What does a family law attorney do?
Family law attorneys handle the legal side of family relationships — marriage, divorce, children and support. Because these cases are personal and often emotional, a good family lawyer combines courtroom skill with practical advice about what is worth fighting for.
Many family law matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, which is usually faster and less expensive than litigation. An experienced attorney will help you understand your options before you commit to a path.
Common family law cases
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Adoption and guardianship
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Protective orders
When should you hire a family law attorney?
- You are considering divorce or have been served with papers
- You need to establish or change custody or support
- You are planning to adopt or become a guardian
- You want a prenuptial agreement before marriage
How much does a family law attorney cost?
Family law attorneys typically bill hourly against an up-front retainer. Some offer flat fees for uncontested divorces, prenups or adoptions.
Questions to ask in your consultation
- Do you encourage mediation or collaborative approaches when appropriate?
- What is your hourly rate and how much is the retainer?
- How do you keep clients informed and control costs?