Divorce or separation is a trying time for any couple.
When a lawyer steps in, it is usually to act as an unbiased third party to both spouses. This means that you and your former partner both get the guidance and help you require to get you a satisfactory result. A lawyer is a trained professional, who has seen a lot of divorces, so chances are that they can guide you better on how to proceed and when to take a certain action.
When you are getting divorced there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Even with a lawyer, there are procedures to follow and fundamentals to consider before the process is complete. These things include:
- Present Evidence
If you are filing for divorce on the grounds of dangerous behavior, adultery or abandonment, then you need to give your attorney evidence for a two or five year separation, where you did not give proper consent.
- Don’t Have Expectations
You might find yourself in a situation where you wish to get a quick divorce on the basis of adultery, but unless you have proof, it cannot be done. A lawyer will usually advise you to get a divorce based on ‘unreasonable behavior’.
- Unreasonable Behavior
Unreasonable behavior is common in the courts and does not need proper investigation. Unless it is a case that requires serious evidence, you can be granted a divorce without any problems.
- Have No Misconceptions
There is a common misconception about divorce where people believe it can be conducted quickly. When this doesn’t happen you start to get frustrated and make rash decisions. A lawyer keeps both parties calm and guides them through the lengthy process. Usually, a divorce can take more than six or seven months.
- Make It Impersonal
You should be aware of the fact that the reason you are getting a divorce holds no important when it comes to child custody or asset division. Keep your personal grudges and reasons aside during the proceedings.
- Court is Not Needed
Usually, a divorce can happen without ever even going to court. All that is really needed is the presence of both parties and their attorneys. Unless there is a serious conflict of arrangements, costs, child custody and finances, there is no reason for the court to step in.
- Alimony is not Guaranteed
Just because the law encourages to pay alimony, does not guarantee that you will get it. A voluntary agreement is not a legal binding. That means that once everything is agreed and finished off and your former spouse does not pay you, it is not against the law.
A good lawyer will tell you all of the above before you initiate the divorce process so you know what it entails. Misconceptions and misinformation can add to the stress of the divorce, so when you are selecting a lawyer, research and find out who the best is. Otherwise, you and your former partner might end up suffering.
Lloyd Maddox has been writing for more than a decade. His articles have helped divorcing couples understand various situations by referring to firms and experts found at places like http://www.djpsolicitors.com/.