Divorce can be a very stressful and life-changing experience. People are often worried about their finances, their children, and the possibility of domestic violence. In such cases, it is helpful to hire a divorce attorney to guide them through the process. They can help take away the anxiety and uncertainty involved in the divorce process.
There are many ways to deal with an abusive spouse, and divorce lawyers can help you find an appropriate divorce strategy. It’s essential to find out what your rights are. For example, if your spouse has repeatedly hit or slapped you, it’s likely grounds for a divorce. In such cases, you may be able to use the child custody law to protect your child.
If your partner has a history of domestic violence, you’ll need to present this information to the court early in the divorce process. An alleged abuser may not receive primary physical custody and visitation may be supervised or limited until certain events have taken place. For example, an order of protection may require the abuser to undergo counseling or undergo certain treatment programs. Consult an experienced Houston family law attorney.
You can also apply for a protective order if you’re afraid of the abuse. This will prevent your spouse from contacting you or coming near you. A protective order will not protect you from all harm, so you need to protect yourself if you have to leave your relationship. However, protective orders can’t protect you from all threats, and you should call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
Divorce can be absolute or contested, and it can also come about through a default divorce if you can’t find your spouse. Each state has its procedures for this type of divorce, but the courts are likely to require a reasonable effort to track down your spouse. Once this is done, you’ll need to publish a notice in a newspaper and wait a certain period for your spouse to respond.
Divorce is an emotional process that is best managed through therapy. Time is your friend and can make the healing process easier. During the first few weeks following a divorce, you may experience denial. This does not mean that you don’t want to face the reality, it simply means that you are not processing the divorce properly and are trying to avoid conflict as much as possible.
The next step in the process is the division of assets and debts. In this case, the court will consider the behavior of each spouse during the marriage to determine equitable property distribution. If there was any financial or economic abuse, for instance, the victim may be entitled to a larger portion of the assets of the other spouse.
A divorce complaint will outline the facts and request for a divorce. It will also detail the terms of property division and spousal support. Active-duty military members may also be entitled to divorce under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Information on this act can be found here. In addition to a complaint, a divorce petition must be served on the spouse.
Divorce laws differ by state. Some require residency in a certain state for a spouse to file for divorce. In these cases, proof of residency may be required, which can take months to a year. If you and your spouse live in different states, consider filing for a divorce in the state where one of you lives. This may help you save the cost of traveling to the courthouse. In addition, a divorce may be easier to obtain if both parties agree on the divorce terms.
Divorce is a difficult and stressful process. If you cannot agree on the details of your divorce, a divorce lawyer can help. If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, you may opt for a no-fault divorce. This type of divorce is often the easiest to get through. It involves a neutral third party to resolve the differences that you and your spouse have between you.
It is important to be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that will occur after a divorce. Counseling will help you make smart choices and deal with the challenges of divorce. It may take time, but it will help you make the best decisions about your future.