Family Court Matters

Let's start with the definition of family law cases. By court’s rule, they are civil cases but usually involve controversy between or involving spouses, parents, and children. Here are some types of family court cases and a little bit about each. We will cover cases such as marriage dissolution, name changes, guardianship and a few others.

Marriage dissolution, also known as divorce, annulment, or separation. This is when someone wants to end a marriage. The court can also give orders for separation that is regarding property, alimony, and child custody, but is considered legally married. The reason that some people separate is for their own protection. Name changes and domestic protection are case types that regularly happen.

The cases that involve name changes or domestic protection orders can also be filed under family court matters. Both case types have certain steps and process that need to be followed to be able to legally handle these topics. With name changes, any child or adult can legally register to get their name changed through the family court in the county they live in. There are certain differences in the requirements when the person changing their name is an adult or a child. Protection orders fall under two categories, temporary or extended, that help keep offenders away from you. Name changes are similar to guardianship, in that they are looking for the best interest of the child or adult.

Guardianship is another case that is handled by the family court. By definition, a “guardian” is the person that the court selects to make choices on behalf of someone else. Usually this type of case is filed in the county that the child or adult has resided for the past six months. The reason that a guardianship case is filed, is because the child or adult does not have the means or the ability to take care of themselves. The period of guardianship depends on whether or not the person is a child or adult. Children will remain under guardianship until they reach the age of 18. If the child is still in high school at the age of 19, they will remain under guardianship until the graduate. In the case of an adult, it last until they regain ability to care for themselves or pass away. 

Family court also handles other cases that involve emancipation, underage marriage approval, juvenile matters and a few others. These cases happen every day and the best thing that you can do is be prepared for when something happens to your family.  Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for my next post about the importance to have a lawyer review your contracts.