What is the difference between a divorce lawyer and a family law attorney?
You’re here because you want to know the difference between a family lawyer and a divorce attorney. Although these terms are frequently used interchangeably, divorce falls under the umbrella of family law.
Understanding the one difference between Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney
A divorce lawyer is a family lawyer who handles divorce. Family law attorneys are most likely to take a divorce. A family lawyer does more than just divorce.
Family Law includes child custody and support. Spousal support, paternity (establishing legal father/child relationship), adoption, guardianship, protection orders, and many other matters.
When determining the difference between a family and a divorce lawyer, remember that a family lawyer is not a divorce attorney. A family law attorney can provide a wide range of services for family law.
Divorce Lawyer or Family Lawyer? Is there any difference?
The short answer to this question is “no.” While “divorce” refers to the dissolution or end of a marriage, divorce and family law attorneys can handle many other matters. They can also take the issues relating to child custody and support and disputes between unmarried couples who cohabit. A divorce lawyer is a family lawyer who handles divorce.
In the legal profession, the terms “Divorce Lawyer,” “Family Law Attorney,” and “Family Divorce Lawyer” are interchangeable. These terms do not indicate greater or lesser capabilities on the part of the lawyer or lawyer in question. Family law is a common practice. Divorce is often the main or most important work of family law attorneys. This is why the title “divorce lawyer” was so popular.
What are the best times to hire a family law attorney?
Divorce and dissolution
Family law attorneys assist clients with significant financial and personal divorce-related issues. This includes the division of assets, debts, and property. It also involves separating financial and personal affairs. A family lawyer can assist with awarding the family home, mortgage, support for family members and children, as well as custody and child support during a divorce.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Alimony is also known as maintenance. It is a form of spousal support where one spouse who earns significantly more than the other pays their soon-to-be ex to enable them to live under similar living conditions. The period that this kicks in is usually limited to 7-10 years. Alimony can be either permanent or temporary.
Child Custody, Parental Rights and Grandparent Rights
Family law attorneys can also advise on custody issues resulting from the divorce, dissolution, or separation of biological parents. These arrangements can be temporary or permanent.
Adoption
Contrary to custody, adoption is where an adult becomes the legal parent of a child. If specific requirements are met, it is common for one or more biological parents to abdicate parental status.
Child Support, Custody, and Visitation
A family law attorney is necessary to protect a child’s welfare or one’s parental rights. An experienced attorney can provide the legal insight required to protect your family, whether you are owed child support or seeking/disputing visitation or custody rights.
Domestic Abuse and Civil Protection Orders
Domestic abuse should not be tolerated. Contact your local police or an attorney if you suspect someone in your family is being abused.
A family law attorney can help you escape dangerous situations such as domestic abuse. This could include assistance in obtaining protection orders to avoid future contact, seeking direct damages for injuries or abuse, and any other remedies available under the law.
This is a partial list of all the legal situations covered by family law. Consultation is the best way to decide if an attorney is right for you. Experienced lawyers will quickly assess your case and help you make informed decisions.