Deciding to divorce is a sometimes necessary, but always difficult decision. Having to divide every aspect of your life can result in significant tension and often involves fierce arguments. It is important to take every step possible to make sure your rights are protected so that you can leave the marriage with a plan that considers your needs.
A Toms River divorce lawyer can help you assert your rights and interests throughout the divorce process. By having a practiced family lawyer on your side as early as possible, you can make sure that you are prepared for the rigors of a divorce.
Issues to Settle in a Divorce
A divorce is a very complicated legal matter, especially when spouses have been together for a longer period of time and have had children together. If the couple has significant financial assets and other property, a divorce can become even more complicated.
It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the factors that must be decided in a divorce. Breaking a divorce down into its constituent parts can make it much more manageable. A Toms River divorce lawyer can help a separating spouse determine their goals and find a wise path towards achieving them.
Issues Concerning Marital Children
When divorcing spouses have minor children together, child custody will usually be one of the issues in need of resolution. Child custody issues often ends with one spouse being awarded primary custody, and the other spouse receiving parenting time or visitation rights.
Child support may be another relevant area for divorcing parents. Child support is a regular payment from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, which is meant to cover the costs of raising a child.
Asset Division
An especially contentious subject for couples is dividing assets that have been accumulated during the marriage. This process can be acrimonious. Most divorces will generally see marital property be divided using equitable distribution. Courts use numerous factors to determine how to divide any marital aspects fairly.
Alimony or Spousal Support
Many divorces include spousal support obligations, also known as alimony. Alimony aims to keep both spouses at the same standard of living that they enjoyed during the marriage. Similar to property division, courts look at numerous factors to determine how this can be done fairly.
Modifications to a Toms River Divorce Decree
Just because a divorce has proceeded through trial and has been finalized does not necessarily mean that it is over. Significant life changes can prevent a spouse from fulfilling the obligations set out in the divorce decree. In some cases, modifying those obligations may become necessary.
When this happens, the court will have to look at the life changes that have occurred and how they affect both parties as well as any children from the marriage. For help understanding how a modification could change the original agreement, it may be beneficial to consult a Toms River divorce attorney.
A Toms River Divorce Attorney Can Be an Ally
Being prepared for the factors and arguments that may arise in a divorce can make a huge difference in the outcome of the proceedings. One of the best ways to make sure you are prepared for an upcoming divorce is to discuss your options with an attorney well before the divorce papers have been filed or received.
With the insight of a Toms River divorce lawyer, you can feel secure that you are taking the right steps towards preserving your future. A diligent attorney can help make sure your interests will be protected as the divorce progresses. To learn more, call to set up a consultation.