Family law is that branch of the law addressing concerns that affect families, which makes it a very important area of the law. While divorce is a common family law matter, there is a lot more to family law than simply the terms of a divorce, including issues such as paternity and adoption. When it affects your family, it is a critical matter, and an experienced family attorney in Virginia Beach can help.Â
In Virginia, when a child’s mother and father are not married, it is important to establish paternity, which determines who the father is and which helps to establish the father’s rights and responsibilities. When parents are not married, they have the option of establishing paternity by both signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity. Beyond this, however, such as when paternity is contested or called into question, the matter is typically resolved through DNA testing. Establishing a child’s paternity has a variety of benefits that include:
Adoption allows families to grow, and while it is a momentous step forward, it is also an exceptionally complicated legal matter. Whether you are adopting a child as a couple, are sealing your commitment as a parent by adopting a stepchild, or are adopting on your own, you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced family attorney in your corner.Â
Whether you are in the process of divorcing or are facing a post-decree modification of a divorce term, the road forward is likely to be challenging. The basic divorce terms – each of which can be exceptionally complicated – include:
The seasoned family attorneys at Mahoney Richmond Thurston PLLC, in Virginia Beach understand the gravity of your family law concern and dedicate their practice to helping clients like you favorably resolve these matters. We’re on your side and here to help, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.