Family lawyers specialize in handling issues that impact families. Such issues include domestic violence, child custody and financial settlements.
They possess a variety of skills that make them invaluable in such delicate situations, including critical thinking capabilities and excellent research abilities. Furthermore, they must be capable of handling sensitive or confidential information securely.
Divorce and Child Custody
Child custody arrangements should always be determined on an individual basis and taken with great consideration to what will best serve your children's best interests. Your Mornington family lawyer will work closely with you to identify an arrangement which meets this goal.
melbourne courts always put your child's wellbeing at the core of any custody decision, considering things such as his/her living arrangements, history of domestic abuse and any other factors that might threaten his/her wellbeing.
Legal custody refers to your right as a parent to make decisions regarding your child's upbringing, such as medical and educational decisions. Most courts award both parents joint legal custody. Physical custody (also referred to as residential or primary placement) refers to where your child will live each day, which could either be shared between both or awarded solely by one parent.
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements, also referred to as premarital or antenuptial agreements, are contracts which detail the finances and property rights of two people prior to becoming married. Though such contracts often receive negative press due to being perceived as being unromantic or offensive, they can actually provide valuable financial clarity while setting expectations about future commitment.
Prenuptial agreements have become a popular way for couples to protect their wealth and assets against creditors, particularly if they have children from previous relationships or are entering marriage at an older age. Prenups also serve to limit how much spousal support payments could be owed in case of divorce.
Prenups can help address more than just finances; they can include decisions regarding joint bank accounts, child custody arrangements and other important considerations. Mornington family lawyers can guide you through the process of creating this crucial document.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse encompasses an array of behaviors designed to gain control over intimate partners. This may include physical, emotional or sexual violence as well as threats and intimidation. Abusers do not choose this behavior out of anger, drugs or alcohol use, mental health problems or stress alone - rather it's learned behavior which gives those engaging in it an illusion of power over others.
Abuse comes in many forms and usually follows a similar pattern. An abusive partner can isolate you from family and friends, monitor your movements and use caller ID or phone billing records to keep tabs on calls and text messages; furthermore they may threaten to harm or kill either yourself, children, other family members, pets or even themselves.
If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek help immediately. Reach out to someone you trust or contact a domestic violence hotline; taking this courageous step could save your life.
Inheritance and Estate Management
Wills are essential elements of an estate plan, and without one your heirs could become mired in long probate proceedings and tax bills that erode their inheritance. Miller & Martin attorneys specialize in creating wills and trusts designed to minimize federal and state inheritance taxes as well as transfer taxes on real estate investments, life insurance policies, and personal trusts.
Estate administration involves overseeing all assets belonging to one person minus debts and taxes; we work to ensure they are distributed according to either their will or state intestacy laws if no will exists.
Squabbling between family members over money can be an unpleasant, yet preventable issue. A separate account for inheritance funds and avoiding joint ownership are effective measures to minimise conflict and save you time later on when divorce or separation comes around. Family lawyers also can prepare prenuptial agreements to safeguard assets and prevent conflict during any possible divorce proceedings.