Family law is a complex and sensitive area of legal practice, requiring extensive education and experience as well as compassion to guide clients through difficult times.
If you are interested in this career path, begin your exploration by visiting law schools that offer top programs. Many offer externships and clinics which can give students valuable early exposure to family law.
1. Representation in Court
Families that are going through divorce or other legal proceedings with their children or spouse may seek the advice of family law attorneys in order to file paperwork on time, meet all deadlines, and assist with more complex matters such as property division or child custody agreements.
While some lawyers work in private practice, others choose to volunteer or find employment with nonprofit organizations that advocate on behalf of survivors of domestic violence. Law students gain early exposure in this field through clinics and externships.
The Vangorodska Law Firm in New York City provides legal assistance with family law issues ranging from divorce and custody disputes, support arrangements and paternity cases to adoptions and prenuptial agreements. Their clients include single mothers seeking more involvement with their children’s lives as well as those looking for adoptions and prenuptial agreements. Limited scope representation also gives clients the ability to hire them only for specific hearings or tasks while managing other parts of their case themselves.
2. Preparation of Documents
Family lawyers provide legal assistance on a range of matters. If you’re contemplating marriage, for instance, they can explain state laws regarding licenses and certificates as well as help create a checklist outlining all necessary steps for getting hitched before and after.
Document preparation services provide clients with invaluable benefits that save them time, money, and stress. Family law cases involve large volumes of paperwork that must be filled out correctly and on time; using professionals for this task ensures accuracy and compliance with legal requirements while potentially minimizing delays and complications during cases.
Attorneys can also help prepare you for trial by coaching you on how to respond to questions from opposing counsel and judges during questioning sessions, helping increase confidence during trial proceedings and increase chances for a favorable outcome. Witness preparation preparation should not be underestimated!
3. Negotiation
Negotiation is an established method of resolving conflict in numerous situations, from simple bargaining for prices at garage sales to complex corporate mergers. Negotiation allows individuals to resolve disagreements without resorting to shouting matches or shutting each other out entirely, and allows for them to reach agreements on decisions that affect everyone involved.
At Cohen Forman Barone, we work closely with our clients to determine whether negotiation out of court would be the best method for reaching their goals and to make sure they understand exactly what they expect out of this process. Furthermore, we take time to carefully consider any non-negotiable issues such as child custody that cannot be changed through negotiation.
An experienced family lawyer can ensure that individuals understand exactly what they’re giving up and come into the negotiations fully prepared with evidence and a desire to reach an agreement. Furthermore, they can recommend strategies to avoid communication breakdowns and negotiate effectively.
4. Advocacy
Advocacy is the practice of supporting an issue or principle by engaging in direct action to reach one or more goals. A successful advocacy strategy requires an in-depth knowledge of an issue as well as identification of allies and opponents, selecting actions accordingly, and devising tactics accordingly.
Family lawyers provide valuable assistance for adoptions by helping obtain all required legal documents and working with local agencies to complete the adoption process. Furthermore, family lawyers often assist clients with guardianship cases for minors.
Many individuals seek the services of a family law attorney when considering divorce. A good family lawyer can help clients cope with the emotional turmoil associated with this life transition and prepare all necessary paperwork, while also handling other issues such as paternity cases – for instance allowing single mothers to gain financial assistance from fathers of their child, or to gain greater involvement in their life. Cohen Clair attorneys Robert Stephan Cohen, Bernard E. Clair, Deborah E. Lans, Jad Greifer and Shannon Rogers Simpson have earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating: an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for their exceptional legal expertise.