Divorce is not something anyone wants to think about, but the reality is it happens quite often. More than 40% of first marriages end in divorce. Each year there are more than 800,000 divorces equating one every 36 seconds with more than one million kids being affected by them each year. Just because we don’t want to think about doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen, and if it does you want to be prepared. This means knowing your rights and having an experienced defense lawyer on your side through the process. Read below to see some secrets divorce lawyers wish more clients knew to make divorce proceedings easier.
Keep Financial Records
While it is a well known fact, that any defense attorney will tell you, that money is a main driving cause for most failed marriages, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Many defense lawyers advise their clients to keep a watchful eye on finances. Finances reported for tax purposes could differ significantly from income reported for credit cards or other financing options. This information can be crucial when it comes to showing how much income the other party actually brings in compared to what is reported.
Large Financial Purchases
A divorce can drag out for what may seem like forever, even if you have an experienced defense lawyer on your side. During this time many people do not realize that almost all assets including money in the bank will be frozen. This means that you won’t be able to make substantial purchases until the entire divorce process is over and concluded. If there is a substantial purchase that needs to be made, your best bet is to buy the item before starting the divorce proceedings just in case money is frozen and not accessible to either party.
Let Emotions Settle
We have all heard of nasty divorce cases that took their toll on both parties. Nobody wants to be drug through this process. Sometimes this type of ordeal is unavoidable, but sometimes it can be avoided altogether. Couples should attempt a separation before proceeding with divorce. This allows both parties to come to terms with what is best for them and allow their raw emotions to settle before starting the divorce process. This helps the divorce process go smoothly and better for both parties, meaning less time, less stress and less money paid for a defense lawyer.
No Set Amount
There is no set amount that can be placed on how much a divorce will charge you. There is no way to consider that, so any defense lawyer who promises results with a certain amount of money should leave you weary. Many things can come into play during a divorce which can in turn cost more in legal fees. Remember that under good circumstances things go smoothly and both parties come out spending less, but no one can promise a good experience. Things happen that no one can predict, therefor no one is able to predict how much a divorce will cost you.
Don’t Settle
Many times an ex spouse will attempt to get someone to settle in hopes of saving court costs, time and stress. Depending on what the situation is like, this could be a bad decision on your part. While it may be tempting to just agree and get things over with, this decision can leave you worse off in the long run. Only an experienced defense attorney can advise you as to whether a settlement offer will be beneficial or harmful. Discuss your concerns with your lawyer before agreeing to anything.
While no one wants to go through a divorce, the more important aspect is having proper help if you find yourself in the middle of one. This means finding a defense lawyer that you trust, who is experienced in your types of cases and has the time to help. Ask questions to make sure you’re comfortable with your choice of attorneys. Don’t be afraid to interview a few attorneys to find one that you are comfortable working with, after all it is your money.
