Navigating Family Law: Legal Advice for Challenging Times

Family is at the heart of our lives. Whether you are getting married, having children or getting divorced, family matters are inherently emotional. Family law is an area of the law that focuses on family relationships. It deals with changes in marital status, prenuptial agreements, disputes, separation or divorce as well as child aspects such as custody and support. To ensure the best for your family it is vital to have a good family law firm like Watermans Solicitors Limited.

Sensitivity around family matters

Because family is central to human life, it is a sensitive area of the law. For the most part, people don’t choose to marry someone, have children, and set up a life with that person if they don’t care for them. The emotional aspect of family matters, whether it’s at the beginning or the end, can create anxiety and uncertainty. This is even more pertinent when there are children involved. 

Additionally, family matters are often tied to financial matters. At the outset of a marriage or partnership, you don’t want to consider the end. While a prenuptial agreement can help you in the case of a separation or divorce, the fact is that finances become intertwined. This also creates uncertainty for both parties. 

Having a good family law lawyer can help ease this uncertainty and help you navigate family matters from beginning to end. 

Matters included in family law

Family Law includes a variety of matters related to family relationships. From the beginning of a marriage and the prenuptial agreements or the end of one and the mediation and divorce process, family law is complex. 

There are a few key aspects to family law: 

Prenuptial Agreements

When you choose to get married, often the last thing you want to think about is what would happen if you got divorced. However, when approximately 42% of marriages end in divorce it is a prudent consideration. 

While it is not the most romantic conversation, a prenuptial agreement will give you assurance that if your marriage does end in divorce, you are both protected. 

Separation or Divorce

Choosing separation or divorce is a difficult decision. The reason for this decision is often multilayered with factors ranging from irreconcilable differences to financial difficulties among others. Regardless of the reason, divorce is both emotionally and financially complicated. 

Splitting everything 50:50 is not always possible or fair. This can create a lot of anxiety and stress for both parties. It is best to consult with family law professionals to help mediate and resolve any issues and disagreements that may arise in the divorce process. 

Another aspect that can create uncertainty and stress is child custody. 

Child Custody

In the separation or divorce process, child custody is often the top priority. While some families dissolve amicably and child custody is agreed upon by both parties, this is not always the case. 

The decisions around who children live with, visitation, holiday arrangements, or even communication in some cases can be tricky. If the children are old enough, they can express their preferences too. However, the decisions need to take the child’s best interest into consideration. 

If it is the case that you and your partner disagree on any aspect of child care it is best to get professionals involved. While judges in this area of family law specialise in ensuring that the child arrangements are practical and fair, having a well-known and trusted family law firm behind you can help you navigate these processes with ease. 

Child Support 

A key aspect of child custody and care is child support arrangements. Child support, or child maintenance is paid to the parent with which the child lives. This can be agreed upon privately however if issues arise it is advisable to get a family law firm to help you through it. 

Conclusion

Family law is a sensitive and emotional topic regardless of the stage. Whether you are just starting out and looking for a prenuptial agreement or looking for a family law firm to help you through a divorce these matters can take an emotional toll. A good family law solicitor can help you gain peace of mind and ensure that you and your family are protected.