Family law is the area of law that deals with legal family issues and domestic problems that can not be solved amicably without the intervention of the legal system. Family lawyers are experts in all matters related to family law including, marriage, dissolution of marriages, annulments, pre-nuptial agreements and other recognized states of civil unions or cohabitations.

A Family lawyer will be able to represent their clients in the family court system. Often times disagreements between parties are resolved without the intervention of the court by simply utilizing their services as mediators or arbitrators between the parties in dispute. A Family divorce attorney can also represent individuals in cases affecting minor children. Family attorneys may be court appointed to represent the best interest of the children in extreme cases. In most cases divorce attorneys are hired by the petitioner or the respondent in a marriage dissolution case. Family lawyers represent one of the parties to ensure his or her rights are being protected throughout the process. Marriage is a contractual bond that joins two people together in an economical and emotional bond. However, when that bond is irrevocably broken and one party or both decide that it is best to part ways and become single again, they turn to the aid and assistance of a divorce attorney or family lawyer that can help settle disputes and arrange complicated matters such as property division, child custody and alimony. In some states the parties in a marriage are also jointly liable for the debt that was accumulated during their tenure of marriage. These matters are reviewed by a divorce attorney who will then advise their client on the best course of action regarding division of debt and liquidation of marital property. The topic of child custody is one issue the courts take very seriously. Children are often the most affected by a separation between spouses. To this end each state has established printed guidelines on child support, and the importance of a clear agreement of the children's custody.

Family law attorneys in each state are familiar with the specific laws and statutes that affect the area of Family Law. Even before a marriage begins a family lawyer can prepare pre-nuptial agreements between two parties who wish to join in marriage but do not want to join economically. This is common of parties that are independently wealthy and created their wealth while single and without the help or assistance either monetary or emotionally from the other party. Once a pre-nuptial agreement has been filed with the court system, everything acquired during the tenure of the marriage will be considered a marital asset, unless specifically dictated on the prenuptial agreement. This may vary from state to state. Not all persons who decide to enter into a pre-nuptial agreement are independently wealthy, sometimes these agreements, drawn by a family law attorney, protect a piece of property that is due to be inherited or jewelry or artifacts that may be of value at a later time. Pre-nuptial agreements must be made in writing, they must be done in agreement of both parties, mutual and voluntary and it must be notarized before a notary public with an acknowledgement statement.

Matters Affecting Children under Family Law