Family lawyers will ask in a first consultation whether a client has parenting concerns because parenting disputes often take priority. Parenting disputes are not always a 5-alarm fire type situation, but sometimes they are and action must be taken immediately. In some cases, we must schedule an urgent conference or motion to deal with pressing parenting issues immediately, but in many other cases, we negotiate a parenting plan or refer clients to mediation. We need to know as early as possible if the children’s issues need to be addressed so we can take steps to alleviate difficulties in the short and longer term....
Some of the most common questions we are asked when we meet with new clients are, “When should I retain you?” and “How does all of this work?” A lot can be said about how and when a family lawyer can help, which will be covered in other posts. For now, here is a very high level description of some of the most common situations where family lawyers are retained....
The aim in every family law case is to find a solution which best meets a client’s needs. Family law disputes are complicated because family law touches so many other areas of law and because the dispute is based on human relationships, which are complex and evolving. The difficult but rewarding challenge for every family lawyer in helping a particular client, is that each situation is different. There could be similar strategies we employ, but each case demands a unique approach....
