Don't Fall For These Common Divorce Myths
Posted on: 22 August 2022
Like many legal matters, you may not know what you don't know until it affects you. Unfortunately, helpful friends and relatives may be full of advice about divorce and some of it could be wrong. To avoid falling for some common divorce myths, read on.
You can put off seeing a lawyer.
Divorce advice is not just for those who are 100 percent sure about divorce. You don't necessarily have to file for divorce once you meet with a lawyer. Most people who are considering a divorce have questions; if this sounds like you, write those questions down and make an appointment. You can get some advice on what you should be doing to prepare for divorce and how to protect your financial interests while you continue to think things through.
You must wait for the divorce to be final to ask for support.
Fear of being destitute has caused many a spouse to remain in an unhappy marriage. Many don't realize that they can ask the judge to order their spouse to pay for things now and later. If you have children, the family court protects them by ordering the spouse that makes the most money to pay child support. This form of support can begin as soon as you are no longer living under one roof.
If you have been a stay-at-home parent, are ill, don't have job skills, or cannot earn a living for other reasons, you may be entitled to spousal support (alimony). The support will be temporary during separation. In some cases, the judge will order rehabilitative support so that the spouse can seek job training. In certain cases, the spousal support is permanent.
No-fault divorce is the way to go.
Even though a no-fault divorce can be had in all states, that manner of divorce is not right for everyone. You may have very strong ideas about what caused your marriage to break up. If you are prepared to prove that your spouse committed adultery, fraud, or had other faults, speak to a divorce lawyer. The issue of fault can affect several aspects of the divorce settlement agreement. For instance, a cheating or abusive spouse, if it can be proven, is less likely to obtain custody and may lose more than their share of marital property. While this type of divorce can cost more in legal fees and court time, and can be more stressful, there is still and time and place for a fault divorce.
To find out more, speak to a divorce lawyer.
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