Divorce Options

Divorce, known in some states as dissolution of marriage, is the most common legal action when a married couple separates. The legal effect of a divorce is to say that a marriage existed, but is no more. Certain obligations, primarily financial, may extend beyond the divorce, and standards are set in the divorce decree.

Specific procedures, divorce laws in your state and requirements vary somewhat from state to state, but there are basically two ways to obtain a divorce decree.

Divorce Decided by the Divorce Court

If the divorcing parties aren't able to agree on issues like custody, child support and property division, then those issues are typically decided in a court hearing known as contested divorce. The parties submit information to the divorce court about income, living conditions, relationships with children and other relevant topics. The divorce court uses the information to determine a divorce settlement.

Divorce Agreement Without a Trial

If you and your spouse are able to work together, you may be able to set a divorce settlement through alternatives to divorce court. A divorce lawyer can help you negotiate with your spouse  how to divide your property and debts, decide on child custody and visitation arrangements and determine whether spousal maintenance is appropriate. The agreement is submitted to the court for approval by a judge. Generally speaking, alternative dispute resolution is less expensive and less stressful; however, it's advisable for each party to have a divorce attorney acting on his or her behalf when the agreement is drawn up and signed.

Learn About your Divorce Options with a Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering a divorce, connect with a local divorce lawyer to find out more about divorce and alternatives to divorce court. With the help of a divorce attorney, you can explore the different divorce options and what will work best for you and your family. Total Divorce can help you find a local divorce lawyer to learn more about your divorce options. Call 877-349-1310 or fill out a divorce case review to set up a preliminary consultation today.