If you’re going through a divorce or child custody issue, you’ll need to pursue the services of a family lawyer. Family law can help divorcing couples and split families reach an agreement that’s best for everyone. Take advantage of a consultation to find the right family law professional for you. Here are the top questions to ask a family lawyer.
1. What Are Main Factors in Deciding Child Support?
One of the toughest aspects of divorce is child custody. If one person is the primary parent, the non-custodial parent usually pays some child support. According to the American Bar Association, there are child support guidelines in all 50 states. Therefore, how much the non-custodial parents have to pay depends on your state of residence. The judge will factor in lifestyle, criminal record, income, and overall stability regarding the best primary parent. However, if both parents decide to share custody, child support may not be necessary.
2. How Is Marital Property Divided?
Like child custody laws change from state to state, some states have community property, in which people split assets after a certain number of years of marriage. However, in other states, the division of marital assets may be at the discretion of the judge. Remember, marital property includes real estate property, financial assets like investments and bank accounts, boats, artwork, and more.
3. Is Court Trial Necessary?
Contrary to popular belief, divorce and child custody don’t always have to end in an acrimonious trial. Family law professionals love to see families able to settle things out of court. Thanks to mediation, both sides can meet with the lawyers to agree on a fair settlement as fast and efficiently as possible. However, if the divorce is acrimonious and communication has severely broken down, a court trial will be necessary.
4. Can the Decision Be Overturned?
You may not be satisfied with the initial outcome of your child custody case. The decision for custody can be overturned if it’s later proven that one parent is unfit. Therefore, you can eventually have the court revisit the ruling with evidence.
The right family law professionals can guide you during these matters. From divorce to child custody, Flynn Law can ensure you understand your rights and have quality representation. Contact us today for a consultation.