Hiring a Family Law Lawyer Is Wise For Many Reasons
- Expertise and Knowledge: Family law is complex. A family law lawyer has specialized knowledge and experience in this area of the law, ensuring that your case is handled correctly, efficiently and effectively.
- Legal Representation: A family law lawyer will represent you in court (also referred to as litigation) and present your case effectively, advocating for your interests. This is particularly important in contentious situations such as divorce, asset division (also referred to as equalization), in parenting disputes (formerly referred to as custody and access), and when child support and spousal support (also referred to as alimony) are issues. Particularized experience is brought to the table by a family law lawyer when these issues are challenged and require specialized knowledge and skills.
- Objective Advice: Family law matters are oftentimes emotionally charged. A lawyer provides objective advice, helping you make informed decisions based on legal principles and trends in family law rather than emotions.
- Paperwork and Procedures: Legal proceedings involve a significant amount of paperwork and strict procedural rules. A lawyer ensures that all documents are correctly prepared and filed, and that deadlines are met, reducing the risk of errors that could negatively impact your case.
- Negotiation and Mediation/Arbitration (also referred to as Alternative Dispute Resolution): Many, if not most of all family law cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than litigation (court). A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement and represent you in mediation sessions or arbitration. Choosing a suitable mediator/arbitrator is also a skill a family law lawyer will help with. Nelson Family Law is an avid supporter of Alternative Dispute Resolution when it is appropriate as a dispute resolution forum.
- Cross section of Criminal Law and Family Law: There are cases where criminal charges alleging abuse and/or assault may affect the family law matter. A family law lawyer will assist in addressing the impact that criminal charges may have in the family law matter. Nelson Family Law has the experience and knowledge required to address these issues.
- Protection of Rights and Entitlements: A family law lawyer ensures that legal rights and entitlements are protected. Whether it’s securing a fair division of assets (also referred to as equalization), addressing an entitlement to spousal support, along with ensuring the appropriate parenting and support arrangements for children are determined.
- Complex Cases: Some family law cases involve complex issues, such as high-net-worth parties, self employed parties, high conflict parenting and allegations of abuse. These are but a few issues that arise. A family law lawyer has the expertise to address these complexities.
- Emotional Support and Guidance: While not a substitute for professional therapy, a family law lawyer will provide support and guidance through this difficult time, helping the client understand what to expect and how to manage the legal aspects of the circumstances. Nelson Family Law employs a multi-disciplinary approach to resolving family law matters and will refer its client to a professional to assist through the process whether it is a parenting professional, a business valuator, a forensic accountant or other professional to assist with the emotional, legal and financial aspects of separation and divorce.
Hiring a family law lawyer will help ensure that your case is handled professionally, your rights and entitlements are protected, your obligations are explained to you, with a view that achieves the best possible outcome for your situation. Nelson Family Law brings over 20 years of experience and the know-how to guide you through all aspects of your separation and divorce. Call or email us today to schedule an initial consultation!