Kerrville Family Law Lawyer Providing Guidance and Legal Services for Clients Facing Family Disputes in Texas

Speaking to a family law lawyer is a sensible first step if you are facing a family-related dispute. A family law lawyer can provide valuable legal advice to help you navigate a difficult situation and has the skills and knowledge to carry out a wide variety of tasks on your behalf. Learn what a family law attorney does and why working with one is the safest path to take when faced with a difficult family situation.

Do Family Law Attorneys Only Handle Divorce Cases?

It is pretty common to think that a family law attorney spends most of their time handling divorce cases, and that may be true for some law firms. However, many family law attorneys are equipped to handle a variety of matters related to family relationships. You may seek the guidance of a family law attorney when you are planning for the future and wish to draft a prenuptial agreement. Some attorneys can also assist with the process of adopting a child into your family.

Family law lawyers can also represent you in cases involving child custody and support, alimony or spousal support, father’s rights, grandparents’ rights, and modification requests for child custody or child support. These are usually emotionally stressful situations. A family law attorney can play a crucial role in helping you keep a clear mind to make important decisions rather than letting your emotions take over and cause you to make a costly mistake.

What Can a Family Law Lawyer Do for Me?

Family law is one of the most personal areas of law because it usually means dealing with disputes and making decisions that affect your family dynamics, such as the time you spend with your children and whether you are required to pay child support or what rights you have as an unmarried parent.

Besides providing valuable legal advice, a family law lawyer can take over many aspects of your case on your behalf. That may include drafting documents and knowing what papers must be filed with the court and when, as specific legal procedures have firm deadlines that parties in a case are expected to follow. If necessary, your family law lawyer can aid in the process of gathering evidence and reaching out to witnesses, contacting expert witnesses, and building a solid argument on your behalf. Generally speaking, a family law lawyer’s primary goal is to protect your interests and take steps to help you reach your goal. They will apply their knowledge of Texas laws and experience handling previous cases to help you fight for a positive outcome for your case.

What Should I Expect at My First Consultation With a Kerrville Family Law Lawyer?

Many clients feel uncomfortable and nervous when thinking about speaking to a family law lawyer for the first time. Sometimes, they are not ready to move forward with a divorce action but have been thinking about it for a while and have built up the courage to come to the office and ask some questions. Other times, they may be too afraid to share certain pieces of information, afraid that their partner may find out or that it may somehow be used against them.

For starters, when you decide to come in to talk to a Kerrville family law lawyer, it is vital to understand you are protected by the attorney-client privilege. That means anything you choose to share with your attorney may not be shared with other parties or used against you at trial. Being honest and upfront with your attorney is very important to help your attorney fully understand your situation and be better equipped to handle your case.

During your first consultation, your attorney will listen to your case, ask questions about it and discuss your legal options based on the information you shared. You may bring documents and evidence you may find relevant to your case. Ultimately, the initial consultation is both an opportunity for the client to decide if they want to retain that particular attorney for their case as well as for the attorney to decide whether they want to take on that client’s case or not. If both are in agreement and wish to work together, your attorney will then explain their payment options and provide a retainer agreement. Work will only begin after you sign the necessary papers.

Do I Need a Family Law Lawyer Even if My Case Does Not Go to Trial?

Many people think that they should only hire a family law lawyer if their case is going to require litigation and a court trial. While clients with cases requiring litigation should definitely consider working with an attorney rather than self-representing, other clients whose cases may not end up in the courtroom can also greatly benefit from the legal knowledge and negotiation skills of a family law lawyer.

Litigated cases are notoriously time-consuming and can get expensive, so in many instances, clients may choose to settle their differences through mediation or negotiation. Having a family law lawyer on your side during these steps is very important to make sure your rights and interests are protected and can ultimately help your case be resolved without the expense and headaches of a court trial.

At the Law Offices of S. Dylan Pearcy, Attorney S. Dylan Pearcy and the legal team at the Kerrville, TX office are ready to assist clients with a wide variety of family law issues. Reach out to our firm and request an initial consultation by calling (830) 222-8629.