The divorce process starts when one or both married couples file a petition in a court of law. If you do not yet have a divorce attorney (usually known as a family law lawyer), he or she will most likely file the petition on your behalf. It will generally contain or be accompanied by, detailed information about all of the assets that the couple possesses, the names and Ages of the minor children, how much each spouse earns at his or her job, and other information pertaining to the current relationship between the divorcing couples. After the divorce is finalized, each of the partners will list the property that they own individually, as well as any jointly held property. Then, any debts that the couples owe each other are typically settled, and any jointly held bank accounts are closed.
In some cases, the parties agree on child custody and visitation arrangements, and in others they do not. Once the divorce process has begun, it must be finalized through a court trial. During this time, there will be extensive discovery between the lawyers regarding any property or debts that each party has.
Divorce attorneys are responsible for filing legal documents and court filings on behalf of their clients. A good divorce lawyer can assist a client with all of his or her legal needs, from drafting a Will to filing a properly executed Power of Attorney to make a person legally responsible for financial decisions. Divorce lawyers can also help their clients obtain necessary legal forms for a divorce, such as a court order granting a divorce, a certificate of divorce, or an uncontested divorce. Most attorneys will also be familiar with the various probate rules that govern the distribution of marital assets and may even have experience in handling different assets during past divorces.
Divorce attorneys also handle many other issues that directly affect a client’s divorce process. These include child support and child custody and may even mediate a dispute over spousal support payments. If a couple has no children and lives in different residences, an attorney may be able to negotiate a schedule for visitation or joint custody between the spouses. If one spouse has substantial assets, an experienced attorney can help that person divide those assets before a judge even receives a divorce case.
As with any legal matter, hiring a good divorce lawyer is essential for the success of any divorce proceedings. The divorce process will involve a lot of paperwork, and a lawyer can fill out and file everything that is required. In addition, he will be able to advise his client regarding important divorce matters such as the right steps to take in the event of a contested divorce, and can make sure that his client receives the maximum tax breaks for his or her divorce. A good divorce lawyer will be able to serve as a guide for his client throughout the entire divorce process, and can make sure that all the proper documents are filed and that there are no misunderstandings concerning anything.
Divorce attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary in the divorce process. This can be a very emotional time, and it is important to have someone on your side who is willing to talk through things with you and help you reach an agreement. Divorce is a stressful time, and having a divorce lawyer to represent you will ensure that you have someone on your side who will be there for you through every step of the divorce process. Remember that if you do not hire the services of a competent and ethical divorce lawyer, you may end up hurting yourself and your children financially. Hire a lawyer to protect your future.