Two of the most common reasons why people hire a family law attorney is because they are getting divorced or for child custody issues such as custody agreements and child support. However, while these are common scenarios where a family law lawyer may be hired, they aren't the only scenarios where one is needed. Here are three other situations you may find yourself in where you could benefit from hiring a family law attorney.

1. Prior to Getting Married

Going through a divorce is hard, especially when there is no prenup in place. No one wants to think about a marriage failing before it even takes place, but it can protect you in the long run. A family law attorney can help you put together a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. This helps to protect everything you've worked for and own prior to marriage and makes the process of getting a divorce, if it comes to that, easier and more civil.

2. When You Are Hiring a Surrogate or Adopting a Child

According to PBS, there are approximately 135,000 children that are adopted in the U.S. every year. However, the processes of hiring a surrogate or adopting a child are quite complex legal situations. The paperwork needs to be properly prepared to meet laws in your state prior to a surrogate having an egg implanted, or prior to you taking possession of a baby or child you have adopted.

3. If You’re in a Domestic Violence Situation

Lastly, if you're experiencing a domestic violence situation, a family law attorney can help you. They can help you make a police report, file for a restraining order, and keep yourself and your children safe until child custody hearings can be held. Additionally, the lawyers can act as a middleman of sorts, ensuring you don't have to communicate with your attacker directly, with all correspondence coming from or through your attorney.

A family law attorney can help you with everything from marriage to divorce to adoption to financial planning for your family to domestic violence situations. If you find yourself in any of these scenarios, you could benefit from consulting with and potentially hiring a legal professional who specializes in family law. Reach out to Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.