I’ve Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in North Carolina : Now What?
Knox Law August 15, 2019
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Family Law – An Overview
“Family law” is the term applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships. Family law defines not only the relationships between members of a family but also between a family and society as a whole. Family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other.
When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of a family law attorney at Knox Law Center in Charlotte, NC, can prove crucial to your understanding of the issues involved and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome.
Typically, family law attorneys assist people in either building or dissolving family relationships. Specific areas of representation include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, alimony/spousal support, paternity, child custody and child support. Some family law attorneys also provide assistance in the areas of adoption and assistive reproductive technologies.
Marriage
Marriage is a legal union as much as it is a romantic one. Many couples find it helpful to work through financial issues and the potential disagreements such issues can create before entering into a marriage.
Because marriage is a legal and financial arrangement, it may be wise to consult with an attorney at Knox Law Center about the advantages of premarital and prenuptial agreements beforehand.
Divorce
Divorce is a method of terminating a marriage contract. From a legal standpoint, divorce restores an individual’s right to marry someone else. The process also legally divides marital assets and debts and determines the care and custody of the children. Each state addresses these issues differently, but most follow the same basic principles and use relatively uniform standards.
In some states you may need to prove fault, commonly referred to as “grounds,” to obtain a divorce. However, the majority of states allow at least one form of no-fault divorce in which the spouses are not required to prove that the other caused the breakdown of the marriage. If no-fault divorce is available in your state, either you or your spouse may obtain a divorce, even if one of you does not consent to the divorce. In some states, both fault and no-fault divorce are available.
In most divorces, the primary issues to be decided are property and debt division, alimony/spousal support and, if there are children, child custody, visitation and support. When spouses agree on how to resolve these issues or they can work cooperatively to find solutions, they can usually obtain a divorce relatively quickly. Oftentimes, however, divorcing spouses have disputes regarding their post-marriage financial arrangements and the care and custody of their children. Property division and alimony can be hotly contested issues in divorce proceedings, but the early advice of a family law attorney may have a favorable impact on the end result.
Child custody and visitation
The care and upbringing of children following divorce is often an ongoing source of conflict for divorcing parents. Custody must address both physical custody and legal custody. “Physical custody” typically is an allocation of parental rights and responsibilities regarding the day-to-day care and activities of the children, including where they will live, who will take them to school, etc. “Legal custody” is essentially decision-making authority; it involves the right to have input into important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. These can include issues about the child’s education, religion and medical care, among others.
Sometimes the parents can agree to a custody and visitation (also called “parenting time”) schedule; if they cannot, then the court will determine one for them. In the past, courts routinely gave mothers physical custody and gave fathers visitation rights. Today, such gender-biased preferences are much less common, as courts and society as a whole now realize that it is sometimes in the best interests of the children to reside with or spend the majority of their time with their father instead.
In general, the courts favor having the children reside where they will most likely flourish, giving children time with both parents as appropriate and establishing joint, ongoing child-rearing responsibilities for both parents. The advice and assistance of a family law attorney can help parents establish child custody and visitation agreements that focus on the best interests of their children.
Child support
Parents have a legal duty to financially support their children. That obligation usually lasts until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21 years old depending on state law) or becomes self-supporting. An order for child support may be entered during or after a divorce, and either parent may be ordered to pay support depending upon how custody is arranged. In most states, an unmarried mother may also file a petition for child support in family court, and an order for support will be entered once paternity has been established.
A parent who fails to remain current on his or her child support obligations faces significant penalties. Not only does interest accrue on child support after a certain time, but also non-paying parents could find themselves in contempt of court. In addition, every state has a child support enforcement office that works with the family court to suspend professional or business licenses, take away driver and recreational licenses, require payment of future owed sums in advance or even place non-paying parents in jail when child support obligations are overdue. Hiring a private family law attorney to help collect child support will typically speed up the process. Because of the state-specific requirements involved in child support, parents can benefit from the advice and involvement of a family lawyer at Knox Law Center in Charlotte, NC, when child support issues arise.
Contact a family law attorney today
Family relations create a host of legal consequences when they change, break down or end. A family law attorney at Knox Law Center in Charlotte, NC, can explain the laws that apply to your particular situation and help you to make informed choices for you and your family.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
Testimonials
Ben Robinson
Mar 21, 2020
Excellent services provided.
Attorney Frances Knox helped my family in providing much needed legal documents. She was very prompt, knowledgeable and went well out of her way to help us. She provided excellent legal services and was very congenial and easy to work with throughout the process. I highly recommend her as an attorney.
Anonymous
Mar 4, 2020
Exceptional Legal Representation & True Professional, Genuine Individual
I first met Allen after he was recommended to me by a friend, and I couldn't be happier with the service that he provided. He demonstrated a unique attention to detail in my case, as well as expressed a genuine interest in me as a person. Through a great deal of hard work, Allen was able to appeal my case and get all of my charges dismissed. I couldn't be more grateful for him and his assistant, Sherry, for their legal and personal support during such a difficult time. Hiring Allen was the greatest decision I've ever made, and I would recommend Allen to anyone seeking exceptional legal representation.
Anonymous
Feb 23, 2020
The most amazing lawyer, a true gem & winner
Allen is the best lawyer I've ever met! His character is genuine, and there is a warmth about him that makes you feel so comfortable. If you ever get into a situation with DWI, and feel truly remorseful for what happened, HIRE him for the BEST chance possible. I previously spent 6000$ on an attorney who just didn't feel like they really gave me the personal care that I needed. They were only in it for the money. After hearing raving reviews about Allen, I fired my lawyer and took a leap of faith with Allen. Even though I had to pay two separate times and could not get a refund for the previous lawyer, IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!! He won my case with dignity, respect, and care and I am forever thankful to him for this.
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