Sometimes, marriages fail and couples split up. In fact, statistics show that in the United States divorce or separation is the way that 50% of all marriages end up. So, yes, we all want to believe in happily ever after. But here are some things to consider if your marriage does not work out and you find yourself in the position of looking for a divorce lawyer.
Bankruptcy
Just because you are getting a divorce does not mean that you have to run out and retain the services of a bankruptcy lawyer right away. What you do have to do, however, is to protect yourself. It’s a well-known fact that getting a divorce is extremely expensive. The best thing to do is to always stay one step ahead with your finances. Make sure that your finances are in good shape, overall, even before any problems occur in your marriage. If you do have financial difficulties, debt relief services may be of assistance to you as well. Remember, going through a divorce and retaining a divorce attorney is extremely expensive. It may be a good idea to have an emergency fund set aside in case this happens to you.
Estate Planning
Where are you in terms of your estate planning? Did you and your spouse revise your wills when you got married? Do you even have a will? Do you have health insurance? What is going to happen in the event of an accident, or an emergency – especially if there are children involved? Divorce changes everything in your life, and your estate is the main part of what needs to be addressed. The last thing that you want is to have your affairs tied up in the courts for years just because you have not taken care of revising your will and planning your estate according to your new circumstances.
Custody
If there are children involved in your marriage, then you want to be sure that your divorce lawyer is experienced in matters of custody and guardianship. You do not necessarily need to have a custody attorney instead of a divorce lawyer, per se, but you do need to find out from your lawyer about their level of experience in custody matters. This is a topic that is extremely emotional. It is also tied up in the family financial situation and could be that way for years. When you’re talking about custody and guardianship, make sure your plan is well-thought-out and agreeable to all involved. This includes vacation time and special occasions. Visits, finances, education…everything will have to be negotiated. So be prepared, and think about your priorities, what you want, and what you are willing to agree on before you even start to negotiate.
Do Your Research
When you are getting divorced, you will need to find a divorce attorney who will take you through the process. But this is not always as easy as it sounds. In choosing a divorce lawyer, it’s a must to find one that you connect with. Having good rapport is essential. You need the confidence of knowing that you are dealing with someone who understands your situation. You also want an attorney who has a good reputation. You can find one by asking around; word-of-mouth is very effective. Another concern is your attorney’s time frame. With about 827,000 divorces every year in the U.S., divorce attorneys are busy. So you need to move fast. Also, get all terms of payment in writing. And make sure there are no hidden costs!
When you choose a divorce lawyer, you have to be organized and direct. Keep track of all your paperwork. These tips, and a good divorce lawyer, will help you get through this phase of your life. Then you will be able to move on and enjoy the happy, fulfilling life you deserve.