Family Law is a multi-faceted area of law that deals with family relations. Family law encompasses such areas as: adoption, child custody and visitation, children's rights, child support, spousal support (alimony), separation agreements, civilian and military divorce (dissolution of marriage), marital property division (equitable division), elder law matters, estate planning, estates and trusts, wills and will contests, probate, insurance, cohabitation agreements, pre-marital (pre-nuptial) agreements, marriage and other legal issues pertinent to the family.

Family law courts generally hear cases pertaining to dissolution of marriage, legal separation of the parties, nullity of marriage, child custody, child and spousal support, elder law legal issues, domestic violence petitions, and estate planning cases like wills, will contests, guardianship, insurance, probate, trusts and other estate related legal issues.

Should I hire a lawyer?

It ordinarily is a good idea to consult with a lawyer about any major life event or change, such as a contested or uncontested divorce, adoption of a child or placement of a child for adoption, child abuse matters, child support modifications, child visitation and custody, being acused of or a victim of domestic violence, elder law, juvenile law, probate or other major family law issue. Your legal rights could be at stake if you don't.