Coming to terms with the necessity of divorce can be very depressing. While you might think that there are ways that you could fix the marriage and salvage it, you also feel like you’ve exhausted all your options. But even if you think about following through on it, divorce law can feel so confusing that you have second thoughts. However, a divorce attorney can do a lot more than just help you understand your rights; they can actively help you get the settlement you deserve following a divorce.
When Should You Call A Divorce Attorney?
The signs that you should get a divorce are usually there, but it’s hard to accept that things are getting that bad. In fact, it’s likely that you’ve noticed or experienced these signs yourself, but you haven’t stopped to consider them. Some of these include:
Violence or Abuse
In situations where domestic violence or abuse becomes frequent in a marriage, it is essential to contact a certified divorce lawyer. Along with protecting yourself from this abusive behavior, you can also protect your children by contacting a lawyer in time. They can help you get a restraining order or even emergency custody of your children.
And when that becomes the starting point for the divorce proceedings, a good attorney will also guide you through the legal process to ensure that you get the most favorable outcome. Furthermore, their years of experience in the field also means that they can connect you to community services for people struggling with domestic abuse.
Regular Disputes about Financial Issues
A common sign that you and your spouse need to get a divorce is if there are serious disputes about financial issues. More specifically, your spouse is struggling to hold down a job or is not contributing their share to the house. If you’ve tried everything to help them understand, then it is very likely that you will have to take that vital step and call a family lawyer.
On the other hand, a divorce attorney can also help with any issues that you’re facing involving complicated finances with your spouse’s estate. An attorney specializing in the field is a lot more capable of cutting through the more complex parts of divorce attorney law and making sure that you get the settlement that you deserve.
Lack of Intimacy
Another common sign is a general indifference to each other’s presence and lack of physical and emotional intimacy. It could start feeling like you are roommates instead of a couple with a genuine connection. This also ties into silence and avoidance from the spouse, as they try to have as little contact with you as possible. It could also translate into late shifts or dismissive about where they are. When your spouse disengages and doesn’t want to talk about a possible solution to the problem that you both are facing, then you should contact your attorney.
No Hope for Reconciliation
This usually is the final straw for most people, as they see no other way out of their situation. It’s likely that you’ve tried to talk to a professional about your spouse’s behavior, but they refuse to respond. They are generally avoiding you and refuse to even discuss any issues that you might be facing. And even if you do have a discussion, they are generally dismissive of the entire thing. Despite your best efforts, if you can see that things are not working out, then it is likely that divorce is your only option.
Child Custody Disputes
An important sign that you need a divorce attorney to help you with your case is that you are having child custody disputes. The spouse might only be allowing select visitation, or they might not be giving you enough time with your children. Child custody disputes are common during a divorce, and having a good lawyer to help you though it can make things a lot easier.
Along with helping you alleviate the stress that you’re feeling as you try to get a favorable settlement, they will also help you get a better custody arrangement. In fact, they will be cautious to consider the best interests of the children when negotiating for custody.
Support Negotiating the Terms
Divorce law can be very confusing, and your spouse could try to leave you with a less favorable settlement. Having a qualified family law attorney on your side can help you better defend your legal rights and negotiate better terms than what you had before. It is also possible that you went to another lawyer before, but they couldn’t negotiate the terms that you wanted.
While it’s important to have realistic expectations when trying to get a favorable settlement, having a good lawyer does mean that you don’t give up more than you need to. They can also help you organize all of the necessary paperwork surrounding the divorce while keeping track of the finer details.
When Your Spouse Files for Divorce
Possibly the most important sign that you should contact a divorce attorney is when your spouse files for divorce. If you received the papers from your spouse, then it’s likely that they’ve prepared all of the documentation for the proceedings. So, it’s important that you don’t make any rushed decisions and instead call a divorce attorney to represent you. Even if the proceedings don’t follow through into a separation, trying to represent yourself can leave you with a less-than-desirable settlement. Try not to speak to your spouse about why they’re making this decision until you are with your attorney.
Speak to a Professional Divorce Attorney Today
A qualified divorce attorney can be essential to ensuring that the divorce proceedings go by smoothly. Along with ensuring that you get the settlement you deserve, they will also help fight for custody of your children. But more importantly, they can be a trusting voice in a troubling time that will not offer any advice that could possibly hurt you.