How to choose the best family lawyer and what they do?
Find yourself in the middle of a family dispute over property settlements or custody agreements and everyone is getting their own lawyer?
Well, you should probably do the same. Things have gotten serious and you will need the help of an expert to resolve issues.
This is just one of the many ways family lawyers can help.
Family lawyers can help to settle family conflicts without necessarily taking matters to court. They are a great buffer too, acting as mediators in resolving legal arguments and disputes among family members.
Family Law covers a wide range of aspects. Let’s find out more about what it is and what areas it serves.
What is Family Law and what does it cover?
Family Law can be broken down into three main areas of law, namely: matrimonial, finance and child law. These can be specialised in but some lawyers choose to have a mixed client base.
Family Law involves a focus on issues with regards to family relationships such as marriage, adoption, divorce, child arrangements.The most common reasons the help of a family law solicitor is enlisted is for divorce, child arrangements/child support, paternity, adoption/foster care.
But family law solicitors can also assist in cases of domesticviolence, guardianship, child abuse and neglect, emancipation and reproductive rights as well as:
Drafting important legal documents such as court petitions or property agreements
Representing clients in family court proceedings or in negotiations related to these matters
Inheritance law, retirements and pensions
Different Countries Different Laws
To add to the broad scope of expertise, a family lawyer practicing in the UK also needs to take into consideration the differing laws in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and England and Wales.
For example, although the Republic of Ireland has a similar procedure to England’s “no-fault” basis, a divorce will not be granted in Ireland unless the finances of the marriage are addressed at the same time. “Proper provision” needs to be made for the spouses and any dependent children of the marriage.
Apart from needing to keep up with all updates to the law, family law solicitors need to have specific skills.
Qualities a Family Lawyer needs
Because of the sensitive nature of the areas in which family law solicitors operate, they need to master a specific mix of skills or qualities such as:
Effective Communication
It is easy to get bogged down by too much legal jargon which is why it is vital for family lawyers to communicate clearly. It may be necessary for them to break certain concepts down, repeat things and communicate at a slower pace to ensure everything is understood by the client. The lawyer should also make the client feel at ease about asking questions at any point.
Outside the Box Thinking
Cases of child support, child arrangements and divorce can become complex which is why it’s essential for family lawyers to be able to come up with creative solutions to their client’s problems.
Dedication
Matters such as divorces can drag on for weeks or months. Such is the nature of Family law issues, which is why family law solicitors need to be dedicated to serving the legal needs of their clients. Right to the, hopefully not, bitter end!
Professionalism
While it is necessary for family lawyers to show empathy for their clients, it is also just as important for them to remain professional above all else. If a lawyer becomes too emotionally affected they can risk making decisions that will not be in the best interests of their clients.
All of that said, have you taken all of the above into account and wondering whether we can help with your specific case? Feel free to get in touch.