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Just a reminder > A Divorce Lawyer Has Responsibilities Beyond The Courtroom

The modern-day divorce lawyer has to combine the skills of a legal advocate, bookkeeper, counselor, and, in some cases, referee in the representation of a client. Obtaining the dissolution of a marriage is only one small part of the overall duties that a practitioner in this area of the law must discharge. Prior to the granting of a final decree, the attorney will have to negotiate and prepare a separation agreement, file the appropriate court papers, and attend the required proceedings necessary to bring the marriage to an end.

Long after the judge signs the order, there are a number of ancillary matters that will need to be monitored for some time to come. Below are some of the most important matters in this post-decree phase.

Child Support

Child support is one of the two greatest areas of contention that a divorce lawyer will face after the court proceedings have concluded. Very often, the respondent in a domestic matter will be reluctant or even hostile about paying child support. It is the responsibility of the legal advocate to represent the interests of his/her client’s children in such situations by pursuing the appropriate legal remedies.

Even if there is no animosity between the parties, changing circumstances of one party or the other (loss of employment, remarriage, etc.) may require modification of child support orders. Here, too, the attorney must advise the court of the situation and make certain that the changes are reflected in the appropriate legal documents.

Visitation

Visitation is the other contentious area that a divorce lawyer must navigate. Very often, the parties will attempt to link visitation with child support. The petitioner will often refuse to grant visitation unless support is paid, while the respondent may withhold support unless better visitation is allowed. What makes this so difficult is that, in the eyes of the law, these two items are separate and distinct. Whether or not child support is being paid is not an excuse, in and of itself, to withhold visitation. Conversely, demanding more visitations cannot justify failure to pay child support.

Attorneys in this area have the delicate chore of getting clients to realize that these two elements of the post-marriage status have to be handled individually. Ultimately, the court will look to protect the interests of the children regardless of the emotional wishes of the parties. By counseling their clients, these legal professionals can often mitigate the negative aspects of ending a domestic relationship and help all involved move beyond the present to a new life as separate individuals.

Change In Status

Remarriage, relocation, and minor children reaching the age of majority are some of the major life events that a divorce lawyer will continue to assist clients in managing, even years after the decree has been entered. Maintaining strong lines of communication, keeping abreast of changes in the law, and updating client information are all elements that make practicing in this legal area an ongoing and dynamic challenge.



Source by Abraham Avotina

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