Family law is a unique area of law because the family is a constantly changing entity. Children grow older, parents remarry, and in this global economy jobs are often gained and lost on opposite sides of the country if not the world. This constant change can wreak havoc on family law court orders that were entered under an entirely different set of facts or in completely different jurisdictions than the family’s current home. If you find yourself staring at an old court order and wondering what a provision means, or what your options are to change it, then you should consider consulting with a family law attorney today.

Litigation is expensive, time consuming and stressful. Making an appointment to discuss your case with an attorney before you receive a summons to appear in court will decrease your overall stress and allow you more control over how your case progresses. At a consultation, a family lawyer can sit down with you, review your order, and let you know what your options are both inside and outside the courtroom. As anyone who has appeared in front of a judge realizes, evidence is an important aspect of any litigated family law matter. Meeting with a family law attorney will allow you to learn how to document your concerns in a way that they will be admissible in court. A good family lawyer can also help you explore other avenues to address your situation, from counseling to non-judicial services available in your community.

To make the most of your initial consultation, make sure to bring copies of all of your previous court orders. Additionally, take a moment prior to the consultation to write down questions or concerns that your would like to discuss. Finally, plan ahead to have someone else watch your children. While you may think your child can not comprehend what is being discussed, children are emotionally very sensitive and may pick up on your tension while you discuss your case. Also, avoiding any potential distraction from your children will enable the attorney to maximize the value of your consultation.

If you have questions or concerns about an existing family law court order, or about any aspect of the legal future of your family, contact us today. Our family law attorneys are available for consultations over the telephone or in person at our offices in Fredericksburg, Manassas, or Fairfax, Virginia.