What Are Examples Of Family Law Cases?

Some examples of family law cases that are handled by specialist family law firms are:

Marriage cases
Marriage dissolution (divorce, annulment, separation) cases
Domestic partnerships cases
Child custody cases
Property division cases
Spousal support (alimony) cases
Domestic violence cases
Other family law matters

1. Marriage Cases

These include:

Advising a couple on how to obtain a marriage license
Ensuring that the marriage is legally binding if it occurs in another country
Consultation on same-sex marriages (laws vary per state)
Preparing a prenuptial agreement, which many couples enter into before their marriage (such an agreement spells out how marital assets will be distributed if the marriage does not work out. The prenuptial agreement also lists out pre-marital or separate assets of each spouse that are not to be divided on divorce.)
Preparing a postnuptial agreement (which is just like a prenuptial agreement, except that it is prepared after the marriage)

2. Marriage Dissolution (Divorce, Annulment, Separation) Cases

Negotiating settlements and resolving marriage dissolution cases either at the pre-trial stage, or by mediation, collaborative methods, or in the courts. In the case of divorce, for example, the process includes calculating alimony, creating a parenting plan/ custodial arrangement, calculating how child support payments are to be shared, etc.
Resolving same-sex divorce cases (these can be complicated because each state can have different laws)
Resolving marriage dissolution cases in which spouses are located in different states
Handling post-divorce name change cases

3. Domestic Partnership Cases

In a domestic partnership, couples live together under the same roof, are in a domestic relationship, but are not married. The couple can be of the same sex. Family law attorneys handle such cases and help legalize such relationships.
Lawyers also handle domestic partnership dissolution.

4. Child Custody Cases

Helping parents determine the best interests of their child
Creating a parenting plan/child custody agreement/visitation agreement that is fair to both parents and in the best interests of the child
Advising, negotiating, or litigating child custody
Modifying child custody orders (modification becomes necessary when circumstances change – for example, a parent relocates to another state or when a parent is convicted of a crime and jailed)
Fighting child custody cases when the parents live in different states
Other child-related cases can include executing abortion or surrogacy agreements and handling minor-child-emancipation matters

5. Property Division Cases

Determining marital property (property that is acquired during the marriage or separate property which is commingled with marital property), separate property, and debts (marital/separate) (usually, marital property is shared on a 50/50 basis, while separate property remains with the spouse who originally owned it)
Helping clients divide complicated assets like art, stock options, etc.

6. Spousal Support (Alimony) And Child Support

Calculating alimony and child support receivable/payable and negotiating the final figure with the other spouse.
Securing temporary alimony or child support before the divorce is complete.
Justifying why the client deserves to receive (or pay) the alimony/child support sum that has been arrived at
Investigating the other spouse’s finances
Resolving alimony/child support issues connected to the dissolution of a domestic partnership

7. Domestic Violence Cases

Protecting the client (spouse or any other person in a relationship) and his/her child from domestic violence
Protecting the client from false allegations of domestic violence
Requesting and obtaining temporary/permanent restraining orders from the courts

8. Other Family Law Matters

These include:

Helping a partner/spouse establish paternity
Helping the client become a guardian or caretaker of the child
Modifying court orders for a client if the circumstances have changed
Terminating parental rights
Resolving legal issues related to juveniles (for example, minors who have committed illegal acts)
Resolving underage marriages

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Brown Family Law

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Mack

I would give them 10 stars if I could. Clay was professional and super organized. He took the time to explain everything. I would highly recommend him for any family law needed. Melanie was a godsend. She not only kept me continually informed of the progress, she sent texts of encouragement and support throughout the entire process. I would give her 100 stars for going above and beyond to make this experience less stressful. Her encouragement and genuine caring were comforting and calming. The entire staff at Brown Law are on your side and if you are lucky enough to get Clay and Melanie on your team you will not be disappointed. Thanks! Mack M.

Response from the owner:Wow, thank you so much. Melanie is great. Glad she helped you so well.

Alex Rogers

Nathaniel was an incredible partner throughout the divorce process. He was organized, responsive and respectful of my wishes while simultaneously giving me guidance and advice. I would recommend him to anyone.

Christie Cisneros

I couldn’t have made it through my divorce without Clay and his team! I am forever thankful for the hours and time spent with me to help navigate an extremely difficult time in life. They’re reliable, knowledgeable, and know how to get things moving in an efficient manner. Nothing but good to say here!!

Halie Bates

Working with Daniel Young at Brown Family Law was a truly positive experience during one of the most difficult times of my life. From the start, Daniel was knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly responsive.
If you need a family law attorney who combines expertise with empathy, I cannot recommend Daniel Young enough. He is a true advocate and a credit to Brown Family Law.

Jessica Lance

Nathaniel and Carren have been absolutely incredible to work with. They kept me informed and in the loop throughout each step of the process. They always answered every question I had in a very quick and timely manner. I could not recommend them more.

Amy Christensen

This 5-star review is for Nathaniel Garrabrandt at Brown Family Law. Nathaniel was just what we needed. He helped guide us with a level of professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care that made a real difference during a challenging time. He is always thoughtful and respectful, and he never makes you feel like just another case. His communication was clear (with regular check-ins), his advice was solid and uncomplicated, and I always felt that he had his client's best interest at heart as he made suggestions. I’m grateful to have had such a capable and compassionate attorney to work with. You hope you never need these kind of services, but when you do, you want the best... and someone with high integrity. Nathaniel truly deserves all 5 of these stars, in every way.

Kenzie Murphy

Russell Yauney was my attorney at Brown Family Law. Throughout the process, Russell and his paralegal Conor, were extremely helpful and patient. They were highly responsive, thorough, and most importantly: did not make me feel insignificant or embarrassed for asking clarifying questions. Russell made himself available and whenever he wasn't, Conor was. The Friday Phone Calls were reliable and I knew I could expect an update each week. The firm's texting abilities also made it easy to send a quick question/concern if I ever needed it. Russell was a fantastic attorney and guide to have throughout my situation. I highly recommend this firm.