You likely know of individuals who suffered the torments of hell through a divorce, and you also presumably know somebody who pulled it off without much controversy. Why are some divorces sensible and others destructive?
To a startling extent, the solution can depend on a single factor: how much you depend on lawyers and courts to settle troublesome problems. According to experts from our family law practice in Orlando, the less you utilize the court, the less expense and heartache, and, in many circumstances, the better quality of the definitive result. But how do you bypass courts and lawyers?
In theory, it's simple: You do best if you work out complex issues yourselves, with assistance from a neutral third person, like a mediator, if you require it. You don't let attorneys haggle over such critical matters as how you will raise your children, what occurs with the family residence, and how your property is divided. If you can work these problems out yourselves, and many, if not most, partners can, you will save yourselves time, capital, and anguish. More importantly, you will spare your children the hideous spectacle of extended parental disputes, helping them overcome the divorce as intact as possible.
If you can solve the big queries of children, finances, and possessions, you need to request to the court, in writing, to bestow a divorce. However, you don't have to appear in many states in court. As a result, many courts now make it relatively easy for people to handle the whole process without a lawyer.
But first, you've got to attack those major questions. Can you and your spouse, somebody you may not feel much like collaborating with at the moment, accomplish it on your own? A stunning number of divorcing couples can ultimately come to terms without external assistance.
Take action immediately if you worry that your spouse might hurt you or your children or abscond with your property. First, move to a safe place and, if necessary, get a temporary restraining order to keep the spouse away. This is a situation where it is essential to hire an attorney.
Some individuals may urge you to close joint bank and credit card accounts, but this may be held against you during court proceedings. Since mutual bank and credit accounts are usually viewed as common property, your future ex might accuse you of fraud or stealing, and a judge may agree, although violence is raised as an issue.
Your best wager is to take the amount of money you realistically need (you have this right, but do your best not to take more than half of what's there unless you must), plus some extra for emergencies, and immediately file an action in court for support.
These are just a few suggestions on when to keep lawyers out of divorce and when to hire one. Contact our family law practice in Orlando today if you need assistance. We are here for you.