Family law is the legal practice area under which cases involving family dynamics fall. From drafting prenuptial agreements and proving paternity to filing for divorce, a seasoned attorney can handle all of these tasks. These professionals understand families are the building blocks of society, and this area of practice simultaneously protects everyone individually while strengthening the community as a whole.

What It Is

Although family law is technically a kind of civil law because it deals with disputes between individuals, people often consider it a separate entity. The relationships between family members tend to be far more complicated than the typical plaintiff-and-defendant relationships that exist in most civil suits. Additionally, family law proceedings are unique to the practice area and differ from standard civil proceedings. As such, you could say family law encompasses everything that does not fall under criminal or civil law. Common cases and disputes include those involving divorce, child custody, guardianship, adoption, domestic violence, and paternity.

Why It’s Essential

All the statutes and regulations are in place to protect families at the individual level by ensuring everyone is in a position in which they can thrive. For example, when awarding custody, a judge will ultimately base the final decision on the best interests of the children involved. Without this precedent, children could end up with the parent who was simply more aggressive in court—and who may not be the most capable or qualified party at home.

If you are facing a family law dispute in Georgia, turn to Smith & Tabor Attorneys At Law. Based in Toccoa, they have helped clients resolve emotionally charged legal issues for more than 30 years. In addition to family law, they also handle estate planning and personal injury cases. Visit their website for more information on their practice areas, and call (706) 886-5141 to schedule an initial consultation today.