Family Law

• Divorce
  Other options for ending a marriage include a collaborative divorce or going through mediation or arbitration. The dispute resolution process can take a variety of forms. A family law attorney can explain your legal rights and options. They can discuss alternatives that may be preferable to a contested divorce.
• Child Support
  All spousal support agreements depend on the spouses' incomes and property. They also depend on earning capacity, the duration of the marriage, and whether child support is involved, among other factors.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  "Family law," therefore, refers to rules, regulations, and court procedures involving the family unit. While some family law matters may be handled without counsel, processes such as divorce and child custody often require the skill and expertise of a skilled attorney.
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
  As with most other areas of the law, whether you need a family law attorney depends on a number of factors specific to your case. For example, a couple generally won't need a lawyer to get married, but attorneys may be required if one party asks the other to sign a prenuptial agreement.
• Spousal Support
  FindLaw's Divorce section has information and resources covering issues in divorce proceedings. This section provides in-depth information on the divorce process. Topics include deciding whether to divorce, how the divorce process works, potential property issues, spousal support, and more. It also includes links to state-specific divorce laws and divorce forms. A divorce attorney can explain your legal rights in the divorce process.
• Legal Separation
  Dissolution of a marriage can have serious, long-term effects, both emotionally and legally. A divorce case involves many issues. These include everything from choosing a method of legal separation, selecting where and how to file, paying the filing fees, and deciding the property division. When minor children are involved, child support, child custody, and a parenting plan can be at issue.
• Annulment
  An annulment has the same legal effect as a divorce. An annulment declares that your marriage was never valid in the first place. An annulment could occur because one spouse was already married, tricked into the marriage, or too young to marry legally.
• Child Abuse
  Civil procedures and legal matters involving family members' financial responsibilities, custodial rights, eligibility, and other obligations generally fall under the family law category. Domestic violence and child abuse are included in this section, although they are criminal matters. The following is a list of family law topics...

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  What we call criminal law broadly refers to federal and state laws that make certain behavior illegal and punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. Our legal system is largely comprised of two different types of cases: civil and criminal. Civil cases are disputes between people regarding the legal duties and responsibilities they owe each other. Criminal cases, meanwhile, are charges pursued by prosecutors for violations of criminal statutes.
• DUI/DWI
  Having the right lawyer when you need one can help you resolve a dispute with neighbors, end a marriage, enforce your rights in the workplace, or even avoid prison time. When life gets legal, whether it's a DUI charge or adoption, it often makes sense to get a lawyer. But hiring a lawyer is not necessary for all legal procedures, which is why FindLaw provides free legal information, as well as do-it-yourself resources.
• Traffic Violations
  Most motorists will likely receive a traffic ticket or be stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation at least once in their lifetimes. Minor traffic violations such as speeding or double parking generally are classified as "infractions" that are not punishable by jail time. Most of the time, fines for traffic tickets can be paid through the mail without the need for legal representation.
• Sex Crimes
  So whether you were arrested for a crime against a person (like assault and battery, rape, or murder), a crime against property (like shoplifting, burglary, or arson), or a drug crime (marijuana possession or cocaine dealing), a criminal defense lawyer can help.
• Robbery
  Federal, state, and local governments enact statutes to criminalize the conduct of particular concern. For example, a city council may determine that it is a misdemeanor to panhandle in public places, while the United States Congress passes legislation that defines a federal crime for lying on an immigrant visa application. Some criminal charges have been around for centuries, such as robbery and perjury, while others have been added over time to reflect changing societal concerns or new technologies. One recent example is the proliferation of new statutes defining the crime of cyberbullying. Once lawmakers adopt criminal statutes, police officers and prosecutors are responsible for enforcing them.
• Burglary
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Criminal cases are generally categorized as felonies or misdemeanors based on their nature and the maximum imposable punishment. Each state is free to draft new criminal laws, so long as they are deemed constitutional. Thus, what is a crime in one state may not necessarily be a crime in a neighboring state.
• Drug Crimes
  More serious crimes, such as violent crimes like first-degree murder, will be considered felony offenses. The felon may then face more serious consequences, such as serving time in state prison. Grand theft, sexual abuse, and drug crimes (such as the unlawful sale/distribution of controlled substances) may also classify as felony charges. These felony offenses if convicted, will be present on the offender's criminal record. Certain crimes may require that the perpetrator be classified as a registered sex offender.
• Assault
• Murder
• Juvenile Crimes
  Findaw's Criminal Law section has a wealth of information that covers most criminal law situations. We have definitions of dozens of common crimes, an overview of stages in a typical criminal case, tips on your constitutional rights, information on criminal records, juvenile crime and much more. More
• Identity Theft
  Consumer protection involves everyday issues and threats like identity theft, sales contracts, lemon laws, travel and fraud. A consumer is anyone who acquires goods or services for direct use or ownership.
• Arson
• Shoplifting
• Restraining Order
  Possibly receive a restraining order against your neighbor (they won't be forced to move away, but they must stay away from you and off your property)
• Manslaughter
  If you have been accused of something on the list of criminal charges above, or any other crime, it is important to know your legal rights. Because an encounter with the criminal justice system can have devastating consequences, be sure that you have a strong legal defense team in your corner. A defense lawyer will help defend your rights in a criminal case. Whether you have been accused of larceny, petty theft, voluntary manslaughter, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or are facing a restraining order, you will want to speak to an experienced defense lawyer.

Business and Corporate Law

• Business Formation
• Business Disputes
  Starting and running a small business requires a very broad skill set and nerves of steel. It's not for everyone, and even successful entrepreneurs encounter failure from time to time. In order to help you stay ahead of the curve, FindLaw's Small Business Law section covers everything from obtaining financing and hiring employees, to choosing the right insurance policies and filing taxes. Those who operate small businesses typically wear many different hats, but also must know when and how to seek help from others.
• Intellectual Property
• Small Business Law

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  We all work hard at our professions. But if we get injured on the job, will our job work hard for us? Workers' compensation provides the exclusive remedy in most states for employees who suffer on-the-job injuries. Most workers' compensation claims must follow strict procedural guidelines that can be confusing for the layperson to understand. FindLaw's Workers' Compensation section contains resources and information concerning the issues that may arise from a workers' compensation claim.
• Wrongful Termination
  Employment law issues can arise in a wide range of situations. One of the most common circumstances occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason. Under federal law, employees may not be terminated on the basis of their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or age. Employers who do so may be subject to civil liability for wrongful termination. The ban on discrimination applies not only to firings, but to other aspects of employment, including hiring and promotion decisions.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real estate law, or real property law, generally refers to the laws controlling the ownership or use of land in the United States. Real estate law is a branch of civil law that covers the right to own, possess, use, and enjoy land and the permanent man-made additions attached to it. Real estate law directly or indirectly impacts most of us on a daily basis, affecting homeowners, renters, landlords, home buyers, and home sellers.
• Real Estate Transactions
  A real estate agreement between a buyer and seller of real estate is governed by general principles of contract law and individual state laws. The sale or transfer of real property is almost always required to be in writing. It is often required in real estate contracts that the title to the property sold be "marketable." A real estate lawyer or a title insurance company is frequently employed to navigate real estate transactions.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Property Damage
  There are many circumstances that can lead to a lawsuit. For example, if you were in a car accident and your car was totaled and you suffered from personal injury, you might want to go to court to get compensation for your property damage and medical bills. While bringing a lawsuit is not necessarily a decision to take lightly, sometimes litigation can be the best avenue to straighten out a dispute.

Immigration Law

• Citizenship and Naturalization
  FindLaw's Immigration Center has a wealth of information and resources on applying for U.S. citizenship, green cards and temporary visas. It also has information on dealing with immigration violations. You may also learn about the citizenship and naturalization process, permanent residency, temporary work visas, student visas, protection from deportation, and more.
• Employment Immigration
  Under U.S. immigration law, there are a variety of avenues by which a person can seek residency or citizenship in the United States. Examples of those are temporary protected status and employment-based immigration. However, there are many other options available to people trying to immigrate to the United States.
• Green Cards
• Student Visas
• Work Visas

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  People's tendency to get into accidents and suffer injuries is as old as civilization itself, as is the fact that sometimes the actions (or inactions) of others are to blame. While no one can go back and undo an injury, personal injury law provides a way for the injured to be "made whole" again. Relief for injuries usually comes in the form of monetary compensation, or "damages," but remedies may also include things other than money (such as a judge's order to take a particular action). Lawsuits for injuries often are settled out of court, before the court reaches a verdict.
• Medical Malpractice
  In some cases, those professionals -- physicians, nurses, assistants, and orderlies -- can cause further injury. Fortunately for patients, the legal system has developed procedures and rules to help determine who should be liable for injuries sustained while receiving medical care. This area of law is known as "medical malpractice."
• Auto Accidents
• Social Security Disability
  Social Security benefits are also available to citizens who can show that they are afflicted with a long- term illness which prevents them from working. People who apply for social security disability typically need to show medical records and or a letter from a doctor in order to prove they can no longer work.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  While it may be a difficult topic to think about, estate planning is an important step you can take to protect the interests of your family. A well-prepared estate plan will help ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are financially supported.
• Wills
  The type of firm you choose will depend on the needs of your case. A single attorney, perhaps working solo, is capable of setting up a living will and trust. But a large company going through a major acquisition will hire a large firm with deep resources and specialized staff attorneys.
• Trusts
  Revocable living trusts function similarly to joint property ownership. Upon death, the property automatically transfers to the beneficiary. This means that it isn't the deceased's property when estate administration occurs.
• Power of Attorney
  States also vary in how they handle estate planning forms and end-of-life wishes. You can create DIY forms from home that are specific to your state's laws or learn more about getting power of attorney for an older adult parent.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Foreclosure
  FindLaw's Real Estate Center has in-depth information on buying a home, refinancing a home, selling a home, avoiding foreclosure, and more. You can find out what you need to know about renter's rights, finding the right mortgage, home equity loans, foreclosure, and a host of other real estate issues in the links below.
• Tax Law
  Tax law concerns the legal "rules" for how much the state, local, and federal governments can charge you for taxes each year. The tax code, also known as the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), covers the procedures, policies and penalties for everything to do with tax issues.