Nobody wants to have to go to court in order and speak with a judge about legal matters involving familiar problems or disputes, but in some instances, it may be a necessity.
Family court is an area of law which decides on matters and renders judgments relating directly to families and children. These types of cases differ significantly from cases heard in general civil court or criminal court in that they principally concern parents, spouses, and children.
The goal in family court matters is to provide the best possible long-term outcome for the family, especially so when the case involves children, while also upholding the law. The goal is to provide fair and just outcomes that improve the stability of the family unit. In most cases, adults are able to reach agreements without a judge, through a process called mediation, although a judge may ultimately be required to approve the agreement. If the adults are unable to come to agreeable terms, then the judge may need to intervene with what they determine to be best. There are a wide variety of domestic matters handled in family court, but there are a few types of cases that make up the bulk of family court matters.
Divorce
During divorce proceedings, the court may decide on issues related to child custody, visitation, and child support, and they may order couples to undergo mediation in order to determine an equal distribution of property and assets. When couples are unable to come to an agreement through mediation, then the court will make determinations as it relates to the divorce.
Domestic Violence
Cases of domestic violence are handled by family court, and this is where victims of domestic violence can turn to for protective orders to keep their abuser away.
Adoption
Many different types of families may seek to adopt children and for a number of different reasons. There may be a single individual or a same sex couple with a desire to adopt, however they may face obstacles in order to do so. Adoption cases are frequently heard in family court and judges often have a degree of discretion when it comes to approving adoptions. Judges are likely to grant adoptions which they deem to be beneficial to both the child and the adopting family, so long as they fall within the confines of the law.
Child Custody
Family court becomes involved when it relates to issues of child custody in determining who is the custodial parent, determining visitation rights, and so forth. The court may also become involved if either parent violates the child custody orders and they can face harsh penalties, including a termination of parental rights.
Child Support
Once child support orders have been issued and approved by the court, it is very difficult to have them modified or terminated. Furthermore, any parent who is in violation of child support payments may face harsh penalties. These disputes can also impact the parent receiving money if they are found to be in non-compliance if the court has dictated the manner in which child support payments can be used.
Family Court Help
As you can see, there are a wide range of cases handled in Texas family court, and the consequences of these decisions can and do reverberate through families for many years. While the court always aims to have the best possible outcome, it is important that you take a proactive role in fighting for what is best for you and your family. That is why you need an experienced family law attorney like those at Fears Nachawati.
The family law attorneys at Fears Nachawati have helped many families navigate the tricky and emotionally challenging legal waters when it comes to divorce and child custody proceedings and having a compassionate and knowledgeable professional on your side can make all the difference during this trying time.
For your free, no-obligation legal consultation, please call (866) 705-7584, or visit the offices of Fears Nachawati located throughout the great state of Texas, including in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.