What exactly is Family Law? A: Family law is a field of law devoted to the subject of family relationships, including child custody, alimony, divorce, paternity, division of property, adoptions, child protection, division of several properties, and more. In California, family lawyers deal with a wide variety of these issues.
What is Marriage? A: Marriage is a formal arrangement by two individuals, through which they agree to live together for the rest of their lives. Marriages can be civil unions or wedding ceremonies. Civil unions ensure that your legal rights and obligations do not conflict with those of your co-relatives. Wedding ceremonies mark the official start of a married life.
What is Divorce? A: Divorce is a court procedure whereby one of the partners (known as the plaintiff) files a lawsuit against the other (known as the defendant) for a variety of reasons. A divorce means that the plaintiff and the defendant mutually decide that they no longer wish to be married anymore and that they are breaking the relationship. The divorce ends the legal status of the plaintiff and the defendant. The divorce procedure can either be contested or uncontested.
What is Child Custody? A: Child custody is the authority granted to a parent over his/her child. Child custody is necessary in certain instances such as when either parent is irresponsible or is unfit. A mother or father may file for custody of their child if the custodial parent has been abusive, neglected, or in a situation that does not allow the child to have a normal childhood. There are different methods of child custody, and children are usually split between the parents based on their biological parents (the biological mother or father) and the preference of the child.
What is Contested Divorce? A: Contested divorce happens when both parties are unable to settle their differences peacefully. In contested divorce procedures, one or both parties are contesting the terms of the divorce agreement. In such situations, the divorce lawyer of each party seeks to have terms set forth in an unbiased and fair way, so as not to damage their personal feelings. For example, in a dispute over alimony, one spouse may seek to have spousal support payments decreased, while another may desire to increase them. In divorce proceedings, both spouses are expected to be diplomatic and fair towards each other, as 
they are dealing with matters that could affect their personal relationships and reputations.
What is an Unmarried Spouse? A: An unmarried spouse is someone who is not legally married but is living together as a married couple, said www.lennonfamilylaw.org. Some states recognize “common-law” marriages, in which a person can be married, yet be considered not legally married. In these cases, the state will allow an individual to file for a declaration of common-law marriage, even if he or she is not legally married. Examples of people who might be considered as being “unmarried” in a state are single mothers, separated couples, and those who wed through customary processes like civil unions without getting official recognition from the state.