While lots of individuals think that family law is all about dealing with divorces, several other issues are dealt with by family law. Undoubtedly, family law handles issues surrounding how family members deal with each other, but it can spread across an array of areas.
To shed more light on family law and its branches, this article will consider the types of issues that are dealt with by family law.
· Child custody, access, and parenting plans
Separating parents often need to settle any issues concerning where their kids will live as well as how long they will stay around each of the parents. This issue is regarded as access. It is worthwhile to understand any of the parents can be the main caregiver of the children as long as they can prove their ability to take care of them.
In addition, the parents will need to determine child custody, which is all about choosing the parent that will decide most issues that concern taking care and raising the children. The combination of both child custody and access is known as the parenting plan.
· Child support
All parents must be involved in supporting their dependent children financially. Notably, a dependent child must be supported until they are up to 18 years of age. But in some circumstances, a child may still be supported by the parents beyond 18.
Generally, the parent who doesn’t spend much time with the children is responsible for offering child support. It should be noted that the support is meant for taking care of the needs of the children. Also, the earnings of the parent and the number of supported children are the major elements for determining the amount of child support.
· Property division
In many cases, property division is another vital issue that often leads to challenges when a couple is separating. In general, the separating couple has to share any known increase in their property or money when they were married. Also, they can both continue living in the home they rented, bought, or built during the marriage.
However, common-law couples are usually exempted from property division. In other words, each spouse can keep their property and money without sharing anything with the other person. Nonetheless, a common-law spouse may be entitled to getting from the other spouse’s property and money in some cases. However, there are lots of processes involved in it.
· Spousal support
Spousal support refers to the financial support that spouses may have to offer to each other. This support is for married couples as well as those in common-law relationships. In most cases, the spouse with higher earning is responsible for paying the other spouse.
However, there is no fixed amount or length of financial support to provide. To decide these factors, you need to think about the duration of the relationship or marriage and if one partner stayed at home to cater to the needs of the children.
Are you experiencing any family law problems? If yes, make sure you speak to a family lawyer today for more assistance.
