Family law cases may include both divorce and another familial matter, such as child support or child custody. Family law cases can be tense, emotional, and fractious. Parents often disagree when they are divorcing, and child support or child custody can become a serious issue. Common family law cases include the following:nnDivorce: When two people divorce, they must divide their assets and determine how to move forward. It can be simple for two people to divorce if they file for an uncontested divorce. At the same time, they may need a lawyer who can record all the documentation that is required. A lawyer will ensure that they prepare everything properly and set up a hearing date.nnChild support and child custody: Both of these matters must be considered. Child support is calculated using a state-mandated formula, or it can be adjusted by a judge during a hearing. Parents must also create a child custody plan. If they cannot, the judge will create one for the family. Child support can be garnished from paychecks, paid through the court, or paid directly to the custodial parent. Child custody plans must include visitation allowed for both parents. One parent will serve as the custodial parent, which means that the children will live with them for most of the year. The other parent will have a visitation schedule that must be recorded with the court.nnAdoptions: Adoptions are a serious matter; hiring a lawyer makes it easier for prospective parents to receive the services that they need. There is a good amount of paperwork to complete, and adoptive parents may need to deal with sealed records, a biological parent who does not wish to be known, or a biological parent who wants to be a part of the child’s life. Adoptions that occur across borders can be even more complicated. A lawyer can make the process as simple as possible. Adoption agencies have lawyers who generate rigid contracts for adoptive parents, and it helps if a lawyer reads these documents first. Prospective parents should never sign or pay anything without speaking to a lawyer.nnName change: This can be difficult for those who wish to change their first, middle, or last name. There may be criticism if someone is changing their name because of a messy divorce, and legal action may be required if a third party has gotten involved. Those who changed their gender identity or representation may need help changing their names, obtaining new birth certificates, and securing additional documentation that is held by the state or municipal government.nnPaternity suits: When a woman believes that child support should be paid by the man that she believes to be the father of her child, she can file a paternity suit to force him to pay child support. A paternity suit may also be filed when a man believes he is not the father of a child for whom he has been held responsible. These cases can be very emotional, and it is best to have a lawyer act as a buffer while the suit is filed, and testing takes place.nnGuardianships: These are needed when a child or adult needs to be under the care of someone other than themselves. Adults with disabilities may need a guardian to protect their interests, and a child may be appointed a guardian because their biological parents have not provided adequate care throughout their life or during a family law case.nnA family law firm can provide assistance with any or all of these issues. Although clients hope that their cases will go smoothly, these cases may need to be settled or litigated in court. Working with a lawyer ensures that everyone’s rights are protected during the process.nn