When planning to dissolve a marriage, you are likely to depend on different sources of information to understand how to go about the divorce process. You might even rely on advice from friends who recently went through a breakup to figure out the steps to take. That said, all marriage dissolutions are not similar, and relying on such information can be misleading. Therefore, you should consult a divorce lawyer to obtain independent legal advice specific to your unique situation. They will assist you in the following ways to ensure that you dissolve your marriage without any hiccups.
Understanding Your State's Divorce Laws
You must meet all the requirements to dissolve your marriage legally. Your lawyer can help you understand your state's divorce laws to ensure that your application goes through. They will start by evaluating your case to determine whether the issues that led to your disagreement are enough to warrant a divorce. Your legal advisor can also get the documents you require to prove that your partner went against the marriage agreement. For example, if your partner committed adultery or physically abused you, your attorney will get information to support your claim.
Proposing Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies
Your lawyer can advise you to settle your case out of court if you and your spouse are ready to work together. They might recommend negotiations or arbitration as an alternative to going through the court process. These alternative dispute resolutions might be recommendable because you and your spouse might have more control over the case's outcome. In this process, both you and your soon-to-be ex-partner can make different proposals during negotiations. However, when your case goes through the court process, you will have to accept the judge's decision, which might not be your wish.
Guiding You Through the Court Proceedings
If you and your partner do not reach an amicable solution, you might have to seek the court's intervention in the contentious issues. Your legal advisor will guide you through the legal process to get a favorable outcome. They will start by gathering information about your partner's finances to enable you to have a fair divorce process. Your attorney will also represent you in court to ensure an equitable distribution of assets. They will also argue your case to convince the court that you need spousal support, child support, or any other payments you are entitled to.
Every divorce is different. Therefore, it is not advisable to follow your friend's steps when handling your separation because it might not work for your specific case. Instead, contact a divorce attorney to discuss the right measures to take.
