Pagan Lopez Law

Family Law

What is it?

Family law is a significant area of legal practice that deals with legal matters concerning family relationships and domestic issues. It encompasses a wide spectrum of cases, including marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, domestic violence, and property division. 

Marriage and Divorce in Family Law

Marriage and divorce are pivotal components of family law. Family law attorneys assist clients in various aspects of these processes, including prenuptial agreements, divorce filings, alimony, and the equitable division of marital assets.

The role of family law extends beyond legal procedures, aiming to provide fair resolutions and protect the rights and well-being of all parties involved in marital relationships and their dissolution.

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody and visitation are substantial aspects of family law, determining the care and upbringing of children after parental separation or divorce. Family law attorneys help parents create comprehensive parenting plans and passionately advocate for the welfare of the children during custody disputes.

Adoption in Family Law

Family law also plays a crucial role in addressing adoption. Family law offers a legal framework to formalize the establishment of new families through adoption proceedings. It ensures the thorough evaluation of prospective adoptive parents and protects the rights of both children and biological parents in the adoption process.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Protective orders, also known as orders of protection, are civil court orders intended to stop violent and harassing behavior and to protect victims of domestic violence. In New York, there are two main types of protective orders in domestic violence cases:

Temporary Order of Protection: This is an emergency order issued by a judge in Family Court based on a petition alleging that family violence has occurred. It is issued ex parte, which means ‘without hearing from the accused’, and provides immediate protection, typically for up to 2-3 weeks until there can be a hearing and the accused can be heard.

Order of Protection: This is issued after a hearing in Family Court in which allegations of violence are substantiated. It provides longer-term protection, typically for up to 1 year. Orders of protection may set conditions like requiring the accused to avoid the protected party’s home, workplace, or school, or to refrain from offensive conduct. Violating the order is a criminal offense.

Role of Family Law Attorneys

Family law cases are often emotionally charged and highly sensitive. Family law attorneys not only provide expert legal representation but also extend empathetic support and guidance to individuals navigating these challenging circumstances.

What is it?

Family law is a significant area of legal practice that deals with legal matters concerning family relationships and domestic issues. It encompasses a wide spectrum of cases, including marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, domestic violence, and property division. 

Marriage and Divorce in Family Law

Marriage and divorce are pivotal components of family law. Family law attorneys assist clients in various aspects of these processes, including prenuptial agreements, divorce filings, alimony, and the equitable division of marital assets.

The role of family law extends beyond legal procedures, aiming to provide fair resolutions and protect the rights and well-being of all parties involved in marital relationships and their dissolution.

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody and visitation are substantial aspects of family law, determining the care and upbringing of children after parental separation or divorce. Family law attorneys help parents create comprehensive parenting plans and passionately advocate for the welfare of the children during custody disputes.

Adoption in Family Law

Family law also plays a crucial role in addressing adoption. Family law offers a legal framework to formalize the establishment of new families through adoption proceedings. It ensures the thorough evaluation of prospective adoptive parents and protects the rights of both children and biological parents in the adoption process.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Protective orders, also known as orders of protection, are civil court orders intended to stop violent and harassing behavior and to protect victims of domestic violence. In New York, there are two main types of protective orders in domestic violence cases:

Temporary Order of Protection: This is an emergency order issued by a judge in Family Court based on a petition alleging that family violence has occurred. It is issued ex parte, which means ‘without hearing from the accused’, and provides immediate protection, typically for up to 2-3 weeks until there can be a hearing and the accused can be heard.

Order of Protection: This is issued after a hearing in Family Court in which allegations of violence are substantiated. It provides longer-term protection, typically for up to 1 year. Orders of protection may set conditions like requiring the accused to avoid the protected party’s home, workplace, or school, or to refrain from offensive conduct. Violating the order is a criminal offense.

Role of Family Law Attorneys

Family law cases are often emotionally charged and highly sensitive. Family law attorneys not only provide expert legal representation but also extend empathetic support and guidance to individuals navigating these challenging circumstances.

×