Different Types of Cases Heard at Family Court

Family law is a collection of case precedents and statutes that regulate the legal responsibilities of individuals with a domestic connection. Family law usually involves parties who are related by blood, marriage, or both. However, it can also affect people in distant or casual relationships. Because family law cases are often emotionally charged, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel.

 

Most family law cases arise from the end of a relationship or marriage. Family law lawyers assist their clients in filing for divorce or separation, alimony, child custody, visitation, support, and child visitation. An annulment may be sought by spouses who have been married for a short time. Special rights may also exist between couples who are same-sex. Family law cases often deal with the division of property after a marriage ends. To find more information you may contact divorce lawyer Louisville ky.

 

Family Cases

Family cases can be considered as civil cases. They usually involve issues between spouses, parents, and children. There are many domestic cases that family courts can handle. The family court handles the most common cases, including:

  

Divorce

If someone wishes to end a marriage, they may file a family court case to request a court order. You can end a marriage by filing a case at family court to request a divorce or annulment. A court may also grant a divorce, which allows the court to issue orders regarding property, alimony, and child custody.

 

Paternity and Child Custody

Either parent can ask the family court for paternity determination if a man is to be named the father of a child. This permanent establishes the father for the child. Parents who are not married can ask the court for legal custody, physical custody, and child support.

 

Protective Orders Against Domestic Violence

A family attorney Louisville ky says that domestic violence victims can request protection orders from the family court to keep their abuser away. Family law also includes the prevention of emotional and physical abuse. Domestic abuse can also occur between spouses or ex-spouses, as well as their children. Judges won't hesitate to exercise their jurisdiction to protect an elderly relative, someone in a relationship, or a roommate. The court will usually issue a restraining or temporary restraining order to stop further contact after allegations of abuse have been made.

 

Name changes

An adult or a child may be able legally to change their name by filing a name change case with the family court.

 

Guardianship

Guardianship is the process of deciding who will make financial, medical, and personal decisions for a child or adult who is unable to care for themselves.

 

Adoptions and termination of parental rights

A parent may be asked to end a relationship with their child if they have serious reasons not to. The family court can terminate the rights of that parent. The family court may grant adoption to someone who wants to be a legal parent for a child.

 

Juvenile Matters

The Family Court handles all cases involving child abuse or neglect and minors accused of engaging in illegal behavior. These cases are mostly handled by the District Attorney Juvenile Division. A work permit for minors below the age of 14 can be approved by the family court. To get more information on juvenile matters you may contact a family attorney Louisville.

 

Emancipation of underage marriages and approval

For those under 18 years old and who want to marry or to be "emancipated", (meaning legally free from their parents' control), can file a petition to the family court. Although the Self-Help Center doesn't have forms to approve underage marriages or provide information about emancipation, it does have information in the Emancipation section.