Family law is an area of law that deals with all aspects of family relations. Family law encompasses: adoption, child custody and visitation, children's rights, child support, marriage and pre-marital agreements, separation agreements, divorce (sometimes called dissolution of marriage), military divorce, spousal support (alimony), marital property division (equitable division), elder law matters, general estate  planning, cohabitation agreements, and other legal issues pertinent to the family.

Family law courts generally hear cases pertaining to dissolution of marriage, legal separation of the parties, nullity of marriage, child custody, child and spousal support, elder law legal issues, domestic violence petitions, and and other family related legal issues.

The following information includes frequently asked family law questions. These questions and answers are general in nature and should not be used as specific legal advice for your case. Each case is different and carries its own set of circumstances which must be taken into consideration by competent legal counsel. For specific questions about your case, please contact a Lead Counsel family law attorney in your state from the list at the bottom of this page.