Although we often hear that half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce, we may not realize that first marriages only last an average of eight years. There are a variety of factors that make us want to get married, and divorces can be equally complex. If you’re wondering what to expect in a divorce, you may be surprised to know that you often have mediation services available to you, and that parental rights for unmarried couples can be complicated. Divorces can be caused by infidelity, a sense that you’re not committed to one another any more, addiction, or just a sense that the relationship has run its course naturally. While major movie stars make the news for their amicable divorces, you may want to look into getting some family law advice.
Why did my marriage come to an end? People around the world ask themselves what they could have done to prevent divorce, but divorce does not have to be a painful process. If you can settle legal questions about divorce amicably, then you stand a very good chance of a quick divorce process. Lawyers can help you navigate issues regarding the division of assets and custody of children, and it helps to maintain an attitude of flexibility. Questions to ask a divorce attorney could include whether your prenuptial agreement is still valid, how to try for full custody of the children, and the disposition of any vacation homes or time shares. Divorce mediation can help couples go through the process of asset division without recrimination, and a divorce attorney can help you find a mediator in your local area.
If you are contemplating filing for divorce but have not done so yet, you may want to talk to a divorce lawyer and ask for family law advice. If you are planning to relocate to another state, you may have to negotiate visitation and transportation for your children. A parental rights lawyer can help you navigate issues of custody, and some states require parents to take a class that discusses issues that children face during a divorce. Divorce can be a shock for children, who may have to change schools and leave their home: take the time to talk to your kids about divorce and realize that it may take months or even years for them to get used to new living arrangements. If you are looking to terminate parental rights, get some family law advice before you file the divorce paperwork.
Contrary to popular belief, there is such a thing as a good divorce. If you and your partner can deal with issues calmly and thoroughly, and if you have gotten solid family law advice, the divorce proceedings can be conducted quickly. It is important to talk to your spouse about why you want a divorce and what steps you need to take to divide property and finances. In cases of abuse or addiction, however, you may want to leave the home before serving divorce paperwork: if you feel that you would be in danger, then make sure you leave and allow the constable to serve the divorce papers. You should always make sure that your personal safety plan is in place, and let your lawyer know about any concerns you have in that area.
Let a lawyer give you family law advice: they are the experts and have extensive knowledge about the laws in your state. If you feel like you haven’t made up your mind yet, at least you can get more information about what would happen in the event of a divorce. Divorce can be a complex process, and quite shocking emotionally, but as long as you have legal counsel, then you can be assured that your divorce will proceed according to the laws in your state. Think about the issues you are willing to be flexible about, and let your lawyer know about your concerns before you file the divorce paperwork.
