The last 50 years have shown a dramatic change in the American family and the way it is built.

Divorce has increased among American citizens. More people choose to live together rather than sign a marriage license before moving in together. Recent voter approval of same-sex marriages in many states indicates an acceptance by “mixed” families of gay and straight people. More and more children are also being born to single mothers.

These changes have led to complicated networks of family relationships that affect the form and content of relationships. The rise of two-career, two-income marriages has also transformed household arrangements. As the form of the family moves, our laws move, and as people go through these kinds of transitions, they need a family attorney who understands the changes and is trained with the legal maneuvers. Family attorneys must understand the statutes of their state.

They can explain the difference between common-law marriages, civil unions, common-law partnerships, cohabitation, and the legal ramifications of each.

A family attorney can help before the union, during the union, and during the dissolution of the union. This often includes creating a document that will protect both sides in the event of a separation.

Most family law cases involve a life-changing process that deserves careful planning and execution. Your choice of an attorney will play an important role in how your case is handled and the fairness of the end result.

Family attorneys deal with very personal and emotional matters. Divorce, child custody, asset division, adoption, surrogacy, legitimacy issues, property disputes – these can all be very traumatic events. Many of these problems are sensitive in nature and tend to end unpleasantly. Being represented by a qualified attorney can mean the difference between weeks of frustration or a faster resolution.

It is important to find an attorney who understands how to mediate in an emotionally charged environment. This means that your attorney must understand the emotional and psychological costs as well as the financial costs of a divorce or any custody issue. You also need an attorney who shares your values ​​and is compassionate enough to understand the complexities of your particular case.

Family attorneys must also understand children and how a new situation will affect them. Zealous advocacy doesn’t always work when youth are involved. Sometimes parents have to compromise for the welfare of their children.