Family law covers a wide array of issues involving family relationships including, separation, divorce, parenting responsibilities and more. Family law lawyers can represent their clients in family court proceedings or in associated negotiations, as well as help draft or review important legal documents.
Some family law lawyers can cover a wide range of matters while others specialize in more niche life aspects, either way family lawyers can help people confronting all types of family related situations, even some that you wouldn’t consider to fall in the area of Family Law.
Below we highlight 5 reasons to hire a family law lawyer:
Separation and Marriage Agreements
Often individuals believe because they have emails or have written out terms for their separation or marriage, that they are engaged in a legally binding agreement, unfortunately this is not necessarily the case. A family law lawyer can advise you regarding the full capacity of your actions in terms of present and future legal ramifications. Your lawyer can also take your notes and professionally implement them into a legally binding domestic contract.
Divorce
Obtaining a divorce order from a court can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, your lawyer will help you through this process. From developing a settlement plan that helps avoid a trial to representing you in front of a judge, your lawyer will advocate for your rights through the process.
Your lawyer will be there to provide advice and ensure your right are protected in all aspects of the divorce process, including parenting responsibilities, division of property, and calculating both child and spousal support.
Parenting Responsibilities
The parenting responsibilities are usually dealt with during the divorce proceedings, a court order or separation agreement will outline each parent’s decision-making responsibility, previously known as child custody and their parenting time, previously known as child access.
However, court orders and settlement agreements are often revisited as conditions change for the parents.
Child and Spousal Support
Your family law lawyer can provide you with advice on whether your child is entitled to child support or whether you are obligated to pay child support, or whether you are obligated to provide support to your ex-partner or are entitled to support. They can also provide direction regarding changing or terminating child or spousal support.
Emergency Motion Proceedings
There are many reasons to seek an emergency court order, some examples include:
- Your child not been returned from visits, despite an agreement or a court order.
- Your ex-partner leaving the jurisdiction with your child, and you believe they will not return.
- You strongly believe your child is at risk of harm when he/she is with your ex-partner.
A family law lawyer can provide immediate help in these situations.
CAS Proceedings
If the Children’s Aid Society have commenced proceedings against you, having a family law lawyer on your side to provide you with advice regarding the proceedings is important. These proceedings can be complicated and life altering, your lawyer understands the ins and outs of these proceedings and will help formulate a plan and execute it on your behalf.
There are many situations where having the support of a family law lawyer would be extremely beneficial, but making that first call can be unnerving. At Sage Law Group we know that dealing with family issues can be stressful and draining, we are here and ready to provide professional, effective and sympathetic legal representation in Barrie and South Eastern Ontario. Please give us a call today 705-735-0003 and let us help you.
