Because it deals with the legal issues surrounding familial relationships, family law is the most personal and intimate type of legal practice. Going through a family law matter can be stressful and rock the foundations of relationships that at one time felt steady. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to understand some basics of family law practice. To help you accomplish this, answers to frequently asked questions on the subject are presented below.

FAQs About Family Law

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a practice area that focuses on the legalities of relationships. It is a type of civil law, as it does not deal with criminal action or criminal punishment. Some common types of family law cases include:

• Adoptions & Guardianships
• Child & Spousal Support Issues
• Child Custody Disputes
• Divorces & Separations
• Domestic Violence Protection Orders

How Do I Find a Family Lawyer?

First, ask family members, close friends, and trusted colleagues for personal recommendations; often, word-of-mouth can be the most effective advertising. Then get online and conduct some internet searches for lawyers in your local area, being sure to visit review sites like Yelp® and professional sites like your state bar association. Third, call a few lawyers and make appointments for consultations. At the consultations, ask plenty of questions. Get an idea of how the lawyer works and what they charge and gauge how comfortable and confident you feel in their presence. Finally, you're ready to make a hiring decision based on the information you've gathered.

My Marriage Is Ending. Do I Need a Divorce Attorney?

While divorce is certainly an emotional experience, it is also a legal one. This means that you need to have certain protections in place in order to look out for yourself, your family, and your future. Hiring a divorce attorney is the most effective way of instituting these protections and ensuring you have the support and legal guidance you need to move forward with your life.

How Do Family Law Courts Decide Who Gets Child Custody?

All courts stick to one guiding principle when determining child custody: The best interests of the children always come first. This will be the primary factor in a court's custody decision. They will also look at both parents' living situations, income levels, communities, health, and abilities to provide for the children.

Cheryl A. Beverson, Attorney at Law, is a family lawyer with more than 20 years of legal experience serving the Middletown, NY, area. Call (845) 341-0008 or visit her firm online to schedule an appointment. Have the experienced legal counsel you need to manage the family law issue you're facing, and call Attorney Beverson today.