Many people who get married believe that their union will last for the rest of their lives. While this may be true for some, we are faced with the statistic that many marriages now end in separation and divorce.
There are many reasons which can cause a person to say the words: i want a divorce from my husband or wife. Filing for divorce could be the result of a mutual decision, but is usually initiated by one of the couple. This usually happens when one or both feel that they are no longer happy in the relationship and should move on from it by legally rendering their marriage void and null. Whether the reason for the divorce is adultery, working too much, substance abuse, alcoholism, identity crisis or even domestic violence, the process will be the same. You have to get a lawyer to represent you and file the divorce papers, in order to get a court to legally sanction the end of your marriage.
What will be different for each couple, though, is the amount of time that it may take for the divorce proceedings to actually reach its final point. You might have already said the words i want a divorce but still find yourself married months later. A major number of separations are amicable and the divorces quietly finalized.
Many former couples choose to end their marriage quietly and move on with their lives. Unfortunately, that is not the case for all couples. Couples who have much at stake financially usually battle out the divorce settlement, especially if they don't have a prenuptial agreement. What is at stake are all of the earnings and asset that were accumulated during the time you were married, regardless of who earned the bigger percentage of it. So, when you say the words i want a divorce to your lawyer, you can expect an advice on divorce on the legal battles ahead. You can expect several hearings on the distribution of property and division of debt. You can also expect to have hearings on spousal support or alimony, which is usually in favor of the partner who earns the lesser amount.
While some of the settlement can be handled behind the scenes and presented to the judge as the agreement made between the two parties, there are times when this is just not possible. Saying i want a divorce might not be met with agreement, or will be met with reluctance to meet your negotiation terms. If you had children during your time together, you can also expect that you will have to contend with hearings on child custody and child support, which will be handled by the parent who ends up with the primary custody of the child or children.
Lawdepot provides legal advice and documents for a filing a divorce.
