A variety of topics fall under family law, impacting spouses, parents, and children. Many cases can be emotionally charged, and they deal with complex issues and disputes.
If you are working through a divorce, struggling with a custody agreement, or trying to work out child support terms with a former partner, the assistance of a Silver Spring family lawyer may be beneficial. A skilled attorney can provide important advice, uphold your rights, and help you reach your goals for the sake of your family.
Assisting Families in Silver Spring
A skilled attorney in Silver Spring could help families resolve complex disputes and reach resolutions in a variety of ways. Some common areas of law that might require legal representation include the following.
Dissolving a Marriage
When a couple decides to end their marriage, there are many financial factors that they first must address. If the parties own a home and other assets, the court may have to determine how to divide the property and assign applicable liabilities.
Custody Arrangements
Whether the parents ever married, courts can make decisions regarding custody of minor children. State law does not favor either mothers or fathers, but instead, courts will look at each case’s facts when determining how to divide time and responsibilities between parents in the best interest of the children. There are various forms of custody in that a court might consider, including:
- Legal custody
- Physical custody
- Temporary custody
The guiding principle for custody cases is what is in the children’s best interests.
Child Support Orders
Parents are responsible for supporting their children. When the parents are separated or together but not married, the court can order one parent to provide financial support to the other to contribute to the children’s care. The parties’ gross income and the custody arrangements will determine the amount of support that a paying parent will owe.
While it is possible to obtain a rough idea of the amount of child support one might be owed, many factors can cause that amount to vary from the guidelines. A hard-working attorney familiar with family law can help an individual present their financial need to a court in Silver Spring to take care of their children.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Couples may wish to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that details the division of assets, support payments, and division of debts if they choose to end their marriage. Couples typically enter prenuptial agreements before their marriage, whereas postnuptials are agreements that the parties sign after taking their vows.
These documents may help a party protect their inheritances, businesses, assets, or children from a prior marriage. In some cases, the parties may enter one of these agreements to handle the debt that one person incurred. A local lawyer can help the couple draft a legally enforceable prenuptial pr postnuptial agreement that could spare them time and money in the future.
Get in Touch with a Silver Spring Family Attorney Right Away
Family law issues tend to be challenging and emotional, as the outcome of these cases can influence people’s lives for many years to come. Hiring a Silver Spring family lawyer can help individuals protect themselves and their families.
Skilled legal representation can also answer your questions and advocate on your behalf. Reach out today for a private consultation.
N/a