Dealing with any type of legal issue can be stressful, but those involving domestic relationships tend to be particularly emotional and contentious. While you can represent yourself,  it is in your best interest to have someone advocating on your behalf. A family lawyer can help you navigate complex laws and court procedures while ensuring your rights are protected. Here are some instances when you should consider hiring an attorney.

Situations in Which You Should Seek Counsel From a Family Lawyer 

Legal Separation or Divorce 

If you are considering filing for divorce or a legal separation, the guidance of a family lawyer will prove invaluable. There are a number of complicated issues that must be worked out when a couple splits, including the division of assets and spousal maintenance. Not all divorces and separations can be settled amicably, making it important that you have an attorney to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Child Custody & Support 

Trying to negotiate a child custody and support agreement can generate a great deal of conflict. In the majority of cases, both parents want to spend as much time with their children as possible. You will want to work with a family lawyer who has litigated a number of custody cases and knows how to show the court that your children will thrive best in your care. They will also help you collect the amount of support you need to ensure your children’s needs are covered.

Paternity 

When a child is born out of wedlock, paternity is not automatically recognized. Unwed biological fathers must go through a specific legal process to establish paternity and gain their parental rights. A family law attorney can assist with this procedure for those who wish to assert their fatherhood. They can also represent mothers who seek to prove paternity.  

Adoption 

Adopting a child in the U.S. can be a challenging and drawn out legal matter. If you are interested in growing your family through adoption, it is a good idea to have a family lawyer walk you through the process. They will help you create a solid adoption agreement with an agency or a child’s biological parents so you can successfully add a new member to your family.

If you are involved in any legal situation that falls into the family law category, your case can benefit greatly from the expertise of an attorney. The family lawyers at LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP offer over 35 years of experience handling an array of domestic issues. Their compassionate and knowledgeable team of professionals has helped numerous residents throughout the Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Richland, and Sauk counties of Wisconsin reach a fair and favorable resolution to their family matters. Call (608) 524-8231 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information on the services they provide.