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Family law issues vary and involve everything from adoption to divorce. Most common family law questions relate to issues leading up to and following divorce, including child support, legal separation and dissolution proceedings. Even adoption and paternity issues need to be resolved in court.

Filing for divorce requires that the petitioner, the person seeking the divorce, file a Petition for Dissolution with the local county clerk's office and serve a copy of the petition to the respondent, the other party. Once the respondent answers and provides all information requested, he may also file discovery documentation requesting information from the petitioner.

Typically, the court will order a mediation in which such issues as property settlement, child custody and financial support can be resolved. If this action is unsuccessful, the matter may proceed to trial. The judge will then determine the outcome and will enter a Final Decree for Dissolution.

Regardless of whether two parents have made oral agreements regarding child support amounts, the amount the noncustodial parent must pay is determined by the child support order. Modifying the child support order is the only legal way to change the financial obligations.

A legal separation is a formal judgment issued by the court. Essentially, it states that both parties have worked out all issues regarding a dissolved marriage, such as child support obligations, property settlement and child custody issues, while still remaining legally married.