There is a good chance that at some point in your life you will encounter a legal situation that requires the advice and guidance of a family law attorney. The trick is to know when that time comes because family law covers much more than just divorce. To help you recognize when you need one, a Murfreesboro family law attorney at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby explains why you might need a family law attorney.
Family Law
There is no doubt that among all areas of the law, family law matters can evoke the strongest emotions and result in the most contentious litigation. After all, legal issues that are litigated in family law courtrooms involve just that – family. All too often they pit one family member against another, causing other family members to pick a side. Family law issues do not have to be adversarial though. Having an experienced family law attorney by your side can dramatically increase the odds of a peaceful resolution when issues threaten to become explosive. Knowing when to seek the assistance of a family law attorney is crucial. Common reasons why you might need a family law attorney include:
- Adopting a child. Whether you are adopting a newborn baby from an agency or making your love for a step-child official, adopting a child is a highly emotional and deeply satisfying experience. It can also be a frustrating experience for anyone trying to navigate an unfamiliar legal system. A family law attorney can guide you through the process and make sure you make it past any legal hurdles.
- Guardianship over a minor or adult. When a child’s biological parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child it may become necessary to seek legal guardianship over the child. When an adult is unable to care for himself/herself because of a disability or incapacity, it may similarly become necessary to seek adult guardianship to ensure that your loved one and his/her assets are safe. Guardianship can be a complicated process necessitating the assistance of an experienced family law lawyer.
- Modification of a divorce decree. Although a divorce decree is considered a final order of the court, divorce is unlike most other types of litigation because that final order is often modified after the fact. If you need to modify a divorce decree, a family law attorney can help.
- Resolving parenting time conflicts. One of the most common post-divorce disputes is how parenting time will be divided when minor children are involved. It may be that you agreed to a Parenting Plan at the time of your divorce simply to get the divorce over with and now you wish you had not agreed to quickly. Or maybe your children are older now and the original time-sharing plan is no longer ideal.
- Juvenile court matters. A family law attorney can also help you if you find yourself required to appear in juvenile court because your child committed a violation of the law, for truancy, or because of allegations of abuse or neglect. The juvenile justice system operates differently than the adult justice system which makes the advice and assistance of an experienced lawyer even more important.
- Requesting an increase or decrease in child support. If you have a minor child and are not married to the child’s other parent, you are likely either receiving child support or paying child support. Requesting a change in an existing child support order is one of the most common post-divorce modifications. It is possible to modify an existing child support order; however, you must meet the legal standards required by law before a court will agree to a change. Whether you are requesting a change or objecting to a change, a family law attorney can advocate on your behalf.
Contact a Murfreesboro Family Law Attorney
If you have additional questions about a family law matter in Tennessee, it is important that you consult with an experienced Murfreesboro family law attorney. Contact the team at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby as soon as possible by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your free appointment.
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