Family Attorneys
Family attorneys practice family law and represent clients going through divorce, custody, guardianship issues or issues relating to children with regards to divorce or custody. Family attorneys also work closely with child support agencies to ensure child support is being paid by the appropriate party according to state law and the court systems. Family lawyers find employment in private practice law firms, small law firms, large law firms, or they are self-employed. Occasionally, a family lawyer may take on a mediation role to help a client during the case.
Family Attorney Duties
There are numerous duties a family lawyer must do to help represent their clients to the best of their ability. As mentioned above, occasionally, mediation is a part of a family lawyer’s responsibilities. Other duties include:
- Probate wills and estates
- Handle power of attorney issues
- Advise clients on legal options
- Prepare legal pleadings
- File court documents
- Complete paperwork as it pertains to the case
- Attend court proceedings
- Advise clients on setting up wills, annuities and trust funds
- Handle adoption issues
- Meetings with clients and other lawyers involved in the case
- Represent both parties (only allowed in certain states)
Family Attorney Issues
There are many types of issues that family law attorneys deal with each day. Most deal with divorce or child custody issues, however, there are many more. Some family attorneys specialize in one or more of these issues to better represent their clients. Issues include:
- Rights of Mothers
- Rights of Fathers
- Adoption proceedings
- Paternity issues
- Domestic abuse charges
- Spousal abuse
- Child abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Annulments of marriages
- Elder law
- Juvenile law
- Probate law
Family Attorney Salary
According to Indeed.com, family lawyers made a median average of $96,000 as of May 2009. Many family law lawyers take on pro bono work, which gives them the opportunity to fulfill their bar association requirements, plus it is rewarding working for someone who can afford your services, during an already difficult time. Like with all other types of lawyers, it truly depends on your experience and where you work. Experience equals dollars in the law community. New graduates who enter law firms as family attorneys average $43,000, while family lawyers who have at least five years experience earn an average of $70,000. New York and Washington D.C. family attorneys earn the highest salaries throughout the nation, regardless of your experience levels.
Family Attorney Job Outlook
Unfortunately, over half of all marriages end in divorce. Of those marriages, over half of them involve children. Fortunately for family law attorneys, the need for this type of lawyer is in constant demand, and is expected to increase over the next 10 years. Family lawyers can be found in all kinds of law firms, ranging from small to large. They can also become the sole attorney for people. Generally, only the rich are able to hire their own attorneys full-time. According to the BLS, the job growth for family lawyers is expected to increase 13% over the next 10 years. Law students should focus on family law issues, child custody laws, and domestic laws in their jurisdiction. Internships at law firms that specialize in family law is also a great way to make connections for the future.
