September 14, 2022

Think You Might Want a Divorce? Here's How to Prepare

There are lots of reasons why you might consider a divorce. According to data from a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the most common reasons for divorce are incompatibility (43%), infidelity (28%), and financial issues (22%). If you are dealing with any of these three and you think divorce is the solution, you mustn't just jump into it. You should take some time to prepare. Here are some things you can do to prepare for divorce.

Find a Divorce Attorney

This is the first thing you must do to prepare for divorce. While it may be easier for you and your partner to deal with your divorce without litigation, that's not always possible. Hiring divorce attorneys doesn't mean your case will end up in court. Sometimes lawyers can advise you and make you see why going to court may not be a good idea. For instance, you may end up paying $10,000 in attorneys' fees just so you can win assets worth $5000. In that case, losing that asset would be cheaper than fighting for it. You can even negotiate for something else.

Pay Closer Attention to Your Money

One of the first things that divorce attorneys will tell you to do is to mind your finances if you are preparing for divorce. Most women tend to leave financial stuff to their husbands. As such, they generally keep themselves in the financial dark. If this is how your marriage was, it would be a good idea to start paying more attention to account numbers, tax returns, and bank statements. Very soon after filing for divorce, you will need to fill in a statement of your net worth. Therefore, you should ensure that every asset is accounted for, and that starts with knowing what your assets are.

Prepare a Post-Divorce Budget

It's very important to determine how you will survive financially once you are on your own. In some instances, incomes drop drastically after divorce. For instance, a spouse can leverage existing credit to buy out the interest in an asset. Revising your expenses will also influence how you negotiate the divorce settlement. Whatever the case, a budget is very important. If your spouse was paying all the bills, you definitely don't want to be left homeless. Therefore, you should know where you are going and how you will pay for your upkeep ahead of time.

Divorce can be quite stressful. This is why you need to ensure that you prepare ahead of time. Once the proceedings start, there will be so much to deal with that you may forget some important things. Get in touch with our divorce attorneys if you need help preparing for a divorce. We can also help with the divorce process. We would love to make things easier for you.

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How Do Courts Handle Parental Relocation Disputes?

April 4, 2025

Parental relocation disputes present a challenging intersection of family dynamics, legal considerations, and emotional well-being. When one parent wishes to move to a new location with their child, and the other parent opposes this move, the situation requires careful navigation by the courts. These disputes often arise after a divorce or separation, adding another layer of complexity to an already emotional situation. Family attorneys play a crucial role in guiding parents through these legal challenges and ensuring the child's best interests are upheld. The Importance of Mediation in Relocation Disputes Before a court even gets involved, it is often recommended that parents try to resolve relocation disputes out of court. Mediation and negotiation are invaluable tools that can help parents reach an agreement that is in the best interest of the child. In fact, according to Legal Jobs, 90% of custody agreements are settled without bringing the case in front of a judge. This statistic underscores the importance of alternative dispute resolution methods, which can be less time-consuming and contentious than court proceedings. Consulting experienced family attorneys can help parents navigate these discussions effectively. Court Considerations in Relocation Cases When a relocation dispute does make it to court, the decision is largely based on the best interest of the child. Courts take into consideration a variety of factors, such as the reasons for the move, the potential impact on the child’s relationship with both parents, and how the relocation might affect the child’s education and social life. Each case is unique, and judges are tasked with weighing these factors carefully to make a decision that ensures the child's emotional and physical well-being. Family attorneys can provide essential legal support to parents facing court proceedings. Preserving Parent-Child Relationships Courts also examine the feasibility of maintaining a meaningful relationship between the non-relocating parent and the child. This could involve revisiting existing custody arrangements and considering new visitation schedules that accommodate the distance. Judges are acutely aware of how important both parents are to a child's development and are therefore likely to incorporate methods that preserve these relationships, despite geographical separation. Parental relocation disputes can be complex and emotionally charged. While out-of-court settlements are preferable and commonplace, the courts exist to make decisions that prioritize the child's best interests when necessary. Understanding how these disputes are handled can provide reassurance to parents navigating the potentially turbulent waters of custody and relocation disagreements. If you are facing a parental relocation dispute, contact The Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. for experienced legal guidance and support.