What does a family law lawyer do and why?

Families are the root upon which our society grows; most single individuals are likely to agree a family unit is defined by children. When the family unit is in distress, it impacts the children by shaping and sculpting their outlook on life, interpersonal relationships, and work later in life; these children are the future members of our society, and no one wants them impaired by traumas of divorce between their parents. Judges, attorneys, and child advocates understand this–and most all try to guard children against the harms of drawn-out, high-conflict litigation that may be caused merely by ill-will between parents in divorce.

This is where the concept of an Indiana family law lawyer comes into play; he or she advises clients through the best of times, and the worst of times, while focusing as family law lawyers on getting the client and their children through the legal process and to a brighter future. While the action pends, it is likely the attorney will be advised of a number of disputes between the parents about custody and parenting time issues. With his or her client, the effective advocate analyzes the cost of the litigation in dollars and emotional distress in connection with the issue of the moment and with the client’s ultimate objective.

This is why even the most aggressive family lawyer Indiana may counsel a client to “let something go” and not go to court. The parent who will let a transgression go and consider the impact on the children of litigating the issue, which, if tried, draws them into it more in one way or another and pits them against a parent, is the one who maybe more preferred for custody because the court may assume this person will better facilitate the non-custodial’s parenting time and relationship with the children.

This may be hard for the client – such as deferring a contempt petition because all moving forward on it will do is escalate the disagreement between the parties and cause the children to be caught in the middle – but wise advice. Such legal maneuvering is not appreciated by the trial judges, and many family lawyers Indianapolis play devil’s advocate to help mitigate the scars of adults and children from a “nasty” divorce or trying to “win” at all costs, which generally decreases a party’s chances of obtaining custody. A judge wants the reasonable parent to have custody.

Ultimately, to find such a family lawyer Indianapolis and all other places in the United States, litigants should look for the same key characteristics in their lawyer–broad life experiences, good problem solving skills, and a strong moral compass. You should seek an Indiana family law lawyer who will frankly tell you his or her opinion and advise you if a given course of action is, perhaps, not in client’s best interests to custody and parenting time sought as the judge may view it under the children’s best interests. These are the hallmarks of a strong Indiana family law lawyer who will be a peacemaker outside of the courtroom and a warrior inside, if a trial is necessary. Trial courts appreciate attorneys and litigants who keep the children out of the divorce crossfire to the extent possible.