What do Family Lawyers do?

The first person you call when you find out that your marriage is irreparably damaged is your family law lawyer. You know you need them to guide you through the process, but what exactly do they do for you? Here are 6 things that your family attorney in Garrett, Indiana, can do for you. 

Prenuptial Agreements

 There’s a misconception out there that you don’t involve a family lawyer until the marriage is over. However, it would help if you got the lawyer involved at the very beginning. Family lawyers can help you complete a prenuptial agreement that will make the divorce process more manageable if it does get to that point. 

 A prenuptial agreement is a document that states what will happen financially in the case that your marriage does not work out. It’s a sort of insurance in a way. It protects both parties and keeps things fair. A lawyer will ensure that everything about the document itself is legal and authorized adequately by both parties. 

Division of the Assets

 If you don’t have a prenuptial agreement, you’re going to need to divide your assets. You and your partner created a life together that could involve a wide number of valuables, including:

• Houses
• Automobiles
• Stocks
• Savings accounts 
• Art
• Furniture 
• Pets 

 Your lawyer will facilitate negotiations that, ideally, put you in the best financial situation possible while keeping things equitable. Numerous factors go into how the court will divide your assets, including how well your lawyer fights on your behalf. 

Child Custody

 If you and your ex are lucky enough to have brought children into the world, you both probably want to have as much time with your children as possible. However, since you don’t live together anymore, you have to find a way to share custody. A lawyer will help mediate an arrangement that benefits the children first, then both you and your ex. 

Alimony

 When someone becomes accustomed to a certain standard of living and helps support someone as they build their career, they are entitled to live a similar lifestyle after the marriage is over. This is especially true if the other party caused the dissolution of the union. Alimony is a payment someone pays to their ex to maintain a balance between both parties once they are living separately. 

Represent You in Court

 The judicial system can be convoluted and time-consuming. A lawyer can explain family law in your state and tell you step by step what to expect and what you need to do. They can also help save you time by attending court dates for you, which can be especially important if you aren’t able to often step out from your regular obligations. The lawyer will take your place and speak for you while you tend to your responsibilities. 

Provide Counsel

 Ignorance is not a defense in the eyes of the law, which also applies to divorce hearings. Your lawyer will be able to educate you to make the best decisions for your case. Your lawyer will also educate you on what steps you need to take to get things done as quickly as possible. The lawyer will also be with you at a very vulnerable time in your life. The lawyer may even be able to help build you up and provide a bit of support during a whirlwind of negative emotions. You want to pick a lawyer who relates to you and can communicate with you in an honest way. 

 Your family law lawyer in Garrett, Indiana, Yoder Kraus & JEssup, P.C., is essentially your guide through the transition to the next stage of your life. Whether you are getting ready to head to the altar or the singles bar, you want to take the time to speak to a family attorney. Call to learn more today.