If you recently filed for divorce, you may feel as if you are in unchartered territory, unsure of what to expect, how to protect your interests, or what steps you need to take now. However, you don’t have to bear these burdens alone when you hire a knowledgeable divorce attorney.
Filing for divorce is a momentous step. Whether you’ve been planning this move for quite some time or just recently came to the realization that your marriage needed to end, filing for divorce legally changes the trajectory of your relationship. Hiring an experienced Huntsville family lawyer can help ensure that you take all the necessary steps while promoting your legal rights and options. Your attorney can explain every step of the divorce process, taking the time to help you make decisions that serve you and your children.
Ideally, your first step in seeking the dissolution of your marriage is to obtain the services of a seasoned Huntsville family attorney. For most spouses, it’s critical to take several steps before actually filing the divorce petition. This might include gathering important financial and other documents or even obtaining an order of protection. You can begin speaking to your lawyer about your desire or ideas for child custody, asset division, alimony, or other often contested issues in a divorce.
Your attorney can also help you complete any forms necessary for filing. You will be required to file in a county where you or your spouse have resided for at least the last six months. You are required to list at least one ground or reason as to why you are seeking a divorce.
Once you or your Huntsville family lawyer has formally filed your divorce, you will need to serve the legal papers to your spouse. If you are represented by an attorney, they can take care of this for you. Either way, you must make sure your soon-to-be ex-spouse has the opportunity to receive the divorce petition. This might be done through a process server, certified mail, or even by newspaper publication in some instances.
Suppose your spouse agrees to the divorce, and you can both amicably work out your arrangements for aspects of the divorce such as debt and asset division, child support, child custody, and alimony. In that case, you can file an uncontested divorce. The judge will only need to sign off on your agreements, and you won’t necessarily have to go to court.
On the other hand, if you and your spouse can’t negotiate the issues in your divorce, you will need to go before a judge and have them make the determinations for you. This is known as a contested divorce and typically comes at a higher expense of time and money.
Divorce is a process that requires skill and dedication to be successful. With an attorney by your side, you can be assured that you have the information you need to make the best decisions for your family. Schedule your consultation with an experienced Huntsville family attorney by calling Cloud, Ryan & Rouse at 256-801-1000 today or using our online contact form.
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