Family law deals with different types of cases pertaining to disputes within families, whether it be between husband and wife, parents and children, and even those who are planning to get married.
In Australia, family law is mainly covered by the Family Law Act of 1975, with family lawyers specializing in cases falling under this Act.
So, what cases fall under family law? Should you have any concerns that pertain to the following, then it is time to seek family lawyers and, in some cases, international family lawyers like Forte Family Law for sound legal advice.
Divorce and Separation Cases
Couple who are seeking for the legal dissolution of their marriage can do so with the help of family lawyers. Instances of divorce, de facto relationship separation, and annulments are covered by the Family Law Act.
Family lawyers can also represent you on property and financial settlements after separation, as well as seeking for or disputing spousal support, if any.
Custody Cases
Couples that have separated may need assistance in seeking for and settling disputes regarding child custody.
This may pertain to deciding parental responsibility, seeking financial support and enforcement of payment, determining visitation rights and authority when it comes to decisions concerning the child, and even cases when the child has been abducted by a parent.
Family Violence
Cases of violence, either in the form of spousal or child abuse, are also covered by the Family Law Act. This pertains to all types of abuse, including financial, physical, or emotional abuse.
Adoption and Surrogacy
Cases involving adoption, surrogacy, as well as seeking for guardianship or parental rights for individuals, not necessarily minors, that cannot take care of themselves.
Seeking international family lawyers are especially important if the child in question or the adoptive or intended parents are from a different country as the child.
Parental Disputes
In certain cases, paternity may be questioned. Family lawyers can assist by assisting the client go through DNA testing to prove or deny parentage.
This is especially important in cases where parental rights are questioned or if financial support is being sought for a child whose parentage is uncertain.
Prenups
Prenuptial agreements are now commonplace. Family lawyers can help arrange prenups for couples intending to get married.
Prenuptial agreements can help in the easy determination of division of assets, terms of support, and other terms on conditions that either party should certain events occur such as the death of a partner or dissolution of the marriage.
Inheritances
Sometimes, family lawyers can also help write wills on your behalf. Often, though, they are the ones in charge of settling disputes between beneficiaries with regards to the terms included in the will being executed.
Conclusion
As you can see, law firms such as Forte Family Law cover a lot of legal cases and situations where legal assistance and counsel is required.
If you have a case that falls under the above mentioned circumstances, it would be in your best interest to seek a family lawyer so that you will know the best legal options available to you.