3 Common Family Law Questions That You May Have Regarding Your Case
Going through a divorce is a stressful time, and there is a divorce filed every 13 seconds in America. Because of how fast it can happen, there’s a good chance you may not have the time or resources you need to get all of your family law questions answered before your case begins. It’s important to speak to an experienced family lawyer in order to gain a full understanding of the nature of your specific case.
While you await a meeting with your family lawyer, you may have some questions to ask a divorce attorney that you’d like answered. Whether it be alimony, child support, or division of assets, you should try to gain a preliminary understanding of your divorce settlement options. Here are some brief answers to a few common family law questions that you may have regarding your case:
What is alimony and how do I receive it?
Alimony is a form of financial support paid from one spouse to another. Outside of child custody and visitation, it may be the most important aspect of your divorce settlement. There are six forms of alimony that you may be required to pay or eligible to receive, and each of them varies due to a number of factors. You may be strongly inclined to seek “temporary alimony,” which provides you with financial support until the hearing is complete.
How does child support work?
About half of all marriages end in divorce, and a large percentage of these failed marriages involve children. Most states take a strong stance on a parent’s unwillingness to financially support a child after a divorce, and a family attorney can fight to make sure your former spouse is contributing to the development of your children. Child support usually lasts until the child is 18, though there are several circumstances where it can extend beyond this age.
How will our assets be divided?
Whether your divorce was initiated organically or through something like an online affair, which is the case in 33% of divorce litigation, it’s important to stay level-headed and properly distribute assets between both parties. If you had a pre-existing asset or debt before the marriage, you’ll typically still own them. If assets are collected during the marriage, they are usually split evenly. Division of assets is highly specific and requires a lengthy examination of both party’s assets.
Ask a family lawyer for more detailed explanations of the answers given above. Family law is a complex and specific type of legal field, and you need a dedicated attorney who can answer all of your family law questions and help you regain a life of normalcy.