Attorney Publication At the end of a marriage Learn how to protect your | Page 3

What is a Family Lawyer? • What is a Family Lawyer? • Family law deals with the laws that have to do with marriage and domestic relationships. An attorney that specializes in these areas of the law is called a Family Lawyer. By reading on, you can learn more on what family lawyers do, when you may need one, and how to find one if you do. • What do Family Lawyers Do? • When two people set out to start a family, they do not initially require any legal assistance; however, should that family dissolve that is when the assistance of a family lawyer is needed. When it comes to handling matters of the heart, it can become a very emotional and trying time; for this reason, there are family lawyers that are specialized in handling marriage, same-sex marriage, child custody, adoption, and all laws and regulations regarding separation, annulment and divorce. • When Are Family Lawyers Needed? • Some of the subjects that a family lawyer handles are marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. A family lawyer ensures that these relationships were entered into legally and, when necessary, are dissolved within the scope of the law. Some of the ways a marriage or domestic partnership ends is through divorce, annulment, and property settlements. Other issues that may require a family lawyer are alimony, child custody, support, and visitation rights should there be any minor children remaining in the relationship.