Newbie to divorce. Kids but grown. In a state where you have to live separate for a year. What are some qualities to look for in a divorce lawyer? Can you do it without a divorce lawyer?
2007-08-21 04:43:54 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
DON'T DO IT WITHOUT A DIVORCE ATTORNEY! I don't care how amicable it is. Ask around or look on-line (such as a forum) for for a recommendation. Also, set up an appt. with more than one so that you can get a feel for the best one. It may be a little more expensive to do it this way, but, it could save you money in the long run.
Also, I don't care who you are, people become different human beings during a divorce. Trust me on this...PLEASE!
Good luck!
2007-08-21 07:56:03 · answer #1 · answered by Slipped Halo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily need a lawyer, although most people will tell you you should have one.
You say you have to live apart for one year. See how things are going before you run to a lawyer If everything goes smoothly then let it go. If they (kids) are out and living on their own they may have their own thoughts about the divorce It's only their opinions and nothing more. Everyone has a right to their own own opinions.
My sister never got a divorce lawyer. She did it here self and saved a lot of money.
So all said and done , it's up to you to make your own decisions.
The year apart is an adjustment period. You and your wife may or may not decide to get back to get back together again.
2007-08-21 12:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by Eagles Fly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From someone who's currently in this situation and have been for the last year.......yes, get a lawyer. Look into lawyers who have practiced family law for several years at an established firm. Pay attention to how they respond to your needs and wants. I wouldn't advise doing this without a lawyer, even if your current spouse is being reasonable about all of this. You two have decided to divorce and part ways, meaning you no longer make decisions together. This is now about you and what you want for the rest of your life. Ask around at work, church, or close friends for lawyers they have had. Usually that is a good way to get the "heads up" on who would be best.
2007-08-21 12:00:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend doing this without a lawyer, as this could cost you much more, alhtough that mainly depends on your current relationship with your spouse.
Definitely use a specialised experienced lawyer. This would cost you anything from £400-£1000 before you actually go to court.
There are a few options how to speed things up - either one of you can admit to adultery or you can claim divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour. This still should take around 6 months.
In any case getting a divorce is a stressfull and costly experience.
Good luck
2007-08-21 11:52:54 · answer #4 · answered by wander_boots 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah you don't have to live seperate for a year. Maybe live seperate for a year to be considered legally seperated. But that won't affect your divorce, just your taxes.
Go to your local courthouse and pick up a "divorce pack w/o children". You fill this out at home then take it back up to the courthouse and have it filed. It will say in the packet step by step what to do and how much it costs to file, have him served, etc. By the time you're done it will cost anywhere from $300-$400. But since your children are grown the divorce will be clean cut and easy. Unless you have assets you're fighting for. But if you two agree on everything and just go your seperate ways, it should take less than 3mths depending on the court dates.
2007-08-21 11:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by goturanswer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you and he wish to do is divorce civilly... and that means that you hire what is called a mediating attorney. Get divorce papers from your court house, or most any office supply place. Both of you need to look at them and decide fairly how your estate ought to be split. The more familiar you are with them, the less time the attorney will take to fill them out. ,,,(and the cheaper for you). He will then file them for you. Most guys charge between $75-300. If you and he get into an adversarial stance, kiss about $6000 each goodbye from your estate. If you have little to divide, $75 is cheap. You can indeed do it yourself, for about a $15 filing fee. Call around. Look in the yellow pages for Divorce -- mediating. to get their rates.
2007-08-21 12:08:01 · answer #6 · answered by April 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in North Carolina, where you have to be separated a year also. Plus, I just signed separation papers yesterday on the grounds of alcohol abuse. My situation might get ugly before it's over, that's for sure. I have 2 kids, who are 3 and 7,
and I'm fighting for full custody, post-separation alimony, and child support. I've lived in an alcoholic environment since I was a child, and it's time for a change!
2007-08-21 12:25:42 · answer #7 · answered by groovytarheel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it truly over? Divorce is ugly and mean spirited but if you are in a situation where you agree to divorce and arrange who gets what fairly-- you can file yourself at your court house. If you are going to leave don't make it about "stuff" just take what you truly want and move on with your life. So much time is wasted on someone who no longer is a part of your life. Keep in mind if your kids are older, and they end up in a divorce situation they will mock what you do....beware.
2007-08-21 11:52:47 · answer #8 · answered by singlegreenjeff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a mutual thing, keep it amicable. You should try to keep ok with kids involved. If it's a harsh breakup, just do the 50/50 split and be done with it.
Don't find a lawyer that would "crucify" him. That's just stupid and immature. You don't want to start a war. You start it and he will more than likely finish it.
2007-08-21 11:50:41 · answer #9 · answered by chaoss13 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get the best lawyer you can afford. This is your future. If lawyers hire other lawyers for their own divorce.
2007-08-21 11:59:42 · answer #10 · answered by Dacious P.I. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋