Understanding the Difference Between a Family Law Attorney and a Divorce Lawyer

What comes to your mind when the words ‘family law attorney’ and ‘divorce lawyer’ are mentioned? Is there a difference between the two, or are the terms interchangeable? Can divorce lawyers handle other legal matters except for divorce? And are family law attorneys the same as family lawyers? Read on for detailed information.

Family Law Attorney

Family law covers several legal topics such as divorce, adoption, child custody, paternity, child support, visitation, property settlements, distribution of assets, contempt of court hearings, restraining orders, and parenting plans.

Since family law attorneys can handle various cases, they are the best legal team to turn to in case of divorce and dissolution. With more than 20% of marriages ending within the first five years, family law attorneys advise you on personal and financial matters associated with divorce.

Besides, family law attorneys help with alimony. Alimony, also known as spousal support, happens when the higher-earning spouse supports their soon-to-be-ex within a given time limit. However, alimony laws vary from state to state, and that is why you need a family law attorney that is familiar with your state laws.

You can also hire a family law attorney to act as your child custody lawyer. Remember, it is not unusual for separation and divorce to turn into nasty legal procedures. Having an experienced attorney on your side will ease your burden.

What if you need civil protection or compensation after facing domestic violence? Family law attorneys are the best lawyers suited to handle domestic abuse, obtain protection orders, and seek compensation or remedy under the law.

Divorce Attorney

Divorce lawyers, on the other hand, are a subset of family law. Unlike family law attorneys who can handle different cases, divorce lawyers specialize in divorce issues. It is correct to say that a divorce lawyer is a family law attorney who majors in divorce.

One benefit of hiring a divorce attorney is that they have the legal knowledge and understand what benefits you are entitled to by the law. They will help you get the best possible benefits from your divorce regarding child support, child custody, and asset division.

Having a divorce lawyer not only reduces the enormous stress caused by divorce but it helps you focus on rebuilding your life. Moreover, since divorce includes plenty of paperwork, divorce lawyers help with the timely filing of the necessary documents to avoid mistakes and court delays.

Again, given they are an unbiased mediator between you and your spouse, they can become the voice of reason and help both parties agree on simple things. If you are looking for a law office to help with a contested, uncontested divorce or mediated divorce, find our divorce lawyer services in Houston, TX.

Although the terms family law attorney and divorce attorney are interchangeable, it is important to remember that divorce attorneys specialize in divorce and divorce proceedings. On the other hand, family law attorneys handle divorce, child support, adoption, and more.

Get the Right Representation

If you are looking for family law attorney services in Houston, TX, reach us today. At the Law Office of Arthur J. White III, PC, we have qualified and experienced attorneys who deal with family law, criminal defense, personal injury, and mediation.