Effective April 1, 2023, I am no longer accepting new clients and will be taking a leave from the practice of law later this year. Thank you for your understanding.
Divorce
You can divorce without devastation. As an experienced attorney, I can help you reach a resolution and move on to a new chapter in your life.
Unfortunately, this was not your happily ever after. The marriage didn’t work out, and you’re headed for a divorce, which can be a painful, lengthy process that may strain you both financially and emotionally. However, with the right preparation, you can protect your interests, take charge of your future, and save yourself time and money.
While there is no legal requirement that you hire an attorney when dissolving your marriage, most divorcing couples hire attorneys to better protect their interests, even though doing so can be expensive. However, there are options that can keep the emotional and financial toll in check.
For example, if you and your spouse can agree on most issues, you may save time and money by having an attorney file an uncontested divorce. Alternatively, if you and your spouse are committed to resolving your case outside of court, but need more support, an Amicable Divorce might be right for you.
If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot agree on significant issues, you may want to hire a lawyer, who can help you work through issues that are preventing you from reaching an agreement. You can also save time and money by doing your homework before meeting with a divorce lawyer.
I recommend compiling as much of the following information as you can before meeting with an attorney:
- Date and place of marriage and length of time in present state
- Existence of prenuptial agreement
- Names and birthdates of children, if you have any
- Information about parties’ prior marriages, children from other relationships
- Date of separation and grounds for divorce
- Current occupation and name and address of employer for each spouse
- Social Security number for each spouse
- Income of each spouse
- Education, degrees, and training of each spouse
- Extent of employee benefits for each spouse
- Details of retirement plans for each spouse
- Joint assets of the parties
- Liabilities and debts of each spouse
- Life (and other) insurance of each spouse
- Separate or personal assets of each spouse, including trust funds and inheritances
- Financial records
- Family business records
- Collections, artwork, and antiques
As a divorce attorney, I will help you work through the big issues, but I recommend you consider discussing the following issues with your spouse—especially if the two of you are looking to dissolve your marriage out of court:
- If you have children, what are your wishes regarding custody, visitation, and child support?
- Whose health insurance plan should cover the children?
- Do you earn enough money to adequately support yourself, or should alimony be considered?
- Which assets do you really want, and which are you willing to let your spouse keep?
- How do you feel about the family home? Do you feel strongly about living there, or should it be sold or allotted to your spouse?
- Will you have enough money to pay the outstanding debt on whatever assets you keep?
- In addition to an attorney, you may want to see a therapist to help you clarify your wishes, express yourself more clearly, and deal with any child-related issues. Such counseling is typically covered by health insurance.
The end of marriage can be unfortunate, but divorce can be done civilly and allow both parties to successfully move forward in life.
Divorce is a difficult even when you know it’s the right choice. An experienced attorney familiar with divorce law can provide you with the advice and guidance you need.
