Gary M. Freedman

A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives. Sometimes the young victim tells a relative, who then files a lawsuit; at other times, a government agency such as Child Protective Services may press charges. Because of the victims' tender age, abuse cases frequently are complicated.

If you are getting separated, part of the agreement will involve where and with whom the children will live. A child custody lawyer can help you negotiate custody, either by agreement or in court. The custodial parent (the one the child lives with) earns the legal right to make decisions regarding the child's lifestyle, welfare, and education. Some parents opt for joint custody, which means children divide their time between both parents' homes.

If you are involved in a domestic violence case, you may want to hire an experienced domestic violence (DV) lawyer. A DV attorney can help protect you if you or your family have been the victim of domestic violence. An attorney can file restraining orders and make changes to your child custody agreement in order to protect you and your family. Conversely, if you have been accused of physically or mentally threatening someone close to you a DV lawyer can help.

Family law includes laws of marriage, civil unions, same-sex relationships, domestic partnerships, divorce, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal abuse, adoption, child abuse, child support, child custody and kidnapping. If you need help with a family-related legal issue, a family law attorney can advise in family disputes as well as represent you in lawsuits.