If you are in the middle of a separation, you need to understand about child family law in your state and how it will impact you. If your divorce involves children, it will be beneficial to know what the particulars will be in your situation. These will be the most important decisions you face - it's imperative that you learn all you can about child family law before you go to court or settle.

What does child family law entail? Child family law incorporates everything from child custody, visitation, child support and more in relation to divorce, separation and annulment.

Are you concerned about child custody and visitation rights during and after your divorce is final? Typically, family courts will be dedicated to encouraging the family dynamic, promoting the presence of both parents whenever healthy for both the child and parent. The court will allow visitation schedules and share the rights of the child or children between the parents whenever possible. Whereas child family law used to favor the mother and would discourage a father from taking a child overnight because it could be "unhealthy" for the infant, the court's position has shifted dramatically and mothers no longer have the law automatically on their side. Typically the courts now favor joint custody arrangements based on the importance of both parents' presence around the children.

While this is the best arrangement for most kids, when dealing with an irrational, abusive or vindictive ex, it can make the child custody arrangements extremely difficult. In these cases, it's imperative that you know about child family law because there are things you can do to make it easier on you and your kids.

Another aspect of the child family law is the payment and financial support of the children. It is in the interest of the courts to ensure that your children are well taken care of. The parents are equally responsible for the well-being of the child. If the mother takes primary custody of the child, for example, and does not have an income as large as her husband's, she can petition for financial support through child support. Depending on what state you live in, you can get child support based on child family law. The law typically dictates that financial support will continue until the child is 18-years-old or 19-years-old (if still in high school).

Contrary to what some abusive or vindictive men will have you believe, there is immediate help available if you leave your spouse and have no means to support them. Domestic violence forums are a great source of information on this as well as local domestic violence shelters.

Learn more about how child family law works in your state to see how it will impact your future separation and divorce proceedings. By understanding the law's specifics ahead of time, you can better prepare for the legal process that will influence you, your ex and your children.