Family Law

Family law disputes that are handled in the judicial system include: divorce, separation, adoption, child custody, visitation rights, financial settlements and distribution of assets, domestic violence, guardianship, and child abuse and neglect.

Other matters which are covered by this area of law include: validity of trusts, wills and inheritance laws, deaths, pension, retirements and other benefits, and the coverage and validity of insurance claims.

What does family law involve?

Family law covers a whole range of different disputes and claims. In every case, you will need to review the brief, discuss the case with the parties involved and possibly negotiate and arrange for a settlement.

If there is no settlement, you will proceed with the case, file pleadings and motions as necessary, and argue the case before the court. Small matters tend to be dealt with in county courts, whilst bigger and more complicated cases may be heard in the Family division of the High Court. You will often have to work with a wide number of different people, including some of the most vulnerable people in society, such as children and the elderly.

Most cases will involve input from a variety of people who are associated with the cases in different capacities. Lawyers and support staff will need to liaise and coordinate with professionals such as law enforcement officers, doctors, psychologists, social workers and welfare authorities, in order to deliver a seamless and unanimous argument before the court.

Break it down for me a little bit!

The standard requirements for lawyers in this area are: a good academic record, high proficiency in oral and written communications, good negotiation skills, a disciplined and organised approach to work and a clear and cogent thought process. Time and people management skills are also particularly essential.

Furthermore, when dealing with family law matters, you need to be friendly and empathetic with your clients, understand their issues thoroughly and support and guide them through the whole process. Moreover, you should be able to analyse what strategies and approaches are best suited for each client.