When is the best time to hire a divorce lawyer for help with divorce options?
Sometimes marriages simply just don’t work, and that’s okay. People change over time, and the person you married might not be right for you any more – but after so much time together, your lives become so entangled that going your separate ways can become more complicated than you realize. Navigating the ins and outs of child custody, community property, shared finances, alimony and prenuptial agreements can be a lot to handle. When you and your spouse decide to part ways, it’s best to have a professional, experienced Palm Desert divorce attorney on your side, to help you understand the complexities of family law and to provide you with all your divorce options. Whatever your concerns, we are here for you.
The Pitfalls of a Do-It-Yourself Divorce
It’s easy to think that splitting up from your spouse is something you can do yourself. There are forms to fill out, sure, but you do your taxes each year – this can’t be any more complicated, right? But there is a lot more to family law than most people realize. The ins and outs of child custody, income distribution, community property, alimony, child support, inheritance rights, access to retirement, and many other facets of family law can be a lot to consider, and without the assistance of a family law attorney you may end up waiving rights you didn’t even know you had.
When is the best time to file for divorce?
Filing for divorce is a huge decision, and it should not be taken lightly. There’s a lot to consider when your marriage is facing hard times. But when being together is too stressful, and it’s clear that things just aren’t working out, then filing for divorce can be the first step towards a better, more fulfilling life. It’s important to know that you have options. If your spouse is unfaithful, if they have been abusive or emotionally manipulative, if they haven’t been forthright about finances, or if you simply cannot get along any more, then it’s time to consider contacting a family law attorney and finding out what course is best for you.
There are several divorce options available for ending a marriage – or even putting one on hold for a while. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider one of the following:
- Annulment: Depending on the conditions of your marriage, you might be eligible for an annulment – an order from a judge rendering your marriage null and void, as if it had never happened at all. There are many conditions in which this might apply – cases such as fraud, coercion, sexual incompatibility or infidelity. Usually annulments happen within the first few months of a marriage, but sometimes even longer relationships can be annulled. Speaking with a divorce attorney can help you decide if your case is one where an annulment is warranted.
- Legal Separation: Sometimes a marriage seems bad, but with time apart the stresses of the relationship can ease, making it easier to reconcile. In such a case, a legal separation might be in order. This usually involves both parties living in different houses, and can sometimes involve counseling. In many jurisdictions, this step is a mandated requirement before a divorce case will even be heard.
- No Fault Divorce: Not all divorces are angry, emotional affairs. Sometimes it’s just a matter of two people who don’t get along as well as they thought they would. In a case of a no-fault divorce, both parties agree that the marriage simply isn’t working because of irreconcilable differences, and they want to go their separate ways. Cases like this can often be solved through simple mediation, in which both parties meet with a family law attorney and a mediator in order to divide assets and split up on amicable terms.
- Uncontested Divorce: Similar to a no-fault divorce, an uncontested divorce usually fits best when the couple mostly agrees on how best to divide assets, share child custody, and resolve the other issues that occur during most divorces. This is often a simple, pain-free way to handle a divorce proceeding – but you should be aware that a divorce attorney is still invaluable in these cases, to advise you on what rights you have and whether or not agreeing to the terms of an uncontested divorce are in your best interest.
- Contested Divorce: Sometimes, reconciliation isn’t an option, and reaching an amicable divorce just isn’t feasible. Emotions can run high in a divorce proceeding, and in cases where it seems like you just can’t agree on anything with your spouse any more, the experience of a divorce lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of family law, protect your rights, and fight for the best interest of your children.
Contact Us For Help With Your Divorce Options in Palm Desert Today!
The Law Office of Heath Baker is committed to providing high-quality divorce representation and legal services. Contact us at (951) 222-2228 to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled family law attorney.