Family law is a specialized practice area dealing with issues arising from domestic relationships of all kinds, including marriage, domestic partnerships, civil unions, and other family structures, both traditional and non-traditional. Dissolution of these relationships through divorce or separation gives rise to matters most commonly handled by family law practitioners, notably child custody and visitation, the division of assets and liabilities between the parties, and spousal alimony and child support. Other and often related aspects of a family law practice include domestic violence, paternity, annulment, adoption, surrogacy, child abduction (domestic and international), termination of parental rights, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. The statutes and case law of individual states determine most domestic matters, although there are also uniform laws adopted by all of the states, as well as international treaties that relate to parentage, child custody, parental abduction, and child support enforcement.
Many financial aspects of family law are highly complex. Family attorneys must have proficiency in other areas of law that impact these financial issues and a roster of outside experts to assist them when necessary. Knowledge of tax law as it pertains to alimony, support, asset allocation, filing status, and dependency exemptions is essential. Familiarity with accounting principles, financial statements and balance sheets, retirement plans, asset (including business) valuation, health insurance following divorce, the effect of bankruptcy, wills and trusts, and real estate also is important.
The psychological aspects of family law are also highly
complex. Dealing with families in conflict, often emotional and highly charged,
requires special sensitivity and a broad array of skills. A good family lawyer
must have, in addition to substantive knowledge, the ability to listen, to
counsel, to investigate, to negotiate, to plan, to draft, to defuse conflict,
to advocate and, when necessary, to litigate. Recognizing that out-of-court
settlements are vastly preferable for their clients, and with the growing
burden on court dockets, an increasing number of practitioners are using (and
becoming trained in) alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration,
and private judging.
Lawyers can be nominated by anyone but themselves. They are recognized in The Best Lawyers in
America publication and invited to provide feedback on candidates. Results are calculated and feedback is
reviewed. Nominees are confirmed to be
in good standing with their local bar associations and firms are informed of
results and the list is published.
Rob McAngus,
Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and
his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict
divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being
selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar
Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to
achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal. As both an adopted child and a member of a
blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family
law.
Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in
2016 through 2020, Best Lawyers, and recently The National Advocates recognized
Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40. He
can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com. Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree
cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude
from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.
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