Family law is a fascinating practice area in which attorneys experience a wide range of complex situations and work closely with their clients to achieve outcomes that prioritize their health, financial security and happiness. The issues that occur in families are often deeply personal and can be complex.
A family law attorney’s role is to sensitively navigate these complexities, helping their clients make sense of the situations they are facing and advocating for them in securing a beneficial outcome.
Family law covers a multifaceted range of issues. Here are some of its main categories.
Estate planning
Estate planning covers a multitude of concerns, from writing prenuptial agreements to healthcare directives and last will and testaments. Essentially, estate planning is the process through which clients formally and lawfully record their assets and wishes in order to protect their interests and those of their families in the event that they later divorce, become incapacitated or pass away.
Estate planning can sometimes be a very simple process. However, it often involves remarriage, blended families and complicated business arrangements that add a level of complexity to the proceedings. Achieving an acceptable outcome in these cases requires a dedicated and thorough approach to ensure that the documents drafted will deliver the client’s intended outcome, regardless of how it is reached.
Family planning
When clients are either unable to bear children biologically, part of a same-sex relationship, or wish to pursue single parenthood, they often consider adoption, surrogacy and other alternative routes to parenthood. Legal advice is necessary to ensure that New Mexico’s adoption or guardianship processes are adhered to and that the placement of children into new families is conducted lawfully and compassionately [2].
Firms practicing family law in Albuquerque are well versed in handling the paperwork and court proceedings associated with following the alternative routes to parenthood and can advocate for their clients, easing their passage through this complex process and helping to make it as stress-free as possible.
Ensuring personal safety
Family law attorneys are skilled in protecting their clients from domestic abuse, whether it is physical, emotional, or financial. Attorneys can help victims of domestic abuse obtain protective orders, safe housing, and access to financial support. They will also advocate for them in court, helping them to escape their abuser and achieve justice.
Family law attorneys understand that the impact of domestic violence is long-lasting, so they approach these situations with compassion and empathy and prioritize achieving a positive outcome to help their client heal and move forward with their life safely.
Divorce
Divorce is a stressful process that affects up to 30% [1] of Americans every year. Family law attorneys help their clients achieve a fair outcome in terms of financial settlements, child custody arrangements, property division and alimony. They often support them in mediation, in addition to providing them with legal advice and representing their interests in court.
They work tirelessly to help their clients navigate an emotionally fraught situation with care, encouraging them to work in a collaborative manner with their soon-to-be-former spouse to ensure their and their children’s long-term well being.
Child custody and financial support
When a divorce involves children, arriving at a mutually acceptable custody and child support arrangement can quickly become contentious. The Court of New Mexico prioritizes the best interest of the child and aims to ensure that wherever possible, both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life post-divorce and share custody and expenses.
Parents will often have a preference for sole custody or wish to specify special arrangements when it comes to visitation. Family law attorneys will advise them of their rights and responsibilities, provide them with legal insights, and work with them to achieve an outcome that respects their wishes but prioritizes the well being and stability of their child.
Lawyers will also provide advice and guidance on how child support is calculated and the different aspects that govern it so that clients can make appropriate requests and be held accountable based on the individual circumstances of each case.
In Summary, the workload of a family law firm is diverse and varies day to day. What remains consistent is the dedication to achieving a positive outcome for every client. Lawyers commit themselves to pursuing justice, prioritizing the needs of their clients, and providing them with the advice, time and guidance that is necessary for their case to be successful.
At the Law Office of Dorene A. Kuffer, we are well versed in all aspects of family law and will work with you to achieve your desired outcome, no matter what your individual circumstances and preferences are. To discuss your needs and find out how we can help you, contact us today.
Resources:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-statistics/
[2] https://lawlibrary.nmcourts.gov/adoption-law/