HOW A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY CAN HELP

Legal issues related to marriage can range from understanding requirements for getting married in your state to protecting the financial and property rights of new spouses. Whether you need information on getting a marriage license, or would like to create a prenuptial agreement, a number of legal and personal issues can arise in any matter involving marriage and the law.

Legal matters involving marriage have the potential to be stressful and emotional, including the legal requirements for the ceremony itself. If you’re planning a destination wedding, for instance, you’ll need to take steps to ensure your marriage is in fact legally binding.

Sometimes it just makes sense to get legal help with marriage. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure your marriage, at least initially, goes as smoothly as possible.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help

No matter the specific circumstances of your legal issue related to nuptials, getting legal help with marriage throughout the process can help. Perhaps more so than in other types of civil law cases, what can be at stake in a matter involving marriage and the law can seriously impact you, people you care about, and your financial situation.

Although same-sex marriage is now recognized in all states through federal law, same-sex couples may still have specific legal questions about converting a civil union to marriage, adoption, and other matters.

Reduce Stress

An important reason to get legal help with marriage is for peace of mind. Planning a wedding ceremony can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Hiring an attorney to assist you with the red tape and paperwork is one way to reduce the stress.

While the attorney will need to gather information from you and your future spouse, they’ll take care of almost everything else, allowing you to devote more time to the enjoyable parts of matrimony like selecting the perfect wedding gown or deciding which exotic location to go for your honeymoon. You have enough things to worry about when you’re getting married, let an attorney take care of the legal work.

Family Court Experience

Should you have to go to court before, during, or after the wedding ceremony, an experienced family law attorney will evaluate your case with you — explaining what you can expect at every stage in the process, and identifying your options. Your attorney will represent you zealously, and will act to protect both your legal rights and your personal interests, all with the goal of ensuring that the outcome of your case is as favorable for you as possible.

During the legal process, a good family law attorney can deal most effectively and expediently with opposing counsel in the early exchange of information (the “discovery” process), during informal settlement negotiations, and in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or family court.

If a trial becomes necessary, a family law attorney will represent you in court and work toward achieving the best possible jury verdict in your favor.