Divorce Attorney

When you break-up your marriage, it is time to contact a divorce attorney. A divorce is defined as “the final termination of a marriage, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between two persons.”

This is generally a very trying time and many issues come up during a divorce, such as: types of divorce, filing for divorce, divorce and children, marital property division, possible interim separation, and spousal support.

Know your divorce laws and select a divorce attorney

Having a divorce attorney representing you in a divorce court during a divorce case is crucial to ensure that you don't lose everything and that everything from paperwork filing to divorce process is explained clearly to you. You'll need to know the divorce laws in your state. Each state has its own laws that determine:

• Grounds for divorce
• Waiting/separation period before divorce
• Child and spousal support (alimony)
• Division of property, assets, and debts
• Remarriage waiting period after divorce
• And much more

During the divorce process, you need to make a lot of important decisions that could affect your life. Learn about your state's divorce laws so you are well informed about factors that may help determine child support and custody, how marital property is divided and alternatives that may help a divorce go more smoothly.

Attorney selection should not be done haphazardly. The competency and work of your attorney will have a direct impact on you, your children, and your financial situation for years to come.

If children are involved

Divorce in itself is trying enough. If children are involved, it becomes even more trying and extremely emotional. Parents often loose sight of what is in the best interest of their children. Where do the children fit into this whole new life that is being created? Unfortunately, children often become financial pawns in a divorce when child custody issues are being decided.

Children have rights in divorce. Let common sense prevail when it comes to the children. They should not be used as an outlet for anger, nor should they ever be used to get revenge against your spouse. Your divorce attorney will support you with these issues.

Don't bad-mouth your ex-spouse in front of your kids, even if you are still angry or feuding. Try not to use your kids as a messenger or go-between, especially when you're feuding.

Children are egocentric. They think their role in things is much more important than it really is. Because of this, they often feel that they have in some way caused the divorce.

Make sure they know it is not their fault. It is also important for kids to know that just because parents divorce each other, they're not divorcing their kids. Some kids think that if their parents are divorcing, it means their moms and dads will want to leave them, too. Remind them often that your love for them is unconditional and will not change because of the divorce.

There are many aspects of divorce that need to be considered including: joint custody and visitation; financial issues such as alimony and child support, taxes, pensions and insurance; hiring an attorney or a mediator; determining if you should do your own divorce; separation agreements and much more.