Family Law Information Center

There is perhaps nothing more important in this world than family. That is why at Self Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping children and families work through their legal issues with grace, compassion and understanding. In fact, we strive to handle every case with the same level of care and commitment that we would want for our own families.

Call our Oklahoma City divorce attorney at 405-353-6387 or contact our experienced lawyers online for help with sensitive family law and divorce matters.

Family Law – An Overview

Family law is the term applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships. Family law rules define not only the relationships between members of a family but also between a family and society as a whole. More than any other area of the law, family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other. When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of a family law attorney often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome of your family law matter.

Family law attorneys help individuals and families with the legal aspects of changes in their family relationships. This may include planning for the future with prenuptial or postnuptial agreements or ending a marriage through the divorce process. Parents may seek help with adopting a child, establishing paternity, creating parenting plans or seeking child support.

Child Support

There are millions of divorced parents who pay or receive child support. Federal legislation and uniform state laws exist to make the enforcement and collection of child support easier for America’s single parents. Because every state uses its own guidelines for establishing child support and each has various methods to set support amounts and recover support when it is overdue, it is often important to consult with a family law attorney who is familiar with the child support guidelines and child support enforcement laws in your state.

Divorce

Deciding to pursue divorce is one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you will ever make, particularly if you have children. Divorce also involves financial matters that must be resolved and legal issues that must be addressed, namely the division of marital property and debts.

Custody and Visitation

When parents divorce, it is important to learn about the child custody and visitation options that are available and the legal standards that apply. In some cases, divorcing couples can ultimately agree on custody and visitation issues without the need for a court order. When an agreement cannot be reached, knowledgeable advice and representation from a family law attorney can often make the difference.

Marriage

Marriage is a voluntary, private contract between two adults. While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also a legal relationship that changes the legal status of both parties. A family law attorney can help you understand the legal technicalities of marriage.

Family Law Resource Links

Discover resources to further your understanding of family law and divorce attorney work.

• American Bar Association – Family Law Section: Tables and summaries addressing differences in state laws and requirements for divorce, child support and other important family law issues.
• The Legal Information Institute – Family Law Topics: Statutes, case law and articles covering a variety of family law topics.
• Office of Child Support Services (OCSS): Information on services related to locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing support orders and collecting support payments.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC), the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.
• Children’s Rights Council: A nonprofit devoted to helping kids experience the frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with two parents and extended family that a child would normally have during a marriage.

For Personalized Guidance, Call Self Legal Group

Call Self Legal Group at 405-353-6387 or contact our team online to discuss your specific needs in an initial consultation.