Divorce is never something any two people plan on when they say “I do.” Unfortunately, life doesn’t always pan out the way we expect. Situations and people may change, and it may become necessary or inevitable to split up. No matter the circumstances surrounding a divorce, it is never an easy process to go through. There are many emotional and legal challenges you will encounter that can be difficult to navigate on your own.
Working with a divorce attorney can ensure a much smoother process and provide you with extra support during a time that you need it most. Below are a few of the ways an attorney can assist you in divorce.
Divorce Attorneys Can Help You With…
- Providing Legal Guidance
There are many different aspects to the legal process of divorce in California, so it can be overwhelming territory to charter. There are several issues that typically have to be resolved before a divorce is finalized including the division of property and assets, determination of custody arrangements and child support (including visitation), determination of spousal support, and more. A divorce attorney has extensive knowledge of California’s state laws in each one of these areas, so they can provide a detailed explanation of each facet! There are also different means to divorce in California, including contested and uncontested divorce.
- A contested divorce is when spouses are unable to reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce, so their case has to be litigated in court and a judge will make the final decisions on the issues.
- An unncontested divorce is when spouses are able to come to an agreement on the terms of their divorce, so their case is able to stay out of the courts and a collaborative negotiation can be reached through a mediator or with the help of attorneys.
An experienced divorce attorney can advise you on these issues and options while simultaneously protecting your rights and interests.
- Serving As An Impartial Party
Divorce can be a legally complex issue to work through, especially on your own. Because divorce is such an emotionally charged situation for everyone involved, it can be challenging to make the necessary decisions with a clear mind. A skilled divorce attorney can help you look at things more objectively.
For example, if you and your spouse have children together, custody is one of the steps of the divorce proceeding, so it is likely your emotions are heightened as this life transition affects your children, too. A divorce attorney can help you refrain from acting on impulse or making irrational choices during a divorce that could affect the way you’re viewed by a judge, and ultimately determine the way custody is divided. Or if you are extremely bitter against your spouse for what they have done to you, an attorney can keep you from making decisions out of spite and ultimately steer you towards the actions that are most likely to lay a strong foundation for your future. An attorney isn’t looking for a personal gain in your divorce, but can help you with your own!
- Negotiating Or Fighting On Your Behalf
The main duty of a divorce attorney, and the most important thing they can do to assist you, is to help you protect the things that matter most to you. A big concern when two people decide to divorce is who gets what. A skilled divorce attorney knows how to guard your assets, property, children and more so that you walk away from your divorce happy with the end result, which should be a fair outcome. Some couples are able to end things amicably, which makes it easier to decide on the various facets involved, and others need a bit more assistance. A divorce attorney can help you initiate peaceful negotiations to secure the things you love.
However, not every couple is able to work cohesively and tension can be a major roadblock during divorce. In that case, your attorney can aggressively fight on your behalf and defend your legal rights in the process.
- Paperwork
When initiating a divorce in California, there are several different documents that must be executed correctly. In the midst of emotional chaos, the last thing you want to have to deal with is signing a lot of different paperwork, especially if you don’t understand much of what it is saying. A divorce attorney can not only assist in the completion of the paperwork, but also explain the legal language in simple terms to ensure you know what you’re signing and are empowered to make the right decisions.
- They Can Represent You In Court (If Necessary)
If you and your spouse are unable to agree on the terms of your divorce, you’ll have to go to court, where a judge has the final say. A divorce attorney will represent you and your interests in court, argue for you on your behalf, present evidence for support, and work to increase the odds of you reaching a desirable outcome. Should you choose to represent yourself in court, you might not be aware of the effects that the things you say or do can have on your case. By having qualified, legal representation on your side, you’ll have the best odds of obtaining the results you want.
How Equal Justice Law Group’s Divorce Attorneys Can Help You
If it’s time for you and your spouse to call it quits, the divorce attorneys at Equal Justice Law Group can help you navigate the road ahead and assist you with the necessary steps to make a tumultuous time a bit easier. Let our seasoned divorce attorneys be a non-judgemental voice of reason and guide you through the process. Equal Justice Law Group strives to provide clients with the support they need while guiding them through the legal obstacles divorce can throw their way. We will ensure that your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed so you can feel confident moving forward with your life. Call Equal Justice Law Group today for a free-no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options and next steps! We can help you gain peace of mind during one of life’s biggest transitions.