If you are considering filing for divorce, you probably want to get as much relief as possible. Getting a divorce can free you from a horrible situation, unwanted financial burdens, or anxiety. In most cases, the divorce process can be resolved without litigation. However, some cases may go to trial and take years to complete. The sooner you begin the process, the better.
The first step is to find a divorce lawyer you trust. While it may be tempting to choose a divorce lawyer whose reputation is built on a large advertising budget, this is not always a good sign. It may also be a red flag if a divorce lawyer doesn’t have a website or has an outdated one. Make sure you are hiring a lawyer with extensive experience.
Your divorce lawyer should specialize in the issues that are important to you. This may include complicated asset division or child custody. You should also look for attorneys who have been on bar association family law committees or have addressed bar associations in the area. In addition, a divorce lawyer who knows the judges in your jurisdiction is a great asset for your case. This knowledge will help you shape your strategy.
Property division is another important factor to consider. California is a community property state. That means that any assets acquired during the marriage are considered shared property. A good Anaheim divorce attorney can help you and your spouse negotiate an equitable division of the property. California family courts will generally try to achieve a 50/50 property division, but there are many unique factors in each case. For example, couples may disagree about selling property in order to divide proceeds equally.
A contested divorce is a time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally tense process. It is also more damaging to children than an uncontested divorce. Sometimes, spouses are unable to agree on everything, and a divorce becomes contested. In these cases, one spouse initiates the process. Then, the other spouse files the paperwork and the courts decide. In most cases, the process is very complex and emotional.
The court will determine the amount of child support each spouse must pay. Child support is calculated using guidelines that consider both the parties’ gross incomes. A skilled NY divorce lawyer can help you reach a fair child support agreement. A permanent alimony payment may be awarded in certain cases, but will need to be supported by both spouses. The court can also modify this amount if circumstances change.
A divorce lawyer can act as a calming presence in an emotionally turbulent time. Divorce lawyers specialize in family law, and can often save their clients money by enhancing the terms of their divorce settlement. A divorce lawyer can also assist you in obtaining child custody and spousal support.