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Do you need family legal guidance but are unsure what a family lawyer handles? This area of the law covers a wide range of legal issues that affect spouses, parents, children, and other family members. While many people associate family lawyers only with divorce, they also help clients resolve many other disputes. Whether you are ending a marriage, seeking custody of your child, or enforcing an order, the team at Carr | Woodall is ready to help. Learn about the different areas of family law we can assist with, and contact our experienced family attorneys today to learn more.
Divorce is one of the most common reasons people hire a family lawyer. A lot goes into this process, including property division, debt allocation, child custody, parent-time, child support, and alimony before the court can enter a final divorce decree.
A family lawyer can prepare the necessary court filings, negotiate with the other party, and represent you during hearings or trial if disputes cannot be resolved through agreement.
Child custody cases determine how parents will share legal decision-making authority and parenting time after separation or divorce. If parents cannot reach a reasonable agreement on their own, a judge will hear both sides before deciding what is best for the child.
Custody cases are often some of the most contentious in family court, especially with future modifications being a possibility, making it more important than ever to have an attorney you can trust.
Alimony, sometimes called spousal support, may become an issue during divorce when one spouse needs financial assistance after the marriage ends. Utah courts consider several factors when determining whether alimony is appropriate, including the financial needs of one spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
The reality is that alimony is not awarded in every case, but it can be important to understand whether your divorce warrants it. It is a good idea to speak with a lawyer who handles spousal support to learn if it might be available to you or be a likely obligation to you.
Family lawyers also assist individuals seeking protection from domestic violence, abuse, stalking, or other conduct that qualifies for a protective order under Utah law. These efforts are frequently handled alongside other ongoing family law matters, primarily divorce cases.
An attorney can prepare the necessary petitions, represent you in court, and answer any questions you might have about your rights. If someone has been served with a protective order, a family lawyer can also explain the legal process that goes with it.
A court order only works if both parties comply with it. Unfortunately, post-divorce disputes or custody concerns sometimes arise when one person refuses to follow the terms of a divorce decree, custody order, child support order, or parent-time schedule.
A family lawyer can file enforcement actions asking the court to require compliance with an existing order. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve garnishing wages or even asking the court to hold the other party in contempt.
Establishing paternity legally identifies a child’s father, and it is a necessary step that must take place before the courts can consider issues like child support or parenting time. A family lawyer can assist throughout every step of this process.
Family lawyers also assist with stepparent adoptions. A stepparent adoption allows a stepparent to become the child’s legal parent after satisfying Utah’s legal requirements, which often include obtaining the consent of the child’s other legal parent or terminating that parent’s rights when permitted by law.
Still wondering what our family lawyers handle? Reach out to us today to learn more about how our dedicated team assists with a variety of family law concerns. If you are involved in a dispute or other legal issue with a family member, Carr | Woodall provides compassionate guidance and strategic legal representation to protect your rights. Contact us to begin your case.