Much of our lives are decided on a legal basis. From simple inheritance to complex litigation, what happens in the courtroom and legal offices of attorneys and other litigation professionals dictates how the society we live in operates.
The judicial system we depend on for justice and security can seem like an entirely different world than the typical 9-5 we all enjoy, and frequently people do not pursue legal matters out of a distaste for that other world.
Some of the most common civil litigation cases are family law. Family law, according to legal resource HG.org, “consists of a body of statutes and case precedents that govern the legal responsibilities between individuals who share a domestic connection.”
These domestic connections frequently mean there is a strong emotional component to the cases, and family lawyers like those at Joseph Corey Attorneys at Law, are qualified to handle family law cases sensitively and correctly.
A family law attorney’s day is very similar to that of other lawyers, although much more personal with their clients. While a financial attorney is well versed in money and numbers, a family lawyer will work very closely with their clients to help them secure a legal result that they can feel emotionally happy with.
Emotional connection with clients is a very important part of a family law attorney’s occupation, especially when considering that most family law cases result from a divorce or relationship ending. Divorces are at an all-time high and only rising.
Now, more than ever, Family Law Divorce Attorneys are in high demand. These attorneys frequently find it very helpful to have counseling experience, as their clients are going through an extremely difficult and emotional time in their lives.
Family Divorce Attorneys present their cases in a courtroom before a judge, who will provide a ruling on the case. These trials can take anywhere between 10 minutes and several days. A well-qualified attorney is prepared to help their client process the outcome and work with them throughout the trial to keep everyone level headed and able to participate in legal proceedings.
Some Family Divorce Attorneys practice a relatively new form of family law, called Collaborative Law. In this practice, attorneys act as mediators between the two divorcing parties outside of court, with an agreement that if the case should go to court neither attorney will represent the parties. Collaborative law is common when neither party wishes to deal with litigation, and can help ensure both parties have a say in the final outcome of the case rather than a judge.
In such cases, skills as a mediator are essential to Family Law Divorce Attorneys. The ability to reason with one’s own clients is invaluable, and the ability to create an amicable settlement between two parties even more so.
Every day, Family law attorneys interview potential clients and must decide if they’ll be able to take their case. Skills as both a counselor and mediator are needed even in the beginning stages of an attorney/client relationship.
A large portion of a Family Divorce Attorney’s day is spent communicating with current clients and other lawyers. Up to date information and consultations can make or break a case, so communication is of the utmost importance to any attorney. Legal teams are in constant contact with every aspect of the legal process, be it clients, opposing counsel, or court personnel.
During a consultation, attorneys or their legal teams will consult other legal professionals to make sure they’re making the correct decisions for their client, or to check on legal precedent from other cases. A good Family Law Divorce Attorney will use all the resources available to them to win the case for their clients.
Family Law attorneys typically have a strong understanding of family and home financials. This is necessary because of the typical causes of family law cases. As relationships end, financial splitting is usually necessary.
A strong understanding of home financials can ease the burden on both attorneys and their clients. In some cases, a wedding party will sign pre nuptials - a financial agreement between the two parties in case of a divorce or separation. This also falls under family law, and Family Law Divorce Attorneys can facilitate or legalize such agreements.
These attorneys typically have very long working hours. A legal workday usually starts around 9 a.m. and will continue until the workload is done, which can be around 6 p.m. or later in the event of an emergency. Lunches and breaks are spent networking and consulting with legal or outside experts on cases.
Family Lawyers can expect to spend a large portion of their waking lives at work, meaning only the most passionate about their field will be successful. An attorney prepared to put their cases ahead of themselves will do well in family practice.
With such a heavy workload, time management skills are a must-have for family legal counsel. Juggling clients, court dates, and other meetings take up a huge amount of time, and the ability to complete tasks while successfully switching between them will make all the difference between a successful lawyer and a wash-out.
Not all family law is grim or two-party deliberations. Adoptions also fall under the category of family law and are a joyous occasion for the adoptive family. Hopeful parents looking to adopt a child must meet stringent legal requirements, and family law attorneys can help guide them through the often difficult and complicated process.
A family law attorney is a difficult thing to need, as their services coincide with some of the most stressful situations and emotional times of a client’s life. However, a good family law attorney can make those difficult times so much easier through the use of a broad skill set and deliberate time management.
With an emotional connection to their clients and a genuine desire to see their client’s best interest through the end of a case, a family law attorney is a fantastic choice for those seeking to move through a difficult situation with grace and professionalism.
