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Because most of the cases they handle include marital discord, family law attorneys are most commonly referred to as divorce lawyers. But like other areas of legal practice, family law is much larger than a single subject. It involves many other domestic matters related to family obligations and disputes. To give you a better understanding of this growing legal field, we've come up with five answers to questions a family law attorney commonly receives. Is There A Difference Between A Divorce And An Annulment? When one or both spouses attempt to dissolve a marriage, there are two possible outcomes. The most common one is a divorce, which puts an end to a legal marriage. However, if the court finds that the union was not legally valid, it may just grant an annulment. A legal decree, an annulment treats the union as if it never happened. Bigamy, fraud, or coercion are just a few of the reasons annulment is granted. What Does Child Support Cover? When one parent retains primary custody of a child or children, the other parent may be ordered to provide monetary support. Although the custodial parent makes the payments, it can only be used for things the child needs, including: - Food, clothing, and shelter - Medical and dental care - Educational expenses If the custodial parent uses child support for any other purpose, the non-custodial parent may notify the court. How Is Alimony Calculated? Also known as spousal support, alimony consists of regular payments made to a dependent spouse. Since they make more money, a supporting spouse is often asked to pay a certain percentage of his or her monthly income in alimony. The dependent spouse may receive these payments until he/she is either remarried or achieves financial independence. How Is Child Visitation Determined? When children are involved, it is up to the court to make a decision based on their best interests. After custody has been established, the ex-spouses can discuss vitiation rights. Experienced attorneys can be invaluable for both sides during this sometimes contentious process. As long as they can come to an agreement, there may be no need to get a court order regarding visitation rights. Do I Need A Family Law Attorney? Although it is technically possible to represent yourself in family court, it is very rarely done. Why? In addition to the incredible amount of stress and strain these cases almost always cause, they can also be confusing from a legal perspective. Matrimonial law is not written in stone, so judges tend to err on the side of caution. They often encourage both sides to come to an agreement rather than making a firm decision. As a result, a spouse that does not have legal representation will be at a distinct disadvantage during negotiations, including negotiations of child custody and other important issues. An experienced family law attorney can help protect your rights and pursue your interests during an emotionally trying time. When looking for a family law attorney, Harrisburg, PA residents visit Serratelli, Schiffman, & Brown P.C. To learn more, visit http://ssbc-law.com/team-members/lori-k-serratelli/.
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