Most people have seen the drama of unhealthy marriages crumbling around them, and on the big screen, too. The scene is too common; Fights break out over custody, investments, vacation homes, and anything else that brings the man and woman together during their courtship. A family law attorney usually comes next. Not surprisingly, keeping divorce proceedings on track promptly and respectfully requires outside help. These are the top three reasons why you may want to consider a family law attorney before proceeding with your divorce.
child custody
If you and your spouse had children during your marriage, chances are you considered your destiny many times before you divorced. Where will they live permanently? How often will we change visits? How will we divide your expenses? To resolve these questions and concerns, a family law attorney can provide their years of experience in this area to make these decisions much easier.
Depending on the level of respect and communication between the couple going through the separation, custody decisions can be made in one of two ways. The parents will reach an agreement as a result of informal negotiations (usually with the presence of attorneys) or dispute resolution options such as mediation. If none of these options work, the court will make a decision. It is generally better for children if parents can make decisions together before taking the matter to court with the guidance of an experienced legal professional.
Property owner
When couples first get married, they typically invest in property together. When it comes to dividing this property, many different factors play a role in how assets are divided. Most states use “common law” property systems, which is something an attorney would have much more experience dealing with. He will need your previous documentation, such as the deed, registration, or any other documents of title. If both names are on the paperwork, then the property can be split in half. Otherwise, things get a bit complicated, especially if it’s a prenuptial agreement. This is where a family law attorney can step in when he is concerned about how a couple’s property will be divided.
bank accounts
Not surprisingly, most spouses share some type of bank account. Some couples maintain individual bank accounts during the marriage, but these funds may also be subject to scrutiny during a divorce depending on the employment status of both individuals in the relationship. Many couples have trouble determining who is entitled to what, especially if one spouse stayed home from work to raise children during the marriage or if one spouse took on a lot of credit card debt without his other half knew about this activity. This is where a family law attorney steps in and takes the reins to make sure his best interests are protected.
Before you take another step with your divorce process, you should consider what an attorney could do for you to protect your lifestyle. Whether it’s time with your children, your home, or your financial livelihood, all of these factors need to be safeguarded with the help of an experienced professional.