When you are involved in a family-related dispute, there are times when the guidance of an experienced attorney could be invaluable. A practiced legal professional could help you obtain a divorce, resolve a custody dispute, or assist with countless other issues that involve the legal rights of family members.
You never have to face these complex issues on your own. No matter the basis of your familial dispute, you have the right to hire legal counsel to guide you. Reach out to a Hays family lawyer for help with resolving your personal family matters.
The most common issue to arise in divorce cases involves the division of marital property. The court not only determines how this property is divided but also what property is treated as marital in the first place. It is helpful to remember that anything considered individual property is not divided during a divorce. A knowledgeable Hays family attorney could explain the difference between the two types of legal property and ensure your rights are protected.
There is also often debate surrounding the topic of spousal support during a divorce. One spouse may think they are entitled to more than the other thinks they should have to pay. A seasoned lawyer could help the two parties come to an agreement.
One of the most important—and most complex—issues a Hays family attorney might deal with is the custody and support of a minor child.
One of the reasons child custody issues can be uniquely challenging is that the parties do not have the right to decide these issues on their own. While parties are generally free to make agreements regarding the marital property as they see fit, the courts are always involved when children are concerned.
When child custody or support issues arise, the judge handling the case is obliged to make a decision based on what is in the child’s best interest. This might conflict with the wishes of one or both parents. However, a skilled attorney could make the case to the court that an agreed-upon custody order also makes the most sense for the child.
Before a judge can address custody issues, it must first resolve the question of child paternity. Whether or not paternity is in dispute can vary. For example, there is a presumption that a child that is born during the course of a marriage is fathered by the husband. In most cases, this presumption is unchallenged.
There is not a presumption of paternity in every child custody case, however. When the parties cannot agree to voluntarily acknowledge the father, family courts can get involved. This process usually involves the potential father and child submitting to DNA tests. If the DNA tests show a match, the court will issue an order of paternity. Once paternity is established, the rights and obligations that come with fatherhood set in. A capable family lawyer could help a father or mother establish paternity of their child in Hays.
There are countless family disputes that are best resolved with the help of a legal professional. Such circumstances might involve divorce, adoption, paternity issues, or child custody disputes. The outcome of these cases could have a significant impact on your rights as well as your relationship with family members.
A Hays family lawyer could provide you with the legal guidance you need to resolve these important disputes. Contact us as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.
