Family law can be one of the most challenging and fulfilling fields for a lawyer, dealing with complex personal matters from divorce to domestic abuse.
Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante family lawyers recognize the high stakes involved in divorce proceedings. With an outstanding 4.7-star rating and 25 peer reviews to their name, these family lawyers demonstrate their dedication to reaching client objectives while treating each case with compassion and care.
Family Law
No matter whether it be dissolution (more commonly known as divorce), legal separation, annulment and child custody disputes – all cases brought before the Family Court must be heard separately from civil or criminal matters.
kyneton family lawyers can make what can often be an awkward situation easier. At JS Law, our experienced team is committed to helping their clients through this difficult process of resolution, protecting their rights while making sure any potential causes of action are fully explored and dealt with accordingly – this way ensuring optimal results are reached for every client we represent. For help or advice about your case contact them now – or book an appointment to meet up.
Divorce
Divorce is the legal separation from marriage or domestic partnership that resolves issues like spousal support, property division, child custody and visitation arrangements, former name restoration and more. Divorces can be filed on irreconcilable differences or fault grounds such as extreme cruelty or excessively violent behavior – though doing so often requires sufficient evidence and an extended separation timeframe.
Before finalizing their divorce, both parties must attend an approved parenting class. A list can be found here.
Both spouses/partners must complete financial disclosures and present proof of income and expenses to the judge for review. If either party fails to do this, he/she could face default judgment by the court; additionally, some cases qualify for mediation programs while if filing for divorce, legal separation, nullity proceedings they must attend an Early Settlement Panel for settlement negotiations.
Child Custody
Parental custody of their children is generally awarded during divorce or separation proceedings, though non-parents can petition for custody under special circumstances. Such petitioners must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances as well as evidence that shows one parent acting unsuitably over an extended period.
Custody arrangements can include sole custody (where one parent controls all major life decisions for their child) and joint custody, where both parents are involved in decision-making while the child lives equally with each parent for equal amounts of time.
If a parent violates the terms of a visitation or custody order, they could be found guilty of contempt of court and need legal advice in order to secure an interim order until permanent one can be established. Lawyers also help parents modify existing custody or access orders when circumstances change significantly.
Adoption
Adoption is the legal process by which children who cannot be raised by their birth parents become full members of another family. Adoption can have multiple ramifications on all involved, from adoptive parents and foster care workers, foster parents and child welfare workers as well as members of the triad (child welfare professionals, adoptive parents). Here you will find resources that can assist you in dealing with issues associated with adoption – as well as monthly updates that provide adoption professionals with practical information and tools for supporting their work with families.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence (DV) refers to any pattern of physical and psychological aggression between intimate partners that involves threats, intimidation, sexual assault, physical abuse or any form of destructive behavior that damages an intimate partner’s physical or psychological well-being. It has no cultural, racial, socioeconomic limits and affects women and men of any age, race or religion, and it can even take place in families that include members with differing sexual orientations.
Health professionals must have the courage to ask patients about abusive relationships and encourage them to seek assistance – this is especially critical with geriatric patients, as they are less likely to be evaluated by healthcare providers.
Abusers may engage in stalking, economic coercion, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual assault and Munchausen by proxy. Victims can file a protective petition with either the circuit clerk’s office or county attorney’s office to block contact with those engaging in abusive behaviors.