialized attorney who focuses on a number of issues affecting husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and legal guardians. Family law practice areas include:
- Divorce or Dissolution
- Child custody
- GLBT issues
- Child and spousal support
- Contempt
- Grandparent rights
- Pre-marital/nuptial agreements
- Post-decree matters
5 Important Things Family Lawyers Do
Family Lawyers Solve Problems Affecting Families
An issue involving family law such as divorce, child support, custody, spousal support, or even a restraining order is often stressful. It’s not something the average person wants to experience or have to deal with. It’s unwanted and unwelcome. Usually, clients want to complete the process and put it behind them as quickly as possible.
For almost all cases, the goal is to resolve the case by agreement as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, some cases do not lend themselves to being resolved by agreement, in which case the issue would go to Court with the help of the family lawyer.
Family Lawyers Meet with Existing and Potential Clients
A family attorney works with high-stress, sometimes traumatic situations, so it’s necessary for each of them to have compassion for the people they meet with — whether they become a client or not. One a day-to-day basis, family lawyers have consultations with potential clients to learn more about their needs and determine how they can best help.
The first meeting, or consultation, is one of the most important parts of a family lawyer’s job. The family lawyer asks specific questions and takes notes to learn about the client’s circumstances. This helps them uncover as many details about the case as possible.
After listening to the circumstances of the case, the lawyer may also go through details related to:
- Jurisdiction and where the case can be filed
- Merits (pros/cons) of the case
- Potential outcomes
- Retainers or other costs
After this meeting, the family attorney can decide whether the case is a good fit for his/her firm. If it’s not, he can decline the case. If the attorney feels he/she can make a difference, they will take on the client. Likewise, the person can decide if they want to stick with that family lawyer or find someone else.
Family Lawyers Handle the Complexities of Legal Family Matters
Legal matters can be overwhelming and confusing. Family attorneys and their legal teams are there to handle all of the complex details and processes so the client doesn’t have to. For example, if there are specific forms or paperwork required by the Court, the lawyer can ensure it gets filled out and submitted properly.
Family Lawyers Go to Court
While going to Court is not the first choice or fastest approach to resolving family matters, family lawyers are experienced and confident with doing so. Going to Court is a normal part of the day for most family attorneys. They understand how to work with the Court to provide them with the information they need. They stand by their clients in Court, ensuring they are not facing the battle alone and working on their behalf for the best possible outcome in the case.
Family Lawyers are Advocates for Their Clients
One of the biggest job duties of a family lawyer is to be there for their clients. Listening, gathering information, and using that information to the client’s advantage are some of the biggest responsibilities of family lawyers, and ones every respectable lawyer takes seriously. After all, acting as the client’s advocate helps ensure whether a positive outcome is achieved.
Along the way, family lawyers are there to answer questions and resolve concerns. Every client’s family and situation are unique. Clients are always a top priority. At the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC, we understand the stressful circumstances you are facing. No matter how complex, we will stand beside you and guide you through this process.
Columbus Ohio Family Law Attorney
The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC is honored to work with both traditional and non-traditional families to assist them through extraordinarily difficult times. Please contact us with any questions.