A divorce is one of the most significant life changes a person can face. It is often emotionally draining and can lead to feelings of isolation. Divorce proceedings are lengthy, complex and costly. Hiring a reputable Divorce attorney Hattingen can help make the process easier for spouses and their children. Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, a seasoned family lawyer can help their clients reach a satisfactory resolution to their case.
Divorce proceedings begin when one spouse files for termination of marriage in a court of law. The filing usually includes details about the grounds for the divorce, spousal support, property division and child custody issues. The other spouse is then served with the petition. If they contest the grounds or allegations in the divorce papers, they may file an answer or counter-petition. They may also dispute the spousal support amount or the property division details.
Spousal support and child custody are two of the most contested issues in divorce cases. A knowledgeable Divorce attorney can explain the various laws in their state regarding alimony and custody, and they can help spouses come to an agreement on these issues. For example, some states use a formula to determine spousal support payments while others leave these decisions to the judge’s discretion. Spousal support can be reduced or terminated when either spouse remarries or the spouse who receives alimony is cohabiting with another person. Child custody issues can also be complex, and a lawyer can advise spouses on the law regarding joint or sole custody of their children, including decision-making rights and visitation schedules.
Complex assets and income issues can also complicate a divorce. For example, some spouses have compensation packages that can be difficult to understand or value. This is particularly true for executives, entrepreneurs and trust income beneficiaries. An experienced Divorce attorney Hattingen can assist with these types of issues by helping their clients separate personal and business assets and determining the appropriate spousal or child support amounts.
An experienced divorce attorney can also provide guidance on other issues, such as prenuptial agreements and paternity cases. Paternity cases typically involve mothers who are seeking child support payments from the biological father of their children. A divorce attorney can help their client prepare a prenuptial agreement or draft a custody and visitation agreement that meets their needs.
When searching for a divorce attorney, individuals should look for someone who specializes in the areas of family law that are most relevant to their case. A lawyer who has a high referral rate from colleagues and other family lawyers is a good choice. Individuals should also consider how much the attorney charges for their services. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others offer a bundled-base service or task-based billing that can save clients money on the costs of their case. It is also worth considering asking about flat fees for less complex divorce proceedings. Scheidungsanwalt Hattingen