There are several reasons why families might need to consider retaining the services of a lawyer. Sometimes, it’s when parents can’t agree on custody and visitation schedules for their child or children. Other times, it may be that one parent is seeking to adopt another person’s child without consent from the other parent. There are many more situations we’ll cover in this article where people may need to hire a lawyer – your legal counsel will advise you on this matter!
1. If You Cannot Agree on Custody and Visitation
If both parents cannot agree on a custody and visitation schedule, it may be necessary to seek the services of a lawyer. This can become extremely important if one parent is seeking to move away with the child or children, as it can get complicated trying to enforce a visitation schedule from a distance. Many couples in Queensland who are going through a divorce don’t know how to solve this matter. If you’re lost about what you should do, you can consult with a family lawyer in Brisbane about the family laws and implications that might apply.
A local attorney who practices in your city, or at least in your state, can help mediate between both parties and work out an agreement that is best for the child or children involved. A family law lawyer can help a family create and/or modify a custody and visitation schedule. They can also help with shared parenting plans, relocation issues, and more. In some cases, hiring a lawyer may be the best way to make sure that both parents have an equal say in their child’s life after a divorce or separation. Several factors are considered when determining custody. These include:
- The age of the child
- The wishes of the parents
- The wishes of the child, if they are old enough to express them
- The distance between the homes of the parents
- The work schedules of the parents
- The mental and physical health of the parents
- The lifestyle of the parents
- Any history of domestic violence
2. If One Parent Wants to Adopt Without Consent
If one parent wants to adopt the child or children of the other parent without consent, this too may require legal assistance. In some cases, depending on the state in which you reside, parental consent is not necessary for an adoption to take place. If the other parent refuses to agree to the adoption, a lawyer can assist in the filing of a guardianship or even a full custody petition for the child or children.
In some cases, hiring a lawyer may be the only way to ensure that both parents have a say in their child’s life. When families adopt, they may not be aware of the legal implications that adoption may have on their lives. Parents need to seek legal counsel to ensure that their rights are protected both before and after the adoption takes place. There are several reasons why families should consult with a lawyer when adopting, including:
- Ensuring That Your Rights Are Protected:- When you adopt, you become the legal parent of the child. This means that you have all the same rights and responsibilities as any other parent. As such, it is important to make sure that your rights are protected by having a lawyer review the adoption paperwork. A lawyer can help ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place and that your parental rights are not terminated without your knowledge.
- Get Expert Advice on Your Situation:– Every adoption is unique, and as such, you will need to speak with a lawyer who has experience in adoptions to get advice on your specific situation.
- Avoid Pitfalls:– Many potential pitfalls can occur during the adoption process. A lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition into parenthood.
- Assistance With Post-Adoption Issues:– Once the adoption is finalized, you may still need legal assistance with issues such as custody disputes, name changes, and more.
3. If You Are Facing a Divorce
Of course, another time when many families seek legal assistance is during a divorce. Property settlements, child custody, visitation arrangements, and spousal support payments can all be negotiated with the help of a family law attorney. In some cases, they may also be able to provide representation in court proceedings.
4. When You Need Help with Child Protective Services
If you are dealing with child protective services (CPS), it’s important to have an attorney on your side who understands the system and can help to protect your rights. CPS may become involved if they suspect that the child or children are being abused or neglected. Your lawyer can work with CPS to ensure that your child is placed in a safe environment and help to get any charges filed against you dropped. This also implies the right to family law representation in juvenile dependency court or juvenile criminal offense proceedings.
5. When You Need a Will or Estate Planning Documents
Finally, many families seek legal assistance when they need to create a will or other estate planning documents. A lawyer can help you to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. A lawyer can also assist you in establishing a guardianship arrangement for your children if something happens to you and you are unable to make your own decisions.
In addition, you should have a lawyer create a living will and a healthcare power of attorney to ensure that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to make them yourself. If you are considering hiring a lawyer to help with your estate planning, it’s important to be aware of some of the most common disputes that can occur:
- Will contests:– A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will. This can happen when someone believes that the will was not executed properly or was made under duress.
- Claims against estates:– When someone dies, their estate becomes responsible for settling any outstanding debts and claims against the individual. This can include paying back taxes, funeral expenses, and even credit card debts.
- Disputed inheritances:– Disputed inheritances often occur when there are disagreements among family members about who should inherit what. This can be a particularly contentious issue when there is a large estate or when there are multiple beneficiaries.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why families might need to seek legal assistance. If you’re unsure whether or not hiring a lawyer is the right decision for you, contact your local bar association and ask for advice. The lawyers there will be able to refer you to someone who specializes in family law and who can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
