What You Should Know About Family Law Before Filing for Divorce

When you're considering divorce, navigating the world of family law can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you out. Let's review a few things you should definitely know about family law before you file for divorce.

It's Important to Work With a Lawyer

Even if you and your partner are looking to have an amicable split, it's important to seriously consider working with an attorney. Not only will an attorney help protect your rights, but they will make navigating the legal aspects of dissolving your marriage much easier. Working with a professional divorce attorney who knows the ins and outs of divorce and family law can be a lifesaver if this is your first brush with divorce. A divorce lawyer will be up to date on laws concerning marriage, divorce, marital property, child custody and visitation, and family support.

Division of Property Can Vary

Ordinarily, you and your partner will be able to decide how to divide up your assets and property. Even though many divorces begin with a level of conflict, most cases reach a settlement without needing to involve a judge. In the event that you and your partner can't come to an agreement of some kind, then the division of assets will be left to a court. While laws vary from state to state, most allow individuals to retain their nonmarital property. This means that any assets you owned before your marriage will likely still be yours if the court needs to make a determination for the division of assets.

Determining Child Custody Can Be Tricky

Child custody is one of the more complex issues that comes up in divorce. If you and your partner can't agree on a joint custody plan, then it will be up to the court to determine who will have primary or sole custody. This decision takes numerous factors into account, all of which will be used to determine what is in the best interest of your child or children. Child support is another matter that the court will determine once custody has been sorted out. In most cases, the parent who spends the least time with your child will pay child support.

Divorce can be an overwhelming experience. Whether you already know a bit about family law or you've never had a brush with it before, make sure you're utilizing divorce lawyer services to help you through this difficult time.