Family Lawyer
Divorce is never easy. You and your spouse built a relationship and life together. You may have had children together and you very likely share assets such as real estate, a home, cars and other assets. Every situation is unique, but many times emotions can run high as you work through the process of determining how your assets will be divided, and it can make being objective challenging for both parties. This is where hiring a lawyer can help you. Finding a trustworthy family lawyer from a firm like the Law Group of Iowa can make your life easier and get you better outcomes.
How do I know if I need a lawyer?
There are a number of reasons that people consult with a family lawyer:
- You want to understand what your options are. Every divorce is unique and is determined by factors such as you and your spouse’s occupation, the assets you own, whether you have children, and so much more. Sitting down with a lawyer can help you understand what your options are and help you develop legal strategies to reach an outcome that meets your needs.
- Your spouse has retained a lawyer. If your spouse has hired a lawyer, you should do the same. A lawyer is skilled in navigating the legal system. They understand how to correctly file paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Unless you are a lawyer with experience in family law, you will likely be under-qualified and overmatched when going to court.
- You suspect your spouse wants a divorce and is moving around or using your assets to benefit their case. An example of this is the spouse that is the breadwinner hiding money so that they don’t have to provide it for alimony.
Why is having a family lawyer important?
Working through the divorce process you will need to determine who to split custody of your children; how to divide your retirement, savings, investments, and other assets; and whether a spouse needs to pay child support or alimony. As a general rule, the more you own together, the more complex it is to divide what you have. Even if you have a prenuptial agreement in place, a lawyer can help ensure that the agreement is executed as it was written.
In addition to the issues listed above, other unanticipated issues can arise that require a lawyer’s services. For instance, people often think of dividing the property they own, but what about debt? You will need to work out how to divide what is owed. Other issues include determining how to handle tax issues that arise and how you and your partner will pay for your child’s schooling, etc. While divorce might seem simple on the surface, it is always smart to at least consult with a family lawyer in Des Moines, IA to make sure there isn’t something you are missing.