Marital Contracts
Many people choose to enter into marital agreements before getting married, after marriage, or even upon divorce. A marital agreement is a contract between two spouses that can help them retain control over their shared assets, determine what if any spousal support is appropriate, and what each spouse’s rights to retirement benefits may be in case of a future divorce. A Washington DC family law attorney could help a spouse protect their property rights in a legally binding marital agreement to help them retain control in case their marriage does come to an end.
Issues Involving Children
Another common family law issue is the care and custody of children. All children have the right to a safe and secure home, and a family court is obligated to protect this right in every case. In fact, the Code of the District of Columbia §16-914 states that the primary concern of all family courts is the best interest of the child.
Child custody matters can arise at any time. If a divorcing couple shares a child, their marriage dissolution should also make accommodations for child support and custody rights. At any point following the implementation of a custody arrangement, either parent may ask a court to modify an existing order as long as they experience a substantial and material change in circumstances or, if the parties have agreed to the prior custody order, an unforeseen substantial and material change.
Family courts also hear cases regarding adoption, and working with a lawyer can make adding a member to your family much easier. A family lawyer in Washington DC can help parents navigate through legal issues that involve the care and custody of their children.
