Protecting Members and Their Families, How Family Law Benefits Help

Family law resources and benefits have helped millions of families in times of need. These resources ensure family’s rights and protections are upheld. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau found that there were 13.4 million parents¹ with child custody in the U.S. in 2018.

Family law deals with family-related issues and domestic relations, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Family law is especially important for working families, who often face challenges of limited access and finances when requiring legal assistance. Let’s explore when family law is used, its benefits, and how unions can help their members when issues requiring family law assistance arise.

What Are Common Family Law Cases Your Union Members May Face?

The Basics of Divorce

Divorce is one of the most common issues that require the intervention of family law, with the National Center for Health Statistics reporting that there were 746,971 divorces and annulments in the United States in 2019².

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally challenging process for families, especially if they have children.

Family law provides guidelines on property division, spousal support, and child custody. These guidelines help ensure that both parties are treated fairly and that the best interests of the children are protected.

Whether a divorce is contested or non-contested may also impact the importance of involving an attorney.

Working-class families can benefit from the services of family law attorneys, who can help them navigate the legal process and obtain a fair settlement.

Guidelines for Child Custody Proceedings

Child custody is another essential area of family law. When parents separate or divorce, they may need to determine who will have custody of their children.

The process of formalizing child custody will provide guidelines on:

• Legal custody
• Physical custody
• Visitation rights

These guidelines help ensure that the best interests of the children are protected and that both parents have a meaningful relationship with their children. Families can benefit from the services of family law attorneys, who can help them negotiate custody agreements and resolve any possible disputes.

​​Child Support Rights and Responsibilities

Child support is something parents need to consider after child custody is decided. The parent who does not have full custody or non-custodial rights, may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent to help support the child's needs. 

Family law provides guidelines on child support, including how it is calculated and how it can be enforced. These guidelines help ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. 

In 2015 data for the U.S. Census Bureau only 44 percent of custodial parents³ reported receiving the full amount of child support. Showing the importance of having qualified legal representation in these matters.

Legal Protections for Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting families nationwide. Family law provides legal protections for victims of domestic violence, including restraining orders, protective orders, and criminal charges. 

These protections help ensure the safety of victims and their children, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Victims of domestic violence can benefit from the services of family law attorneys who can help them obtain legal protection and navigate the criminal justice system. Some common uses and solutions to domestic violence cases include:

• Issuance of a restraining order: A restraining order can prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim and may include provisions related to child custody and visitation.
• Criminal charges: If the abuse is deemed a criminal offense, the abuser may be arrested and prosecuted. They may face fines, probation, and/or imprisonment if found guilty.
• Civil lawsuit: The victim may file a civil lawsuit against the abuser seeking damages for physical and emotional harm, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related losses.
• Family court orders: If the victim and abuser have children, the family court may issue orders related to custody, visitation, and child support.
• Counseling or rehabilitation programs: As part of a plea bargain or sentence, the abuser may be required to participate in counseling or rehabilitation programs designed to address the underlying causes of their abusive behavior.

When Family Issues Should Involve a Family Lawyer?

There are several benefits that the experience and expertise of a family lawyer will provide in nearly every situation:

• Knowledge base: their knowledge of laws and legal precedent will help with navigating the complex legal system.
• Improved outcomes: those who use a lawyer have better outcomes in their cases, such as higher probability of receiving spousal or child support.
• Reduced stress: any situation that may require the need for a family lawyer is already stressful. Putting things in the hands of a professional will help avoid unnecessary added stress versus handling it personally.
• Faster resolution: family law cases can be dragged out and require negotiations across many intricacies, but a lawyer is trained to help seek resolution quickly and advocate on your behalf.

How Can You Help Your Members be Prepared?

A legal benefits plan is a great way to show your members how their union protects them and has their back, not only in family law cases, but a variety of legal situations. You can read more about their benefits in a previous article that goes further in-depth on the value that a legal benefits plan brings to members.

Plans are also much more affordable than what many might expect and quickly pay for themselves. These legal benefits plans  provide members savings.

For example, a union client utilizing legal benefits through the Member Resources Legal and Personal Protection Plan helped their members save over $18,000 in a single quarter on legal fees.

You can learn all about the Member Resources Legal and Personal Protection Plan here on our website.

Learn more about what we offer for unions to protect and provide for their members on our website or book a meeting to see how our services can help your members.

¹ America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2018 What is stress?  from the U.S. Census Bureau
² Marriage and Divorce from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
³ 44 Percent of Custodial Parents Receive the Full Amount of Child Support from the U.S. Census Bureau

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