Unfortunately, divorce is becoming more and more frequent across the country. About 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce, and more than 20 percent of first marriages end in divorce within five years. A marriage can end for a number of reasons, but no matter the reason at some point one side or the other will visit a law office to hire the services of a divorce lawyer. As a marriage comes to an end, there are certain steps you should consider as the divorce process begins, and this article will take a look at a few of them.
- Speak to a Divorce Lawyer: One step to consider taking if your marriage is coming to an end is speaking with a divorce lawyer. No matter the reason for the divorce, you need to speak with a divorce lawyer as soon as possible to determine what your rights are as the marriage is dissolved and the assets are divided between you and your former spouse. A lawyer can walk you through the process, and let you know what to expect as things move forward.
- Speak With a Child Custody Lawyer: Another step to consider taking if your marriage is coming to an end is to speak with a child custody lawyer. While not everyone needs to take this step, as not all marriages produce children, it is a step that should be taken if any children are involved in the relationship. Even if the divorce is completely amicable, the question of child custody needs to be decided, as custody is generally split in some way. A child custody lawyer can walk you through this process, and let you know what your rights are when it comes to demanding custodial rights.
- Speak With a Family Law Attorney: And finally, a third step to consider taking if your marriage is coming to an end is to speak with a family law attorney. This step could be necessary if custody of the children has been awarded, but one side or the other wants to negotiate the finer points of the custody arrangements. An attorney versed in family law can mediate the situation, and help both sides come to an arrangement that works for everyone.
In conclusion, there are several steps you might consider taking if your marriage is coming to an end. These include: speaking with a divorce lawyer, speaking with a child custody lawyer, and speaking with a family law attorney. These are just some of the steps you might need to take if your marriage comes to an end.