Family law is an exceptionally delicate area of legal practice. It encompasses everything from divorce and custody disputes to property settlement agreements - it can make an excellent career opportunity for lawyers with the appropriate skill sets.
To become a family lawyer, it will require approximately seven years of education - four as an undergraduate degree and three at law school.
Family Law
Family law attorneys provide invaluable services to families dealing with sensitive matters that impact the entire unit, from divorce and adoption assistance to enforcement of child support orders and more. While they often prefer out-of-court solutions for clients' cases, if necessary they're always prepared for litigation as well.
Family Law is an impressively diverse area of practice. It encompasses issues related to marriage, separation and divorce as well as child welfare matters, property settlement and domestic violence. While some lawyers choose to specialize exclusively in matrimonial law others opt for more general practices spanning all areas. With recent changes like legalisation of same-sex marriage in some states having a profound effect on this field of law it is crucial for family lawyers to remain up-to-date on developments within it while being sensitive to emotional impacts of work performed and building strong relationships with clients.
Divorce
No matter whether it involves divorce or another family law matter, both you and your partner will need to address crucial issues like property division, custody and child support. Our firm can assist with creating court applications and financial statements as a basis for your case and can arrange to have them served to the opposing side as soon as they have been completed and approved.
When dividing assets, courts follow guidelines which take into account factors like length of marriage, contributions made by each partner and any infidelity or domestic abuse committed during the relationship. We offer independent valuation services so you receive everything that is rightfully yours.
Parents often attempt to reach an amicable agreement regarding child custody and support arrangements through negotiations; however, when this fails, a trial may become necessary and we can help prepare you to present your case before either a judge or jury.
Property Settlements
Property settlement (sometimes referred to as 'divorce settlement') is an agreement reached between both parties during or post-divorce, that specifies how assets, liabilities and other items will be divided up and can include issues like maintenance (commonly referred to as alimony) payments as well as custody arrangements for children.
There are various approaches to dividing assets and debts depending on your circumstances, such as taking into account both parties' contributions in terms of money as well as in-kind contributions; adjustments may need to be made depending on future needs.
Courts strive to reach fair outcomes. If either party makes errors during the process or there is evidence of fraud or undue influence, then the outcome could change accordingly - which makes hiring an experienced Werribee family lawyer throughout this process all the more essential.
Wills & Probate
Probate is a court-supervised process which authenticates your Will (if applicable) and authorizes an executor for asset distribution. This person will ensure taxes, bills and bank accounts are paid; as well as locate and assess property; any outstanding debts will also be resolved.
If you die without leaving a Will behind, the Court will appoint an administrator (also known as personal representative) to oversee probate proceedings and manage your estate. Typically this person is either close family member or someone who will inherit part of it; working with a family law practitioner can help identify which representative best fits with your circumstances.
Probate proceedings don't require legal assistance to initiate, but having one can help ensure you meet deadlines and avoid mistakes that could slow down the process. A lawyer may also recommend shortcuts that can reduce costs while minimising disruption for family members. Furthermore, lawyers can assist with trust preparation to avoid probate altogether.