Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Why Family Law?

People often ask me, "Why did you practice family law?"  I struggle with how to respond to that question because the answer is not a simple one.  Initially I got into family law because I was unhappy practicing  in-house for a local company.  After two years in-house, I realized that what was missing was the human element - a client I could see, meet with, and ultimately, help.  It was that realization that sent me searching for something more, and I found it in family law.

Having been a family law practitioner for several years, I now realize that there are many reasons that I practice family law.  I still like helping people, especially in times of crisis or transition, but I also find that it is rewarding to see someone grow stronger and more confident right before your eyes.    At many initial consultations, clients are upset, emotionally bruised, and filled with angst over not only the decision to get divorced but also their future.  But as we work together on their case, I get to witness their healing, and see them gain a certain inner-strength.  Knowing that I may be a part of that process of personal growth is rewarding.

Also, practicing family law allows me to advocate for children.  All too often in family law cases, parents get caught up in their own issues - they want to "win" their case.  Often, my role is to get my client or the opposing party to focus on the children - to put aside their individual agendas and their differences to make the choices that are best for their family.   Litigation by its very nature pits the parties against one another, and is not conducive to post-hearing or post-trial co-parenting. For this simple reason, I try to remind my clients again and again that even though a marriage may be ending, when the parties share children, they will always be connected.

Last, being an family law attorney allows me to be a creative problem-solver.  Family law cases are fact-sensitive, and every case is different, which offers me the opportunity to use my creativity to try to come up with a parenting time plan, custody arrangement, or even a property division that works for that case.  It's a fun and interesting challenge to work with clients to come up with an individual set of rules or guidelines that fits that client's family.

My job challenges me everyday, and sometimes it is emotionally exhausting, but I wouldn't want to do anything else.

8 comments:

  1. If you want representation who seeks the greater good of the entire family unit, then Jessica is the counsel you need. Her compassion and intelligence brings immediate solutions to family problems!

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  2. I agree. You have made the nice blogs with the great info in the contents.
    Family Law Denver

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  3. Thank you for sharing the information.

    I would like to inform that I have also recently came across a site called simon family law who is providing the service of family law, divorce, child custody, equitable distribution etc.
    Equitable Distribution Lawyer, Simon Family Law Palm Beach County

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  4. Great Blog.....
    Family law is an area of the law that deals with family matters and domestic relations, including marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships;
    adoption and surrogacy..
    Legal

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  5. (This is often called "independent legal advice," because each party is getting their own legal advice from their own lawyer, independent of the other party.) Save U Legal

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  6. Great post! You've highlighted the importance of family lawyers in a perfect manner.

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  7. If a divorce and family law attorney is helping in your case he reduces a lot of stress from what is already likely a contentious and emotional family situation. By having a family law attorney, you don’t have to worry about signing or agreeing to something that you don’t understand or end up regretting later.

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  8. I am pretty sure about this information you shared because its really helpful for everyone.
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    ReplyDelete