Family Law
Marriage, civil partnerships and cohabitation
Family law is one of the more emotive and often adversarial fields of law, being highly influential on the personal lives of those involved. But such is the degree to which close personal relationship can fray, it is often vital to resolve disputes over divorce and children, etc.
Marriage and cohabitation
Marriage is one of the cornerstones of family law. The legal benefits to any couple who are planning to join in matrimony are considerable. The topic of same-sex marriage is one which is currently hotly debated; in all likelihood gay couples will soon be able to enjoy the same privileges as their heterosexual counterparts.
That having been said, there are certain steps that couples who are merely cohabiting (i.e. living together unmarried) can take to grant them a measure of security. The status of such couples is discussed at length within this section.
Divorce
When marriages break down, they are often destined to end in divorce. Though there are techniques and services which can be taken advantage of to try to repair the damage, once cracks begin to appear there is usually only one way things can go.
Parting ways is often very tough for a couple who had previously devoted their lives to each other, and things can be even more difficult if children are involved. Hiring a solicitor to deal with the legal side of things can be invaluable in reducing the amount of stress involved.
Adoption
If a couple wants to bring a child into their midst, they may choose to adopt if they are not able to conceive (or for any other reason). The law imposes requirements on couples wishing to adopt, to make sure that a child finds a home with appropriately matched parents. Adoption agencies perform a twofold function by guiding the parents in the right direction and assessing them to check that they would make an appropriate adoptive family.
If you need help with any family law matter, you can get unlimited telephone legal advice from Instant Law Line.
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