While it is common to contact a lawyer if you are arrested or have been in some type of accident, many people feel that family problems are should be handled by family members only. However, there are times when it would be a good idea to contact a family law attorney just to ensure that everyone understands everything and are on the same page. While it may seem a bit uncomfortable airing personal matters with a stranger, here are a few times you may want to do it anyway.
Marriage
Most people enter a marriage with the plan that it will actually last until death. Unfortunately, a lot can happen between marriage and death. If there are any belongings or property that one of you owns you do not want to be part of the marital assets, you should get it put in writing before the marriage. It may not seem important now, but there may come a time when you want to be sure of what is going to happen to your favorite piece of art, a family heirloom, or a piece of property. A lawyer can draft up all the necessary paperwork to keep everything straight.
Adoption
Whether it is adoption from one family member or from a complete stranger, you want to be absolutely sure the child is yours once the papers are signed. While most adoption agencies take care of all the legal paperwork for the process, it is a good idea to have your own attorney go over everything just to be absolutely sure. You do not want to end up having to give the child back or to someone else who may have a legal claim years after you have made them part of your family.
Paternity
While it is always certain who the mother of a child is, it is not always certain who the father is. Sometimes it can be difficult to get someone to submit to a paternity test. If you are trying to prove that a child is biologically yours and having a hard time, contact a lawyer familiar with family law and paternity issues. They know the protocols for getting any testing done that are needed to prove your case.
Families can be complicated. There are certain legal rights that go along with being part of a family. Any time you have any issue with these rights contact a family law attorney. They will help you get everything straightened out.
For more information, contact a local law office, like the Law Office Of James E P Walker PC.
Share16 August 2022
Are you going through a divorce? Do you have kids? If so, do you know how to handle the many struggles you will face when it comes to your kids? Even if you and your spouse can get through the divorce while agreeing on the custody arrangements, there will be struggles that you may not have planned for. For example, who will handle the educational, medical or other decisions about the kids? Is it something that you will decide together, or will one parent make the decision and the other one agree? My site contains several tips that can help you plan for the struggles you will go through in the future and make the situation a little easier for your entire family.