Family law is the branch of the law that protects families and children during times of change. Family courts handle cases of divorce, child custody, elder guardianship and adoption, among others. In cases involving children and dependent adults, almost all family courts in the United States are legally required to make their decisions in the best interests of the dependent, which is not always the same as their families wishes. In disputes not involving children, the job of family courts is to resolve the matter as fairly as possible, according to state law. A family law attorney represents the interests of people involved in these complex and emotional cases.