Most people dream of finding the partner of their dreams and making the relationship last forever, but that is not necessarily what happens in real life. Over time, some issues crop up between married couples and sometimes they get escalated to such a degree that both the parties may have to seek legal recourse to settle them. Many marriages also end in divorce and this can have very long-term serious effects legally as well as emotionally. There are a number of stringent laws that cover things like choosing the method of separation, where & how to file, right to deciding how their property will be divided, etc.
The Divorce Process
The entire process of divorce can be extremely confusing, especially if you do not have legal help. The process itself is not a simple one and there is a lot of paperwork to be done and court procedures to be adhered to. The best way to ensure that this matter is resolved in the best possible way is to hire the services of an experienced Family Law attorney. He/she will be able to provide you with complete information and guidance about how a divorce process works. You will also be made aware of the types of property issues that could potentially arise, details about spousal support & post-divorce actions. Though divorce is the common outcome of marital problems, this is not always the only option.
Alternatives to Divorce
Based on your specific circumstances, you might have the option to get legally separated. This can allow you and your spouse the time to make certain decisions about a divorce, such as the ones related to child custody, shared property & child support. This particular option does not actually end the marriage legally. Couples might want to opt for legal separation if they want to maintain their marriage status due to religious/ health care reasons. An annulment is another option and the legal effect it has, is the same as that of a divorce. But it works on the lines of declaring that the marriage wasn’t valid at all. There are different reasons for annulment such as:
- One spouse was already married
- Was too young to be legally-married at the time
- Had been tricked into marriage
The legal implications of any problems with your spouse and the action to be taken will be based in your individual situation.