Hiring a family law attorney may seem like a big step, but there are times when it would be risky not to have one. Have you wondered when you might benefit from having a legal guide on your side? Here are six  life events when a family law attorney can help you make sure the job gets done right.

1. Divorce: This is one of the first things that come to mind when someone mentions a family law attorney, and for good reason. If you’re getting a divorce, it’s important to have a legal representative, to advocate for you and and to make sure everything is done right. A family law attorney can help advise you on your case and ensure the other side doesn’t take advantage of you.
2. Child custody: Custody battles are, of course, the next big thing people think of when they think of a family law attorney. Just because attorneys get involved doesn’t mean it has to be a big battle, though. Even if the arrangement is amicable, consulting with a lawyer will help you ensure that you haven’t left anything out or that your parenting plan isn’t too vague.
3. Child adoption: Another common use for a family law attorney is to adopt a child. Adoption is actually a fairly lengthy and complex legal process with a lot of paperwork to file and requirements to meet. Adopting can therefore seem overwhelming and confusing, but a good lawyer will act as a guide and an advisor throughout the process.
4. Guardianship: It’s not either a custody battle or an adoption, but sometimes it’s necessary for kids to be cared for by responsible adults other than their parents. Whether you’re the child’s grandparents, aunt or uncle, or have another relation to the child, getting a legal guardianship in place will ensure that you have the right to make important decisions for the child if they were to require, say, medical attention while in your care.
5. Domestic abuse: Escaping an abusive situation can be terrifying, and the fear of what comes next leads many victims to suffer through the relationship for longer than they should, perhaps forever. Don’t let that happen to you! If you’re ready to get out, contact a family attorney, who can act as a guide when you don’t know what to do next.
6. Power of Attorney: If you’re thinking of assigning Power of Attorney to a trusted family member or friend, it’s important to consult with a lawyer first. A family attorney’s legal expertise will ensure that everything is done right, for one thing, but your lawyer probably also has enough experience to provide recommendations on who to choose in your situation.

So what does a family law attorney do? You could say that we handle legal matters involving birth, death, and everything in between. Some of these life events are incredibly important to do right the first time, especially when you won’t get a do-over. For help getting all the details right, contact Simon Law Group, PLLC, today.