Family law covers all legal matters related to marriage, divorce, spousal support, and child custody. It includes legal procedures and regulations surrounding these issues and aims to provide a fair and just resolution for all parties involved. It also covers related matters such as domestic violence, guardianship, and property law.

Researching these topics can only be easy with the proper tools. Fortunately, our collection of primary and secondary resources will help you navigate this complex area of law.

Marriage

For most people, marriage is the basis of their family. It’s a unique union between two people governed by family law. Family law includes rules about when and how a couple can get married and laws that help when a marriage ends.

If a couple gets divorced, they must know how the court will divide their money and property. Family law helps make sure this is fair. It can also determine whether one person will have to pay support to the other.

This four-volume treatise provides direct, New York-specific answers to your matrimonial practice questions. It includes checklists and practical guidance. The first-of-its-kind, this title also covers the latest developments in child custody and alimony.

Divorce

Divorce is when a married couple gets a legal paper that says they are no longer married. Family law also covers how they split their property, money, and debts. It also helps them decide who will take care of their kids. This is called custody. Sometimes, one parent has to pay the other money each month. This is called support.

A court might use a formula to determine how much support should be given. But a mediator can help the couple come up with their solution. This is less expensive and usually faster than going to court. It is also more private. This title features streamlined chapter organization, practice strategies and checklists, cross-referenced content, icons highlighting essential issues, and more, making Matthew Bender Practice Guides first-class research tools.

Child Custody

A child custody case is one of the most emotionally charged, complex matters a Volusia County family law attorney can face. This book provides a practical and logical approach to handling these cases.

Physical and legal custody is governed by many factors, with the child’s best interest as the key focus. Courts consider a child’s emotional bond with parents and ties to school, home, and community.

Social Security issues are frequently a part of family law cases, especially those involving children. This updated edition helps attorneys understand and interpret the psychological dynamics of these cases.

Child Support

Family law can have profound, long-term impacts on people’s lives. Family lawyers help them through the most challenging times by guiding, supporting, and advocating for them in court.

Judges determine how much child support should be paid based on state guidelines and specific circumstances in each case. The amount varies widely because of differences in the cost of living, the particular needs of the children involved, the custodial and noncustodial parent’s income levels, and other factors.

Child support enforcement is typically based on the principle that parents must support their children. A noncustodial parent who fails to pay child support is often found guilty of a crime. Parents can also modify existing child support orders if their financial circumstances change.

Adoption

Adoption is a legal proceeding by which one person assumes another person’s parental rights and responsibilities. This sense of adoption is most often used to refer to the adoption of children, although it can also apply to adults.

Federal legislation provides the framework for the United States’ adoption laws, and State legislation fills in the details. Adoption procedures are highly regulated, and courts place great emphasis on serving the best interests of adopted children.

Family attorneys are sensitive to the emotional rigor of these cases and offer guidance, empathy, and understanding. Choose a family lawyer who understands the sensitive nature of your case and will fight to protect your rights. The Essential Guide to Family Law is the perfect resource for that effort.