When you and your spouse are no longer living together, it’s a good idea to get an experienced divorce lawyer in Werribee. This is because you may have to deal with a number of complex legal issues that are often difficult to navigate. These include child custody, property division, alimony, debts, and more.
Child Custody
When parents separate, the court will decide child custody. This includes who will make decisions for the child about education, health care, and religion.
The court may award custody to one parent or both parents jointly. Joint legal custody is a common arrangement for children.
Sole physical custody is when the child lives with one parent primarily (though he or she may spend time with the other parent during visitation). The other parent usually receives child support from the custodial parent.
A New York divorce lawyer can help you determine which type of custody is best for your family. They can also assist you in developing a parenting plan for the future.
Property Division
Property division, also known as equitable distribution, is a major factor in determining what happens to a couple’s assets after divorce. It is a matter of great importance to any divorcing couple, especially high net worth couples and those dealing with complex assets.
A family law attorney can help you make sure you understand how your property will be divided, as well as how it is valued to achieve the best result possible for you. A qualified and experienced lawyer can also help you avoid costly mistakes during your property division case.
Alimony
Alimony is a form of support paid to a former spouse after a divorce. It is determined by the court, and can be permanent or temporary.
A judge usually considers the standard of living a party enjoyed before the marriage, along with their income and financial assets. This helps to level the playing field if one party would have suffered a significant drop in their standard of living after a divorce.
Rehabilitative alimony is often awarded when a spouse needs help in becoming self-supporting after a divorce. It is typically short-term (usually less than 10 years) and intended to help a spouse become more employable.
Debts
When you’re going through a divorce, your focus is often on the property you own and the debts you owe. You’ll want to make lists of your assets and debts, so you know how they will be divided.
Debts may be considered marital or nonmarital, depending on how the judge decides they should be split during your divorce. In equitable distribution states, the court tries to divide your assets and debts so that each party gets an equal share.
If you and your spouse have joint debt, for example, a credit card, you both will need to pay it. But if you have a separate credit card, you will be responsible for its payments only if your ex fails to make them.
Temporary Orders
If you and your spouse are dividing up property or assets, child custody, and/or spousal support, you may need temporary orders until the final divorce decree is entered. Typically, these issues are resolved in short hearings before a judge.
Temporary orders can keep you and your children safe until the court has time to decide on more permanent decisions. They can also protect you from a spouse or family member who is taking advantage of delay to unfairly influence your case or threaten your safety.
Relocations
Relocations are a common occurance for many people in the workplace. Sometimes a company relocates an entire division to a nearby locale and other times an individual employee decides to leave the confines of his or her current job for greener pastures. Regardless of the reason for the move, the relocation is a big deal.
Relocations can be challenging to navigate, and a quality Werribee Divorce lawyer is a valuable asset in helping you navigate the maze. Contact us for more information about our services and to discuss your particular situation with an expert.
Sale of Property
The sale of a property can be one of the most complex and emotional parts of a divorce. As a result, it’s important to work with an experienced divorce lawyer in Werribee who can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Before the sale, you and your seller will need to get together and discuss what you expect for the property. This includes its location, its views and any other features that are going to affect the value of the property. You’ll also need to ask your seller for copies of all relevant property documents, such as tax records and insurance policies.