Introduction to Family Law – Understanding Its Meaning

By definition, family law is a legal practice that deals with issues and matters around family relationships, like divorce, guardianship, adoption, domestic violence etc. Only attorneys who specialise in this area of practice can represent families during court proceedings. This is primarily because they have the right amount of knowledge in handling these issues. 

There are even lawyers who specialise in different aspects of family law such as divorce, emancipation, paternity, and the likes. Some family law attorneys even specialize in adoption, paternity, emancipation, or other matters not usually related to divorce.

To give you a clearer understanding on the affairs that are under family law, below are some helpful terms that are often mentioned in this area.

  • Emancipation – This is a petition which a minor submits to the court to request for his/her freedom from his/her parents and to become self-supporting.

  • Prenuptial Agreement – This is an agreement between a man and woman right before marrying each other in which they give up their future rights to each other’s property.

  • Parental Rights & Adoption – This is a legal process where parents would like to request the termination of their parental relationships with their adopted child.  Note that would only be possible for parent-child relationships that are legally created. 

  • Guardianship – This process helps determine who will be appointed as the legal guardian of a child. Guardianship differs from custody as it will be given to a non-biological parent/s.

  • Paternity Law – It refers to recognising the child’s biological father which can only be proven through genetic testing.

Why Does Family Law Matters?

Family law is a branch of legal practice which focuses on protecting the rights and responsibilities of each and every family members. It is primarily designed to help each member achieve fair and equal results for everyone, no matter what issue they might be involved in. Regardless of whether they’re adults or not, an equal judgment shall be given to the family.

As with any legal practice, family law is a complex process. However, with proper understanding of what it covers and who are involved it’ll be easier to understand this area of law expertise.


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