A family law attorney is a great resource to have in your corner during a divorce or other family law matter. A lawyer can help you navigate unexpected circumstances, provide legal training and coaching, and represent you in court or alternative dispute resolution. Whether your relationship has ended in divorce or just broken up, an attorney can help you decide what to do next.
Family law attorneys represent the Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services in child neglect and abuse cases
Child abuse and neglect cases are often difficult to win, but a family law attorney may be able to help. The ACS is responsible for the safety and well-being of children across the State of New York. During the past year, the ACS handled more than ten thousand cases of child abuse and neglect in Family Court. While the number of children in foster care is still close to historical lows, abuse and neglect cases have risen.
Attorneys who represent the Administration for Children’s Services in child abuse and neglect cases may be able to negotiate an agreement for a family to save a child’s life. The agreement must be in the best interest of the child. The child must be able to stay with their family if their case is successful.
They provide legal training and coaching
The LAO’s Integrated Legal Services Office (ILSO) offers legal help for a variety of family law issues. Services are provided for low-income Ontarians. These services include legal aid, legal training and coaching, and immigration and refugee law assistance. They are also the primary contact for families who are new to the family justice system and need assistance. They can also help with a wide range of family law issues, such as divorce, separation, or family court forms.
The FLP program trains law students who are not yet licensed to practice law to assist self-represented litigants in family court. Students participate in a three-day program and learn substantive family law, court procedures and legal drafting. They also attend additional training on professional conduct and ethical issues. In addition, FLP’s paid summer students help clients fill out court forms. They also assist with emergency situations and self-represented litigants. FLP volunteers do not handle complex cases or files involving mental health issues or domestic abuse.
They represent clients in alternative dispute resolution
The New York State Unified Court System offers free and reduced-fee mediation and alternative dispute resolution services. ADR allows the parties to work toward a mutually beneficial solution and avoid court proceedings. The services are offered in most courthouses and Community Dispute Resolution Centers across the state.
Alternative dispute resolution can be a helpful tool in resolving family conflicts. The main areas in which it may be beneficial are divorce, separation, child custody, child support, property ownership, and dispute over caregiving. While not every situation may require ADR, mediation is often a viable option for many families.
In family law cases, alternative dispute resolution can be helpful in avoiding expensive and lengthy court proceedings. In alternative dispute resolution, both parties meet with an unbiased third party and work to come to a mutual agreement on a settlement. This reduces the time and expense of litigation and keeps the process more amicable.
They represent clients in child support cases
If you are facing child support issues, you may need the help of an experienced family law attorney. Family Law Legal Services, located in New York City, helps families navigate the child support system, learn more here. Their attorneys help clients finalize child support payment agreements and negotiate modifications of existing obligations. In addition to child support, they also represent clients in other family law matters, such as divorce and child custody.
These organizations provide free legal representation to low-income New York City women. Many of their clients are victims of domestic violence. They provide information about their rights and services, such as referrals and brief services. Another non-profit organization that provides free legal assistance to Jews is Kayama, which helps people obtain a “get,” a Jewish religious divorce. Kayama offers free legal services throughout the United States, including New York City.