When most people take a vow of for better or worse, they’re not thinking about getting a divorce later on. Despite this, a number of marriages simply don’t work out. Divorce is one of many family law issues, though it isn’t the only one.

According to Chicago family law attorney – Swietkowski & Swietkowski, other common family law issues arise with custody, adoption, and family estates. If you’re in the middle of a family matter, it may be helpful to speak with a family law attorney for guidance.

Here are some common family law issues that may come up and how you can address them.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement isn’t a requirement for marriage; however, it can protect your assets or prevent your spouse from being saddled with the debts you had prior to marrying. If you are engaged, you and your spouse should discuss these things with a family law attorney first.

Hopefully, you won’t ever need to think about it again and spend a lifetime of happiness together. But if things don’t work out, you won’t have to waste your time fighting with each other over every single item you own.

The Divorce Process

In the U.S., 35% to 50% of first-time marriages end with a divorce. The percentages increase for second and consecutive marriages. Unfortunately, this means the odds are against married couples. When a marriage ends, it often gets messy, and this becomes stressful.

However, even if you both agree that you should get a divorce, it can be tricky to file the paperwork and go through all your assets and debts. Sometimes trying to figure that out can turn an amicable split into a volatile one. Instead, work with a family law attorney to help you work out all the details, and you’ll both be far less stressed out.

Child Custody and Support

As your marriage ends, you may fight over who gets the kids. It’s exhausting for each of you, and it’s hard on the children too. Making the right considerations for child custody and support is imperative, and you’ll both want to minimize the impact your divorce will have on your kids.

The way to address arguments over who pays what for child support and who gets the kids is by discussing this with an impartial party. A family law attorney can advise you on the best course of action and keep the children from witnessing unpleasant drama in the courtroom.

Alimony

After your divorce, you may be legally obligated to provide your ex-spouse with financial assistance, known as alimony. This amount will depend on the length of your marriage, how much income each spouse earns, and the individual earning potential for each of you. The degree of the lifestyle you maintained is also factored in, but you may not find this a fair deal.

Once ordered by the court, it is imperative that you pay on time, or else you’ll face serious consequences. If you’re not sure what to do, a family law attorney can help you make the right arrangements.

Paternity Rights

Couples that have children together but never marry end up with some of the biggest struggles as they fight for custody. If you’re a loving father, you may not know how to prove you have paternity rights to the children you share. A family law attorney can help you with those rights so you can spend time with your children.

For these common family law issues and many more, speaking with a family law attorney is always advised. They will help you make the best decision as you move forward into the next phase of your life.