Top 10 Ways a Divorce Attorney Can Help
A divorce attorney can explain acceptable reasons for divorce in your state: Different states have different rules. For example, in some states, you may have to live apart before going through with a divorce. There may also be specific reasons you must list for the divorce. Knowing these rules can help make the divorce quicker and easier. Going through a divorce is financially and emotionally difficult, but getting help from a qualified attorney can make the process easier. Read on for the top 9 ways a divorce attorney can help.
- A divorce attorney can help you understand how property is divided in your state: Some states will divide property based on who brought what into the marriage. Others (called community property states) mandate that all marital property be split 50-50
- A divorce attorney can help you to determine whether you are entitled to pension, alimony or other benefits: If you have been married for 10 years or more, you may be entitled to a portion of your spouse's pension or Social Security. If one spouse makes much more than the other, alimony may be appropriate. If one spouse helped the other build his business, she may be entitled to a cut. All of these different factors come into play and your attorney can explain them all to you.
- A divorce attorney can help you structure your custody agreement: There are many ways to divide custody of your child, and your attorney can help you decide what makes the most sense for your child and your family.
- A divorce attorney can help make sure you account for all marital assets: Often, one spouse handles the money and the other doesn't know what financial assets they have. Your divorce lawyer can help you collect records and determine what you are entitled to.
- A divorce attorney can help come up with a plan for dealing with marital debts: If one person owes money, both may be responsible if it is in both names. Your divorce attorney can help you to determine how to protect yourself from being held financially responsible for your spouse's debt.
- A divorce attorney can prepare the divorce papers for you: Divorce involves submitting formal legal papers to the court for approval. Your attorney can help prepare those papers so the judge will sign off on the divorce.
- A divorce attorney can represent you in family court: If it is impossible for you and your spouse to split custody or assets, the judge will do it for you. If this happens, you will need your attorney to make your case to the judge and represent your interests.
- A divorce attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement: When you get divorced, you have to divide everything up. If you can do it yourself, the divorce is cheaper and easier. A divorce attorney can help you to come to an agreement with your spouse that you both can live with.
- A divorce attorney can help make the divorce process less emotional: By communicating with your spouse through your attorney and by focusing on the legal aspects of the divorce, you can avoid some of the emotional drama that goes along with dissolving a marriage.