Family Law
Family law covers divorce, legal separation, child custody and parenting time, child and spousal support, property division and modifications of earlier orders. It is one of the most state-specific areas of law there is.
Custody decisions generally turn on the best interests of the child, assessed through factors set by each state. Support is usually calculated through state guidelines that take income, parenting time and certain expenses into account.
Availability
Hire Best Pros is not connecting people with family law professionals yet. This page is here as background reading while we work on it. Everything we do cover today is listed in our service directory.
What people usually need
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Custody and parenting time arrangements
- Child support calculation and enforcement
- Spousal support and property division
- Modification of existing orders after a change in circumstances
- Mediation and collaborative alternatives to litigation
What to weigh before hiring
Mediation before litigation
Many states require or strongly encourage mediation. Agreements reached this way are usually faster, less expensive and easier to live with than a contested trial outcome.
Financial disclosure
Both sides normally must disclose income, assets and debts. Getting organized early with statements, tax returns and account records shortens the process considerably.
How fees are structured
Family law is usually billed hourly against an upfront retainer. Ask for the hourly rate, who else will bill on the file, and how often you receive statements.
Common questions
- How is custody usually decided?
- Courts apply a best-interests standard using factors defined by state law, such as stability, each parent's involvement and the child's needs. Agreements between parents are generally preferred where possible.
- Can support orders be changed later?
- Usually yes, when there is a substantial change in circumstances such as income, custody arrangements or a child's needs.