Delray Beach Family Lawyer

Delray Beach Family Attorney

Whether you are facing a messy and contested divorce, fighting for custody of your child, or need to put together a prenuptial agreement, family law covers some of the most personal and impacting legal cases an individual can face. Since the legal outcomes of these cases have far-reaching impacts on relationships, finances, and family dynamics, it is imperative that you work with a skilled Delray Beach family lawyer.

Hiring a Qualified Delray Beach Family Lawyer

At Benzion Law, we focus on family law cases, and Matthew A. Benzion has over a decade of experience helping Delray Beach families reach their desired outcomes across a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support cases. As a qualified mediator/litigator, Benzion and his team have what it takes to effectively reach the most favorable outcome in your case, all while providing individualized attention, empathy, and care.

What Is Family Law?

Family law comprises any and all legal matters related to relationships and legal responsibilities within a family. The legal framework within the state aims to resolve issues arising between family members, emphasizing the welfare of children and the equitable treatment of all parties. The following are some of the most common types of cases handled under family law:

• Divorce. Courts prioritize fair and equitable distribution of assets and debts between couples seeking to dissolve their marriage. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements will be considered, and an attorney can help mediate or litigate to protect your rights, especially in contested divorce cases.
• Child custody and support. Courts will always prioritize what is in the best interest of the child when establishing or modifying child custody or child support arrangements. While this usually means equitable rights and responsibilities for both parents, with shared parenting being the ideal outcome, this may not always be the case.A skilled attorney can help you secure or advocate for a change in your custody or support arrangements to protect your parental rights.
• Paternity. Courts reserve many rights and benefits exclusively to the parents of a child, including access to medical information, legal authority in decision-making, and custody arrangements. For this reason, it is imperative that any father who desires to legally establish paternity seek the counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can guide them through this often complex legal petitioning process.
• Abuse. Courts take the health and safety of every citizen very seriously and maintain clear legal processes for dealing with cases of suspected spousal or child abuse. If you have reason to suspect there is abuse taking place within a family, it is important that you alert the appropriate state department and speak with a qualified family law attorney about legal options.

The team at Benzion Law has handled these and other family law cases ranging in both complexity and scale and has helped Delray Beach families find peace and stability through effective and favorable outcomes.

Mediation Versus Litigation in Family Law

Family law attorneys can work with you and your family to resolve issues arising in families. This can be done through either mediation or litigation, depending on the complexity of the case, the needs of the client, and the willingness of both parties to work together. While both result in a final legal outcome, they are two distinct approaches to resolving disputes.

• Mediation. In this alternative dispute resolution process, both parties collaborate to reach an acceptable agreement with a neutral third party. The family law attorney would act as the mediator, facilitating negotiations, communications, and cooperation between both parties. Mediation is typically less adversarial and is generally the more cost-effective option.
• Litigation. This process involves going through the court system to resolve the dispute. Each party would procure their own legal counsel, and your family law attorney would represent you and your interests before a judge. Litigation is more common among contested cases and can be more time-consuming, stressful, and costly.

Whichever type of resolution your case may require, the team at Benzion Law is ready to help protect your rights and achieve the most favorable outcome in your family law case.

FAQs

Q: How Is Child Custody Determined?

A: State courts consider what is in the child’s best interest when determining child custody arrangements. Factors evaluated include the child’s relationship with each parent, the parent’s ability to physically, emotionally, and financially provide a stable home environment, and any existing ties the child has to other family members, school, or other local communities.

The court prioritizes shared parental responsibility, limiting custody only when it deems necessary to avoid a detrimental situation for the child.

Q: How Is Child Support Calculated?

A: When calculating child support obligations, state law will consider the total combined income of both parents, the number of children, the needs of each child, and the net income of each parent.

A standard model will then determine the support amount, requiring the non-custodial parent to contribute the support payment to the other parent as a means of sharing the financial cost of raising the child. This payment tends to assist with housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and educational needs.

Q: What Do I Do If I Suspect Child Abuse?

A: If you suspect the presence of child abuse, it is imperative that you notify the proper authorities right away. Failure to promptly report known or reasonably suspected child abuse results in a third-degree felony charge in the state. The State Department of Children and Families should be the first to be notified, followed by consulting a family law attorney who can help you understand all rights and options available to you for protecting the child.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Custody?

A: State law does not require retaining a lawyer to file for child custody; however, hiring an experienced and qualified attorney is highly advisable. A skilled family law lawyer can be a strong advocate, working to protect your parental rights, and has the experience to navigate complex legal procedures to work toward a favorable outcome in your case, especially if custody is contested.

Hiring a qualified Delray Beach family lawyer can ensure effective representation during both negotiations and court proceedings.

Contact an Experienced Delray Beach Family Lawyer Today

Family law matters are highly personal cases with far-reaching consequences and should not be faced alone. Speak with a qualified Delray Beach family lawyer today and find out how our team can help you reach the most favorable outcome in your family law case. At Benzion Law, we approach every case with the utmost care and attention it deserves as we work toward effective mediation or litigation on your behalf.