A divorce attorney focuses on civil law covering a variety of issues that concern the individuals who are getting divorced. This field can often be saturated with life-changing choices and emotions. So, a divorce attorney has to delicately but justifiably handle a wide array of family related law matters from divorce, prenuptial agreement, marriage dissolution, and post-divorce modifications to visitation, child custody and child support. Being a divorce attorney is not an easy job, though.
A divorce attorney has to be a well-educated individual with vast experience in family law proceedings. He or she should also be a compassionate person. Divorce lawyers are expected to perform emotional and even strenuous work because family related court proceedings can get very heated and complex. There are a number of factors to consider in the course of divorce proceedings. For example, one of the most important factors in cases dealing with children is how the parents behave in front of their children after the separation. If you’re looking for an experienced and skilled divorce lawyer, check out www.stlouisdivorcelawyers.net/.
The process of hiring a divorce lawyer or attorney begins with assessing which specific type of legal representation is needed. The decision on hiring an attorney may come down to a few different factors. For example, you may need an attorney who is knowledgeable in the family laws of your state, or an attorney who focuses primarily on criminal law. Hiring an attorney does not end with finding the right person. The next steps involve the actual legal proceedings.
As part of the process of hiring an attorney, you will need to discuss your child custody and visitation plans. In many instances, attorneys work together with the divorcing couple in this area of the proceedings. If an attorney is retained by both parties then the agreement regarding child custody and visitation is forwarded to a family mediator for approval. The terms agreed upon will then be presented to the judge. Unless there is a specific preference for either parent, both attorneys must agree in writing before proceeding.
Another factor involved in the divorce lawyer process is the issue of child support. This is usually where most family law matters end up. Again, if an attorney is retained by both parties then the agreement regarding child support is forwarded to a family mediator for final approval. Again, both attorneys must agree in writing before proceeding. It is important to remember that if the family court rules in favor of one party, the attorney representing that party must also abide by this ruling. Failure to do so may result in the attorney being disbarred.
While many people assume that a divorce proceeding can be quick, it may not be. Mediation is always the first step when it comes to a divorce matter. A divorce lawyer, who is retained by either party, will assist in the mediation process, but cannot give legal advice. If you need legal advice concerning any aspect of a divorce matter, including child custody and visitation, you will need to seek representation from a licensed family law attorney.