If you have ever been involved with a divorce, an adoption, custody or child support issues, or any other legal matter pertaining to matters of the family, then it is likely that you already know what a family court does. If you have not ever interacted with a family court, we have listed a few things that they deal with to give you a better idea. If you are wondering what a family court does because you have your own legal matters coming up, it is probably a good idea to make contact with a family law attorney in Miami. Not only will they be able to tell you exactly how the family court will work with your case, but they will also be able to give you more insight into what to expect and how they will work with you towards a positive or agreeable outcome.
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Functions of a Family Court
Family court has a wide range of jurisdictions, all relating to family matters. Below are a few examples of various issues that will be brought to a Florida family court:
Divorce
When you are going through the process of a divorce, all court dates will take place at a family court. If you must go to a trial, your trial will also take place at the family court.
Child Support
Following a divorce, or in the case of parents who were never married, it is important that the custodial parent receive payments to help with the childcare costs. If the parents are unable to decide on a fair amount without the court, they will go to family court to receive a court order from a judge.
Child Custody
If two parents who live separately are unable to determine who should have custody of the child or children, and to what extent the other will be allowed to visit them and share custody, then this will be brought before a judge and decided through legal actions in family court.
One Family, One Judge
In Florida’s family court, it is a top priority to have one judge hear any and all cases involving a single family, as long as it is practical to do so. By doing so, it can streamline the process, allow the judge to actively manage the cases across the family, and have a better understanding of the entire picture instead of just a single issue.
This means that if you are working through a child support issue at the same time that you are dealing with a guardianship question involving the same other parent and child, that you can expect to be seen by the same judge for both situations.
Do I Need An Attorney In Family Court?
There is no law that states you are required to have legal counsel when attending any hearing at a family court. However, if you are dealing with sensitive matters that you want to be sure are handled properly, it is a very good idea that you hire a professional to help guide you through the process. Family court can be just as complicated and overwhelming as any other type of court.
