Family law is one of the most common areas of the law that people encounter during their lifetime, but few are prepared for this. Nobody goes through life thinking that they will get divorced, be trapped in a custody battle, or have to litigate an inheritance dispute.
Navigating family law can be difficult, not just because it is confusing to a layperson like all areas of the law. Interacting with the family court also comes with fraught emotions and complicated feelings about relationships, parenting, and family.
With confidence and the right support, you can navigate family law cases with minimal hassle, stress, and complications.
Know What Your Goal Is Going Into Family Law Cases
The first thing to do when preparing to face a family law case is to know what your goals are and what you want out of the legal system.
Family law is different from other types of law in that your goal is sometimes a lot more complicated than just “winning.” Looking to get the best terms at all costs may detract from your other goals, such as maintaining good relationships with family members or developing a healthy co-parenting relationship.
Before you sit down with a lawyer, take a moment to write down what you want out of this family law procedure, including the legal, logistical, and emotional aspects of your case. Your wants and needs will inform the way that a lawyer fights for your case. For example, if your priority is maintaining good relationships, a lawyer may suggest mediation, which most states’ family courts offer.
Find a Good Lawyer
Although you may want to maintain good relationships with everyone in your family, that doesn’t mean that you should navigate family law without professional assistance. Many people assume that because family is involved, they can resolve everything themselves without a lawyer.
No matter how close family relations are, things can get ugly when faced with the law. A qualified Denver family law attorney can help you protect your interests while navigating family relationships. This can help you avoid regrets and resentment later when you realize that other parties cheated you out of potential benefits because you did not have good advice.
Even if all parties agree on the best way forward, a family lawyer is still useful to make sure that all agreements are drawn up in accordance with the law. You don’t want to have your custody agreement or other legal document rejected by a court of law later for not being legally valid.
Research the Legal Grounds
While a lawyer by your side will help you navigate family law to your advantage, it’s good to do some research before hiring one. That way, you can get a clearer understanding of where you stand and if your goals are realistic.
Research the legal grounds on which your case will rest. You will have certain rights depending on your situation, for example, if you are seeking a divorce or are a parent looking to retain custody.
Although there are some federal regulations governing family law, most regulations governing family law are passed at the state level. Make sure that when you conduct research you look at court documents, legal regulations, and government websites of the state of Colorado.
Document Everything
Even the easiest cases in family law involve paperwork—lots of paperwork. Misplacing a crucial document or not having important information on file can make the process far more stressful for you and your legal counsel.
At the beginning of your family law case, create a folder or binder that you will use for this legal proceeding. Gather any documentation related to your case. Anything from income statements to screenshots of incriminating messages can be helpful. Your lawyer can advise you on what evidence to gather once they are familiar with the specifics of your case.
As the legal proceedings continue, be sure to save every document that you get from your lawyer or a judge, such as court orders, summons, and notifications. Having everything in easy reach will make navigating the case easier. It can also help you if your case is going in front of a judge by showing them that you are taking responsibility.
Coming Out of Family Law Cases with Confidence
No legal procedure is enjoyable, especially not one as emotionally fraught as family law. With the right preparation, you can make it minimally disruptive to your life.
There are several things you can do to make a family law case feel less stressful, such as gathering documentation, outlining clear goals, and researching where you stand. By far, the best thing you can do is hire the right legal counsel. Look for lawyers specializing in family law whose values align with yours and who have a proven track record of success.
