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Family Law

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?

family law attorneyThe practice of family law is a complex area of the legal system. It encompasses a wide range of issues such as divorce, child custody, and spousal support. A skilled attorney can help navigate these complexities and get you the best results possible. The best family law attorneys have extensive knowledge of the laws that apply to their cases and are familiar with relevant court rulings. In addition to these skills, they have excellent communication and negotiation skills. They can also provide guidance and advice for their clients during emotional times.

To become a qualified family lawyer, an individual must complete close to seven years of study. This includes four years of undergraduate school and three years of law school. After graduating, a person must pass the bar examination to receive their license to practice. This is a rigorous process that requires excellent organizational and analytical skills as well as an understanding of the complexities of state and federal law.

A family law attorney must have strong interpersonal communication skills, as they regularly interact with both clients and court officials. In addition to these soft skills, family lawyers must have exceptional writing and research abilities. This is important because family law matters are often highly personal and involve sensitive information.

Family lawyers are often responsible for preparing legal documents such as trusts, wills, and prenuptial agreements. In addition, they may also be tasked with drafting custody agreements, property division agreements, and power of attorney declarations. They must also be familiar with tax law and accounting, as they often work with financial records.

In some cases, a family law attorney will be called upon to represent a client in a domestic violence or abuse matter. This can be a difficult and emotionally charged experience for all parties involved. In these instances, it is important to have an experienced family lawyer on your side to advocate for your rights and ensure that the court is aware of all of the facts in the case.

Ultimately, it is the job of a family law attorney to help their clients resolve their legal issues in a way that is most beneficial to them and their children. In order to do this, they must be comfortable negotiating with opposing counsel and advocating for their client’s position in the courtroom. They must also be able to help their clients make considerations regarding their future before making major decisions such as a separation or a divorce.

The experienced and compassionate family law attorneys at Davis and Associates are dedicated to defending their clients’ rights throughout all phases of the legal process. The firm serves individuals and families in Waco, Lorena, Baylor University, and throughout McLennan County. Contact the Law office today to discuss your case with a seasoned legal professional. The initial consultation is free.

Categories
Probate Law

A Guardianship Attorney Can Help You Plan For the Future of Your Elderly or Disabled Loved Ones

Guardianship AttorneyA Guardianship Attorney can help you plan for the future care of your children and elderly or disabled loved ones. In order for a guardianship to be established, it must be shown that your loved one cannot make or manage their own decisions and that less restrictive alternatives like power of attorney have been tried and failed. There are seven different types of legal guardianships recognized by state law. An experienced Chicago, Illinois Guardianship Attorney will be able to discuss all the options with you and determine which would best serve your family.

Guardianship over a disabled adult is different from the other types of guardianships. The process is more complicated, and requires detailed medical documentation of the alleged incapacitated person. The court also appoints a professional to investigate the matter and provide testimony at the hearing. This individual, known as a guardian ad litem, is usually an attorney or social worker. This person interviews the alleged disabled adult and their family members, reviews medical records, examines financial documents, and investigates the issue of the incapacity.

If it is determined that a person is not able to make their own decisions or they are at risk of being harmed, the court may establish a temporary guardianship. The purpose of this is to protect the alleged incapacitated person from being exploited, or to prevent their financial resources from being depleted due to mismanagement. The person in need of a temporary guardianship will be notified of the proceedings and a copy of the petition will be provided to them. The court will appoint an attorney for the alleged incapacitated person or “AIP” and will personally serve them with the summons, petition, and court evaluation.

Often, the parents will designate someone qualified to act as their child’s guardian in their will. This designation is legally binding in Illinois, and if it is not challenged, the court will honor it. However, this issue is always a matter of debate and if the parents cannot agree, it will be up to the court to decide.

When deciding on the guardianship of your loved one, it is important to consider their wishes. This is a sensitive matter and can cause emotional turmoil in a family. Our lawyers can assist you in navigating this issue with compassion and empathy. Contact us today for more information. We have offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island. We offer free consultations and are available to answer all of your questions about legal guardianship. We understand how difficult it can be to make these life-changing decisions for your loved ones, so we are here to help.