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Divorce

A Divorce Lawyer Can Help You through a Difficult Time

There's nothing easy about going through a divorce and it isn't always easy to keep sight of what's important. No matter the circumstances of your divorce, you can make sure you've got someone on your side, looking out for you and your interests.

What is a Divorce?

A divorce is a legal proceeding in which a marriage is terminated by a court of law. There are alternatives to divorce, such as annulment or legal separation that may apply to your situation. An annulment occurs when a court declares that a marriage invalid because the marriage wasn’t legal by state law from the start. Legal separation occurs when a husband and wife live separately but remain legally married to each other. It is possible in some states to enter into a legal separation that specifies the rights and obligations of the parties.

A local divorce lawyer can speak to you about your divorce options. Alternative dispute resolution is becoming a popular option for couples looking to save time and money. Divorce mediation and arbitration amy allow couples negotiate a divorce settlement without going to divorce court.

Filing for Divorce

Where you can file for divorce often depends on where you and your spouse live, which may impact the outcome of your divorce. States have different rules when it comes to matters such as alimony, property division and child custody.

Even from county to county within a state, different judges may give differing weight to certain factors in determining custody, property division, and other key issues. A local attorney can help you decide which jurisdiction might best protect your interests and state requirements you will need to meet to file for divorce.

Grounds for Divorce

Divorce can generally be broken down into two categories: no fault and fault. Although the terminology may differ from state to state, every state allows a couple to file for some form of a no fault divorce.

In a no fault divorce, both spouses typically agree that irreconcilable differences were the reason for the divorce. Neither spouse is at fault for the divorce. No proof of misconduct is required to obtain a no fault divorce, unlike in a fault divorce.

A fault divorce occurs when one spouse alleges that the other is at fault. For example, an extra-marital affair would be legitimate grounds in a fault divorce.

Make Sure Someone is Looking out for Your Interests in a Divorce Case

It can be more beneficial for both parties when a mutual agreement can be reached. Whether your divorce can be resolved amicably or you need someone to fight for you interests, a divorce lawyer can give you peace of mind during this difficult time in your life.