When you face the fact that your marriage isn’t working any longer, filing for divorce is the next logical step. While that may be a rational decision and best for all concerned, what follows will be an emotionally charged battle. You’ll have to deal with things like the division of property, establishing support payments, and determining child custody. This can make your divorce a complex, lengthy, and adversarial process.
Often, people assume they can handle this type of situation without hiring a Tampa divorce lawyer , but that’s usually a mistake. First of all, your spouse will likely be hiring an attorney of their own, so, if you don’t do the same, you’ll be going to court at a great disadvantage. Additionally, an attorney can keep you from making statements and decisions in the heat of the moment. As a professional legal advocate, your lawyer will remain calm and rational throughout the process.
When it comes to the division of property, there may be certain items that you want to retain for sentimental reasons. Your attorney can help you make a compromise that will enable you to keep items of importance. He can also help ensure the division of property is fair and that you’re not forced to give up items that are protected by state divorce laws. For instance, items in your possession, before you were married, may not be considered as marital property in some cases.
There may also be issues of support raised, whether that’s spousal or child support. The courts have a system for determining when support is necessary and how much should be paid, but they must rely on records provided by both parties. If your spouse is withholding financial information, that can affect the judge’s decision. Your lawyer can ensure all of the relevant information is being reported, so the court can make a fair determination.
Child custody is another issue that can be decided against you, if you don’t have an experienced family lawyer working for you. If your spouse wants to obtain full custody, they may try to paint you in a bad light in court. However, a lawyer will know how to respond to those claims and can protect your parental rights.
While divorce is complicated, a lawyer can ease the situation considerably. When you trust a legal advocate to represent you in court, you’ll be benefiting from the expertise needed to improve your outcome. This can help you protect your assets and ensure you remain a stable force in your child’s life.