Divorce is a difficult and emotional decision that can have a significant impact on your life and your family. If you are considering ending your marriage, you may be wondering if you need to hire a divorce attorney or if you can handle the divorce process on your own.
While some couples may be able to resolve their issues amicably and without legal intervention, others may face complex and contentious situations that require professional guidance and representation. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the signs that indicate you should consult with a divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
You and Your Spouse Have Children
One of the most important and sensitive aspects of divorce is child custody and child support. If you and your spouse have children, you will need to determine how to share the parental rights and responsibilities, as well as how to provide for the financial needs of your children.
Child custody and child support are determined by various factors, such as the best interests of the child, the income and expenses of each parent, the parenting time and involvement of each parent, the wishes of the child (if old enough), and any special needs or circumstances of the child or the family.
These issues can be complicated and contentious, especially if you and your spouse disagree on what is best for your children. A divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations as a parent, negotiate a fair and reasonable custody and support agreement, or advocate for your interests in court if necessary.
You or Your Spouse Have Significant Assets or Debts
If you or your spouse have significant assets or debts, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, businesses, vehicles, credit cards, loans, etc., you will need to determine how to divide them fairly and equitably.
Property division can be challenging, especially if you or your spouse have separate or commingled property, hidden or undisclosed assets, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, or complex or high-value assets. An Okoye Law divorce lawyer can help you identify and value your marital and separate property, negotiate a fair and equitable distribution of assets and debts, or protect your rights in court if necessary.
You or Your Spouse Are Seeking Spousal Support
Spousal support also known as alimony is a payment that one spouse makes to the other spouse to help them maintain their standard of living after divorce. Spousal support is not automatic or guaranteed in divorce; it depends on various factors, such as the income and earning capacity of each spouse, the duration and quality of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the contributions and sacrifices of each spouse to the marriage and family, the needs and expenses of each spouse, etc.
You or Your Spouse Have Experienced Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse that one spouse inflicts on the other spouse. Domestic violence can have serious and lasting effects on the victim’s health, safety, well-being, and self-esteem. If you or your spouse have experienced domestic violence in your marriage, you may need to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your children from further harm.
A divorce lawyer can help you obtain a restraining order against your abusive spouse, secure a safe place to live, obtain custody and support for your children, gather evidence of abuse for your divorce case, or assist you with any other legal issues related to domestic violence.
You Need Legal Advice and Representation
The last but not least sign that you should consult with a divorce lawyer is that you need legal advice and representation. Divorce is a complex and stressful process that involves many legal issues and procedures. If you are not familiar with the laws and rules that govern divorce in your state, you may make mistakes that could cost you time, money, or rights. A divorce lawyer can help you navigate the divorce process with confidence and ease.
They can advise you on your rights and options in divorce, prepare and file all the necessary paperwork for your divorce case, communicate and negotiate with your spouse or their lawyer on your behalf, represent you in mediation or arbitration if you choose alternative dispute resolution, or advocate for you in court if your case goes to trial. Plus, they can also help you deal with any post-divorce issues, such as support modification, custody visitation, enforcement, or contempt.
Conclusion
Divorce is a life-changing decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are thinking about ending your marriage, you should consult with a divorce lawyer as soon as possible. Okoye Law divorce lawyer can help you protect your rights and interests, resolve your issues, and make the process easier and less stressful for you and your family.