Going through a divorce and child custody battles can be one of the most difficult things in anyone’s life. Along with the emotional stresses, there are multiple financial and logistical issues to be handled. The legal issues are crucial to how everything is settled, but few people have the resources or knowledge to handle them. That’s why for anyone in this situation, it’s important to find an attorney who can help to secure their interests.
Divorce statistics and the individual
Divorce is a commonplace occurrence in our society, but that doesn’t make it any easier for the individual. On a personal level, it looks like your entire life falling apart. Especially if there are children involved, the legal settlement affects the future welfare of everyone concerned. Each year there are about one million children who are involved in divorce proceedings when the parents decide to part ways.
Statistically speaking, about 40 to 50% of all first marriages and 60% of all second marriages will end in divorces, researchers in the U.S. have found. The numbers are disheartening: about one divorce takes place every 36 seconds. In a day, that comes to almost 2,400 divorces, in a week that’s 16,800 divorces and in a year, 876,000 divorces.
Why you should find an attorney
The numbers don’t tell the story of individual emotional trauma that is caused by divorce. This makes it difficult to focus on the legal issues, which are after all crucial to the future of all parties concerned. At a time like this, it’s easy to let emotions cloud your judgement.
That’s why it’s important to have a seasoned divorce and family law attorney you can trust, to guide you through the arguments and negotiations to a fair settlement. Divorce attorneys have seen it all, and can advise you on the basis of their extensive experience and knowledge. Sound legal advice at a time like this will pave the way for an easier transition.
Things to ask your attorney
After you find an attorney, it’s a good idea to make a list of things you need to ask. It may be a good idea to focus on the financial issues, since they will determine the resources you will have to rebuild your life. These could include the following:
- financial disclosure requirements for both partners
- restraining orders prohibiting changing beneficiary designations or transferring assets before and during the divorce
- alimony and the factors the courts will consider in determining the settlement
- child support and how it varies from state to state
- division of property, assets and retirement benefits.
Experienced attorneys can advise you on these and other matters.
If you’re going through a divorce, particularly if there are children involved, emotions are likely running high on all sides, clouding your judgement. It’s important to find an attorney you can trust to look out for your interests, and with the knowledge and experience to secure these.
