Family Matters
‘Family law’ can encompass a wide range of legal matters that center on relationships among relatives, typically with a focus on the ‘traditional’ idea of a nuclear family that includes two partners (whether they are married or not) who may also have children. This area of law is one that plays a fundamental role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of partners and children as they navigate their familial relationships. Thinking about things more generally, “family” to us can mean a lot of things - whether your family is biological, adopted, chosen, or otherwise. Our office respects all families, no matter their makeup!
While marriage, divorce, and the care of minor children are the big concepts that many think about in the context of family law, there are a variety of milestone events that might have you considering whether to seek legal advice. This could include (but isn’t limited to):
entering into a new relationship
getting engaged
getting married
the birth of a child
fostering or adopting a child
planning for your family’s future well-being
managing property
financial concerns
managing a business
separating from your spouse
divorce
otherwise concluding a relationship with a partner
or something else we haven’t listed here!
Depending on the circumstances, an individual may have several options available to them in establishing how they would like to proceed. In addition to reflecting on what outcome you might desire, it can also be important to weigh whether any other individuals tied to your considerations are already on the same page as you, are open to negotiation, or are in complete disagreement with what you have in mind. This can have a big impact on how you decide to handle your concerns.
Some common family law concepts that may have you thinking about seeking legal advice, and possibly heading to Court, could include:
Marriage and Divorce:
There are legal provisions in place to address both the formation and the dissolution of the marital union. It provides the legal framework for resolving entering into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements or separation agreements, as well as the rights of the individuals as they pertain to separation and the end of the marital relationship.
Child Custody and Support:
When it comes to child custody and support, the priority you’ll hear about is “the best interests of the child”. This can includes determinations regarding what custody will look like, what the rights and responsibilities of each parent are, and the extent to which a parent is financially and otherwise responsible for the child and their needs.
Adoption:
The process of adoption has established guidelines that protect the rights of all parties involved―the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child. It provides for certain requirements that must be met for the legal transfer of parental rights, ensuring the best interests of the child are prioritized.
Spousal Support and Property Division:
In cases of divorce or separation, family law addresses the principles guiding spousal support and property division. This includes determining the amount and duration of support one spouse may provide to the other, as well as the equitable distribution of marital assets and debts. The goal is to promote fairness and ensure financial stability all around.
If you find yourself in need of legal assistance regarding family matters, consulting with an attorney can be essential in understanding your rights and how you may proceed. Within this arena, Price Law, PLLC represents individuals who are attempting to navigate these concerns in a non-confrontational, solution-oriented manner. We invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation to explore your goals with us.
If your matter is centered around divorce or concerns for your children and you would like to consider using another attorney, we recommend Melissa Flanagan of Fuquay-Varina Family Law and David Alles of Alles Law, PLLC, both of whom are located in Fuquay-Varina. If your family law matter is in another area or these attorneys are unable to assist you, we have other recommendations on our Local Lawyers page.
If your concern is regarding a family member outside other than a child or partner, such as a parent or a sibling who needs your help, our page on Guardianship may be more applicable in addressing your circumstances.