Leaving my boyfriend

When do you need family law advice? Most people do not know when they need to consult family lawyers. Below is an article explaining the scenarios that could compel you to seek family law consultation. 

When Drafting Prenups

The law expects spouses who intend to draft prenups to seek independent legal advice. There are several reasons why a lawyer's input comes in handy when preparing a prenup. First, the lawyer ensures the contract meets the required legal standard. For instance, it should not be signed under coercion. Moreover, each party must have sufficient time to go through the agreement. The lawyer also informs you what you can or cannot include in the agreement. For example, the contract cannot punish a spouse for infidelity.  

When Adopting A Child

Most families are overjoyed about the prospect of adopting a new family member. Nevertheless, there are strict laws on who can adopt a child in Australia. As such, you need to consult a family lawyer before commencing the adoption process. The lawyer acquaints you with the adoption process. For instance, you must attend a general information session and at least two education sessions before lodging a formal child adoption request. You also undergo an intensive assessment process to establish whether you can guarantee the comfort of the new family member. For instance, you should not be convicted of serious offences such as sexual assault. Besides, you must be willing to support the child's religious and cultural beliefs and allow continued interaction with their biological parents. The assessment also examines your social and family ties to establish whether your home is the right fit for the child. 

When Divorcing Your Spouse

Most people forego legal advice before divorcing their spouses since the legal system allows them to file sole applications. Nevertheless, a family lawyer's counsel comes in handy as you contemplate divorce. Ideally, the family lawyer informs you whether you qualify for divorce and explains the implications of filing the application. For instance, the court expects you to lodge a parenting plan once you file for divorce. The judge gives temporary orders if you do not have an existing arrangement. The lawyer also informs you how to handle your finances before splitting the joint property. For example, you could formulate a budget with your spouse to ensure neither party accuses the other of financial misappropriations. You should also consult your spouse if you intend to make a huge financial decision, such as selling or buying a property, before filing the financial agreement. 

For more information on family law, contact a professional near you.