Nearly half of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, which means that many people will need to deal with the logistical and legal intricacies that come with divorce at some point in their lives. Divorce-related issues range from distribution of assets, child custody, spousal support, and property division. A Massachusetts family & divorce lawyer is essential for this process because they can help ensure that couples stay out of court and reach an equitable agreement on their own terms.
Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer before making any decisions with regard to the financial aspects of your divorce. It is difficult for most people to realize what is involved in a complicated divorce agreement, and it can be wise to have someone on your side that knows the law and how it pertains specifically to your situation.
We will now see into the most common divorce-related issues for which it is essential to hire a lawyer.
- Property Division
Divorce is a difficult and emotional process for all parties involved. One of the many decisions that must be made during this process is how to divide the property. In some cases, this can be an arduous task, but help from a lawyer can make this process smoother. Lawyers have been trained to understand the laws about property division during divorce and know what methods are typically used to come to a fair agreement.
- Alimony
One specific frustrating and expensive aspect of divorce is alimony payments. Alimony payments can be an essential part of a divorce settlement, or they can create tension and expenses that were not expected by either party. A family law lawyer often helps to provide guidance in this area during a divorce proceeding.
- Child custody
Child custody is one of the most difficult issues that can come up during a divorce. When talking about child custody, there are three types of arrangements available. These are sole custody, joint custody, and shared custody. Sole custody means that one parent maintains full control over the day-to-day decisions affecting the child. Joint custody offers two parents equal say in decisions regarding their children’s lives. In contrast, shared custody offers both parents time with their children so they can share responsibility for raising them.
