At King Law, we understand that custody cases take not only a financial toll, but also an emotional one. This is why our team of experienced family lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized representation and helping families make informed decisions. In this article, we will discuss the importance of hiring a family law attorney, the process of finding the right attorney, and the importance of advocating for your rights.
What Is Family Law?
Family law deals with family-related issues, such as marriage, civil unions, adoption, paternity, guardianship, domestic abuse, and child custody. Family law is a complex and ever-evolving field, so it is important to have an experienced lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
Determining Custody in a Family Court
Custody is typically determined through a court-ordered evaluation that considers the child’s best interests, such as the child’s physical and emotional health and the parent’s ability to provide a loving home, and the child’s relationship with both parents. The court may also consider factors such as the child’s age, gender, and mental health. Ultimately, the court will decide which parent should have custody of the child.
Timeline of a Family Law Case
The timeline of a family law case can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the type of court in which the case is heard. In general, the process can be lengthy and involved and may require multiple court appearances. The court process can also be unpredictable; however, with the assistance of legal counsel, the parties can often resolve outside of court.
Why You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
Often, parents have good intentions when attempting to come to a custody agreement outside of the courtroom. However, custody issues often arise suddenly, especially after big life changes. The sudden contention between parents can lead to heated arguments or even violence. To help avoid issues before they begin, it is best to consult a family law attorney as soon as possible.
Hiring a family law attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are advocated for throughout the legal process. An experienced Waynesville custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and can provide valuable advice and guidance. A child custody lawyer in Waynesville can also ensure all the necessary paperwork is filed correctly, all deadlines are met, and the court’s orders are followed.
What to Expect During a Custody Case in North Carolina
When a custody dispute arises in North Carolina, it is important to understand the process involved, including the types of custody arrangements and the court’s role in determining custody. Two types of custody can be awarded in North Carolina: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make decisions regarding the welfare of the child, such as education, religion, and medical care. Physical custody is the right to have physical possession of the child.
In North Carolina, the court will typically award joint legal custody to both parents, meaning that both parents are responsible for making decisions regarding the child’s welfare. The court may also award joint physical custody, meaning that the child splits time between both parents’ homes. If joint custody cannot be agreed upon, the court may award sole legal or physical custody to one parent with visitation rights to the other.
Finding the Right Waynesville Custody Lawyer
While there may be a lot of options for you to choose from, finding the right lawyer for your case in Waynesville is paramount. When looking for a family law attorney, it is best to consider factors such as experience, reputation, and cost. However, the most important factor is that you feel comfortable with the child custody lawyer you choose and trust that they will fight for your rights. To help you determine if a lawyer is right for you, consider the following:
Experienced in Your Type of Case
Family law encompasses a wide array of legal matters, so it is important to find a custody lawyer experienced in the specific area you need help with. For instance, if you are involved in a child custody dispute, you want to ensure your Waynesville child custody lawyer is well-versed in child custody law.
A Reputation for Excellence
The best family law lawyers have a proven track record of success. When researching potential lawyers, look for ratings and reviews from past clients. This will give you an idea of how the lawyer handles cases and how their clients feel about them.
They Offer Affordable Options
While price isn’t everything, remember that cost can be a major factor in choosing the right lawyer. Look for child custody attorneys who offer payment plans or reduced rates for low-income clients. Additionally, many family law attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine if they are the right fit for you.
Advocating for Your Rights
When facing a custody dispute, it is important to remember that you have rights. Your lawyer can help you understand those rights and ensure that they are protected throughout the legal process. Your custody attorney can help you negotiate a fair and reasonable custody arrangement, draft a custody agreement, represent you in court, and make sure your rights are upheld throughout the process.
Need Help With Custody Disputes in Waynesville? Contact King Law for Experienced Representation
When it comes to sensitive matters of custody disputes, parents in Waynesville can turn to King Law for experienced legal representation. Our legal team understands the emotional and financial strain that family law cases can cause, which is why we always strive to provide our clients with the highest level of personalized care and attention.
We will work hard to ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the duration of your case. Additionally, we will take the time to listen to your story and will do our best to ensure that your case is handled in a timely and cost-effective manner. No matter what your family law needs are, contact us online or by calling (888) 748-5464 or (888) 748-KING to discuss your case and find out how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Divorce in Waynesville, North Carolina
How long does it take to get divorced in Waynesville, North Carolina?
North Carolina divorce is based on separation for one year. Unlike other states, the separation begins the day the parties actually separate. Isolated instances of reunification or encounters do not restart the one year of separation if the parties do not hold themselves out as being married. After the year of separation, the parties may then file for divorce. Divorce is filed as a typical lawsuit, but an order can be entered by the Clerk of Court under specific circumstances.
What steps should I take if I’m served with divorce papers?
There are only a couple of legal defenses to divorce, most surround the issue of time of separation. However, it is vital that when you are served with divorce papers you have a family law attorney review the documents. Failure to have a claim for equitable property distribution or alimony can mean that those issues are lost forever if not claimed with or prior to the divorce.
What do I need to do and know before going through a divorce in Waynesville, North Carolina?
Before going through a divorce, anyone needs to understand the ramification of: (1) child custody, (2) child support, (3) property distribution, (4) alimony and spousal support, and (5) potential third party claims. This is a division of everything of the parties and should never be done lightly. Issues of anger, guilt, and avoidance all are part of the emotional aspects of divorce. When issues like narcissism, borderline personalities, and domestic violence are part of many divorces, it may take other professionals to deal with this time as well.