What Issues Does An Auckland Family Lawyer Cover?
The category of family law is wide-ranging and addresses a number of different issues. You can easily find an Auckland family lawyer if you need legal advice and assistance with any of those topics.
Examples Of Family Law Matters
There are four key categories covered where people need the help of an Auckland family lawyer.
Relationship Breakdown
There are various stages in a relationship breakdown. In the first place, one or both parties might feel there is no future for them. They might t seek some legal advice to ascertain the options they have. In light of those, they can decide to try to make their relationship work or they can look at separation, more commonly known as divorce.
Besides the actual formal dissolution of the marriage or union, there will also be the division of relationship property. This involves the valuation of all property and assets that were accrued during the length of the union.
There will often be arguments about values, who owns what, and whether the party ought to concede an asset to the other side. However, I New Zealand, both parties are entitled to an equitable distribution of all of the assets gained while the two people were together. This might not save argument, but it does give a clear target to aim at. It comes down to the parties accepting the result as laid out by law.
Care Of Children
Many relationships have children. Some of the biggest arguments for separating couples revolve around who will take care of those children. Generally, both parents love their offspring but sometimes it is not possible for one to have full-time care.
In those cases, shared custody or visiting arrangements need to be made and agreed.
Sometimes the two parents cannot agree in which case the Family Court will make the decision for them.
Domestic Or Child Violence
A common problem in relationships is domestic violence. This can be towards the other partner or children. In whatever case, it is wrong.
The victims can apply to the court to get a range of restraining orders to protect themselves and any children.
An Auckland family lawyer is also critical to help in domestic violence situations. They can explain the victim’s options, while giving help and advice on steps forward. Many victims do not fully understand their situation and live in fear. A good family lawyer will provide assistance and understanding to their clients.
Miscellaneous Issues Covered By An Auckland Family Lawyer
There are more issues that can be included in the area of family law.
Adoption is often the only choice for adults who cannot have children themselves. However, it is a complex process and one where legal advice is often necessary.
The issue of paternity is often a situation that needs resolution. If the mother claims child support but the man in question denies he is the father, then the claim can go to the Family Court. The court will make the final decision, so a defendant needs to have a strong, well-drafted case to present to the court for adjudication.
Challenging wills is a surprisingly common issue. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly in an estate, you can talk to a family lawyer for guidance.
Another topic which is becoming increasingly necessary as our population ages, concerns Enduring Powers of Attorney. When people succumb to illness, they are often not able to make decision for themselves. An adult child can apply for a Power of Attorney to be able to make those decisions. This can cover simple things like being able to stop payments from a bank account to taking full charge of the elder person’s finances.
Another aspect of Powers of Attorney is that of medical conditions and deciding if and when treatments can start or end.
Conclusion
For assistance with any of these legal matters, you can find an Auckland family lawyer with experience in these areas. McVeagh Fleming has a large team working in this field so they can give you good support.