There are many circumstances when the expertise of a lawyer is needed, but you can’t always hire the same lawyer for every situation. Some attorneys specialize in particular areas of law, and it can be beneficial to hire an attorney with that kind of focused experience. If you are going through a custody battle or want to adopt a child, for instance, you will need the expertise of a family lawyer. Below, learn why hiring a family lawyer can benefit you in your legal process. 

3 Situations When You Should Consult a Family Lawyer

1. Pursuing Child Custody

Your former spouse will hire a family attorney to represent them, so you should hire an attorney of your own. Settling child custody is no easy matter, and it often becomes hotly disputed. While the judge will try to determine what situation will be best for the child, they will rely on the attorneys to present evidence and testimony to help them make that decision. If you go through the process without an attorney on your side, you’ll be starting with an unfair disadvantage.

2. Requesting Child Support 

Setting up child support is best done through the courts for all parties. This is because it creates a court order that mandates support and sets up a system for processing payments. This provides proof of the support being paid. Many child custody arrangements are contingent upon the support being paid, so it helps to provide verification that supports that the payments have been submitted. In Georgia, the child support laws can result in varying levels of support depending on the factors that are brought before the court. Without the assistance of a family lawyer, you may find yourself receiving less child support than you deserve or paying more child support than you should. 

3. Receiving Protection From an Abusive Partner

If your spouse has been abusive towards you, it can be an extremely upsetting and difficult matter. Fortunately, there are a multitude of resources that can be helpful to you in this situation, and an attorney is one of those. An attorney can help you petition the family court for help. They can help you request a protection order that will make it illegal for your spouse, partner, or another family member to be near you. This can remove you from an abusive situation so that you can make more permanent changes in your life. In some cases, certain shelters and other resources can also help you obtain such an order, but a family lawyer can help you address the long-term changes in your life.

If you need a professional who specializes in family law, turn to the team at NMS Law Firm in Toccoa, GA. If your situation requires a lawyer with special skills to help you seek or review child support or custody, or to obtain a protection order, this team can help you navigate the complex legal system. To learn more about their services, visit their website, and set up an initial consultation by calling (706) 282-4696.