The end of a marriage is a difficult time. Once a marriage is irretrievably broken, divorce is often the best option.
The divorce process is complicated and overwhelming. There's so much to consider, especially if you have children.
Although some couples are able to part amicably without lawyers, most cannot. It's important to have the best divorce lawyer possible to help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Here are 8 signs you should hire a divorce attorney.
1. One Party Has Filed for Divorce
If your spouse has hired an attorney or filed for divorce, you need your own divorce lawyer. You want someone in your corner who will look out for your best interests and protect your rights throughout the divorce process.
Going through a divorce is difficult for everyone involved. This is not the time to go it alone. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is the first step to reaching an amicable resolution with your spouse.
Whether your divorce proceeds to court or not, having an attorney will help ensure you receive fair treatment. If your spouse has started the divorce process, it's time to contact the best divorce lawyer in your area.
2. Infidelity
Many couples choose to divorce when one spouse is unfaithful. Although infidelity doesn't always signal the end of a marriage, it's a strong sign that your relationship is in trouble.
Many couples cannot come back when the trust is broken in their relationship. In some cases, one party may choose to file for divorce to be with another person.
In most cases, the betrayed spouse chooses to end the marriage. When a couple divorces due to infidelity, emotions are high.
These divorces can become heated as feelings of anger and betrayal surface. Having a divorce attorney by your side can put some distance between you and your spouse and make the process easier and less volatile.
3. Lack of Commitment
Marriage is hard work. Sometimes one or both parties don't have the desire to resolve their differences or fight for their marriage.
Although most marriages begin with the best of intentions, people often grow apart. Emotional distance makes communication and intimacy difficult in a marriage.
Lack of communication is a common cause of divorce. When someone lacks the commitment to work on the marriage, divorce is often the best solution.
If you and your spouse have grown apart and reconciliation isn't an option, talking to a divorce lawyer may be the next best step forward.
4. Your Child's Wellbeing
An unhappy marriage is an unhappy home for children. Witnessing frequent fights and hostility between parents is difficult and damaging for children.
Although the topic of divorce is hard for children to accept, it's often the best solution for a dysfunctional household. Your children deserve a calm, happy home.
Their feelings and future need to be the main priority if your marriage is ending. A divorce lawyer can help you ensure your child's safety and protect their best interests.
A divorce attorney has experience with custody, visitation, and child support issues. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you protect your child at this difficult time and plan for their best interests in the future.
5. Custody Concerns
If you have young children, you need a firm agreement regarding custody. This can get complicated, especially if there are any issues of neglect or abuse.
Although some couples can work together to determine an amicable custody arrangement, many cannot. It's always best to seek legal guidance regarding custody concerns.
An attorney can offer insight into custody options and a parenting plan going forward. If the parties cannot agree on custody, the situation can become heated.
You may have to go to court to determine what's best for your child. In this situation, you want a divorce attorney who understands child custody laws to help you protect the best interests of your child.
6. Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a common occurrence and a frequent cause of divorce. First, if you are being abused in your marriage, you have every reason to leave the relationship.
No one deserves to be abused in any way. If you or your children are at risk, you should seek help right away.
Domestic violence is often a cycle. Abusers do not change without professional help.
You cannot negotiate the terms of your divorce with an abuser. You need a divorce lawyer to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the best possible divorce settlement.
7. Shared Business Assets
As couples build a life together, they often invest in businesses and other financial ventures. When the marriage is over, it's a complicated process to split these assets.
Having children further complicates financial matters in a divorce. It's wise to have an attorney who can help you reach an agreement regarding your business and other financial assets.
If you share a business, there's a lot of paperwork and documentation involved in negotiating assets. These decisions affect your financial future.
You need a divorce lawyer you can trust to handle the details and ensure you receive what you deserve.
8. Property Division
Property division is a complicated issue in a divorce. You have to consider the various properties and if you acquired them before or after the marriage.
You must determine whether to split the properties or sell them. Dividing assets can become tricky, especially if there's anger or hostility directed at either party.
In the heat of anger, one party may try to hide or shift assets around to protect what they want to keep. This creates more strife and mistrust.
You don't want to handle issues of property division on your own. It's in your best interest to have a divorce attorney guide you in these matters and protect your rights as you seek resolution.
The Best Kona Divorce Lawyer
If your marriage is broken, we understand it's a difficult situation to face. Don't try to weather the divorce process on your own.
Although emotions run high at the end of a marriage, it's important to think of the future. Make sure you have a skilled divorce lawyer by your side every step of the way.
We strive to ensure that our clients receive the best divorce settlement possible as they move forward to a brighter future. If you are facing divorce, we're here to help.
Contact us today for a consultation.