Divorce is a difficult decision and major life transition for any person to go through. It is, however, also a complicated legal process, so simply deciding to divorce is only the beginning. It can be hard to consider the short and long-term legal implications of divorce when you’re in the midst of grieving such a significant relationship. Making informed decisions about the future of your assets, debts, and other divorce-related matters can seem impossible as you sort through your feelings.
That’s why a divorce attorney can become an important ally who gives you a great advantage in successfully navigating the divorce process and reaching a favorable outcome at the end of it all. In this blog, we’ll discuss all the ways in which a divorce attorney can guide you through divorce, offering you invaluable support and knowledge.
Legal Guidance
The most important thing that a divorce attorney can offer you is legal guidance. After all, it is what they went to school all that time for!
While you may have stumbled upon a “DIY divorce” site in your search for an attorney, that is not the route you want to take if you wish to ensure a smooth divorce process. This is because the DIY templates that are available lack two things: legal advice that is tailored to your unique situation, and the ability to address the unexpected complexities divorce might throw your way.
A divorce attorney has the ability to understand you and the circumstances of your situation in a way that DIY divorce tools cannot. No two marriages are the same, so a divorce isn’t any different. Why would you then use a generic template process that is designed to fit every situation?
A divorce attorney can provide you with seasoned advice, explain all of your available options, and walk every step of your divorce case with you.
Document Preparation & Filing
Because divorce is such an intricate legal process, there is an ample amount of paperwork involved. Below are a few of the forms that are involved in a divorce:
- Petition to divorce – the document that starts the process. It needs to be filed in the county that your spouse lives in, or that the two of you lived in together.
- Summons – notifies the other spouse that divorce has been filed for, and outlines how they should respond.
- Financial affidavit – outlines income, expenses, etc.
- Marital settlement – legally binding contract that usually outlines the parameters for child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of marital debts.
- And more!
Meeting deadlines and checking on all of the pieces of documentation can easily fall to the back burner when you’re grappling with the end of your marriage. A divorce attorney will not only help you ensure that you have completed all of the required documents, but that they are also filed correctly and on time to avoid any mistakes or delays in your divorce case.
Negotiations & Litigation
If you and your spouse have decided to take an amicable approach to divorce, you might think that you don’t need the help of a divorce attorney. While a civil divorce process is better for everyone involved, it doesn’t eliminate the need for professional assistance.
Even if you and your spouse are in agreement regarding the terms of your divorce, sensitive subjects like asset division, custody, alimony and more can bring up unforeseen conflict. A divorce attorney can help you negotiate your desired outcome, protecting your interests and advocating for a fair agreement.
If you and your spouse are on not so great terms and negotiating isn’t in your future, a divorce attorney can also litigate on your behalf. While litigation is a more contentious route, it is often necessary to guard the things that are most important to you, especially if you’re married to someone who is highly-combative, has a personality disorder, a history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and more.
Divorce Alternatives
Another aspect of divorce that an attorney can assist you with is deciding on which method of divorce is right for you. Mediation is one option that not only provides you and your spouse with a collaborative environment to sort out the terms of your divorce, but it saves you time and money as you forgo long hours and days battling in the courtroom. Mediation can also be beneficial if you have kids, as it prioritizes maintaining a healthy relationship with your co-parent.
If you and your spouse are intimidated by the permanence of divorce, even a mediated one, separation is another option that is temporary, allowing you the space and time to really think things over with your partner before making anything final. Separation can be beneficial if you and your spouse know you don’t want to be together, but don’t have the time to go through a divorce.
Custody
If you and your spouse share children together, a custody arrangement will likely be top of mind. In addition to dividing up assets, debts, and property, you’ll also have to decide how to share parenting responsibilities jointly, or it may be fitting for one parent to assume sole custody.
In Alabama, there are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the responsibility of one or both parents to make important decisions on their children’s behalf when it comes to their education, healthcare, religion, and more. Physical custody refers to which parent the child(ren) will primarily reside with.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to custody, so an arrangement should be unique to your own situation, despite what your friends or family member’s custody experiences might’ve been in the past. A divorce attorney can assess your situation and advise you on how to create a custody arrangement in the best interests of your children.
How Word Family Law Group Can Help You
Whether you’re beginning to consider your options for divorce or your mind is already made up, we can help you through the journey ahead. Our experienced family law attorney at Word Family Law Group can assist you in providing strategic legal guidance, preparing and filing important documents, negotiation or litigation processes, explaining alternative methods to divorce, creating a custody arrangement and more.
We understand how isolating and emotionally challenging divorce can be, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Word Family Law Group is here to ensure you have a dedicated, trusted partner by your side each step of the way. Call now to request a consultation and discover your legal options.
