In certain cases, it can be difficult to know which lawyer to turn to. Conflictual divorce, domestic violence, unpaid alimony, child custody, complaints for threats… These situations sometimes mix family law and criminal law, which can create confusion.
So, criminal law or family law: which lawyer is best suited to your situation? This guide helps you clarify and choose the right professional to defend your interests in Lyon or elsewhere.
Recommended read : Which lawyer to contact in Perpignan for a criminal law case?
Family Law: for civil disputes related to family relationships
Family law is a branch of civil law that governs the relationships between members of the same family. It applies whenever there is a question of:
- Divorce or separation
- Child custody or parental authority
- Alimony
- Inheritance
- Adoption
- Marital regimes and property division
You should consult a family law lawyer in Lyon when the issue is of a civil nature, meaning it does not concern a criminal offense but rather a reorganization of rights and responsibilities within the family.
See also : How to Choose a Good Family Law Attorney?
Examples of situations falling under family law:
- You wish to divorce, with or without mutual consent
- You want to modify a judgment regarding the custody of your children
- You are claiming or contesting alimony
- You are in dispute with your siblings over an inheritance
Criminal Law: for offenses, violence, or behaviors punished by law
Criminal law concerns all situations in which a behavior is considered an offense by law (misdemeanor or felony). It applies to alleged perpetrators, but also to victims. It does not aim to reorganize rights but to sanction or protect.
Consult a criminal lawyer in Lyon as soon as there is:
- Physical or psychological violence
- Threats, harassment
- Non-payment of alimony (abandonment of family)
- Parental kidnapping
- Criminal complaint or police custody
- Immediate appearance or criminal trial
Examples of situations falling under criminal law:
- Your ex-spouse threatens or harasses you
- You are a victim of domestic violence
- You are accused of an offense in a family context
- You wish to file a complaint for abandonment of family
When the two areas intersect
In many cases, criminal law and family law are closely linked. For example:
- A divorce may be accompanied by a complaint for domestic violence
- A custody dispute may involve parental kidnapping, which is a criminal offense
- The non-payment of alimony may justify a criminal procedure for abandonment of family
- A child may be a victim of abuse, requiring both criminal action and family measures
In this type of case, it is often necessary to consult two specialized lawyers (or a firm competent in both areas) to address the civil and criminal aspects of the case in a complementary manner.
Do I need two different lawyers?
Not necessarily. Some lawyers or firms have dual expertise in family law and criminal law. This is ideal for handling a complex case in a coherent and centralized manner.
However, in some cases, having two distinct lawyers can be useful:
- if one focuses on the divorce or custody procedure
- and the other on the criminal complaint or defense in court
The important thing is that both professionals communicate with each other to adopt a comprehensive strategy.
Conclusion: a strategic choice based on your case
Before choosing a lawyer, it is essential to identify the nature of the dispute:
- If it is a family conflict without an offense, the family law lawyer is the right contact.
- If there has been violence, threats, or a complaint, a criminal lawyer is essential.
- If both dimensions are present, surround yourself with professionals competent in both areas.
Whatever your case, do not remain alone. The right lawyer does not just defend; they enlighten you, protect you, and guide you towards the best solutions.
FAQ – Criminal law, family law: how to navigate
Can I consult a single lawyer to handle both a divorce and a criminal complaint?
Yes, if the lawyer has dual expertise. Otherwise, they can collaborate with a criminal lawyer.
Is non-payment of alimony a civil or criminal matter?
Both. Initially civil (seizure, execution), then criminal if abandonment of family is established.
Should a victim of domestic violence consult a criminal or family lawyer?
Ideally both: a criminal lawyer to file a complaint and a family lawyer for protection measures or separation.