24 Feb Must-Know Steps in the Divorce Process
Nowadays, the unfortunate truth is that divorce is a common life event that no one wants to deal with. There are so many questions. Where do you start? What is the process? How long will it take? It can be impossible to concentrate on the legalities of the matter when emotions are running high. However, you have to keep your head above water and follow these must-know steps in the divorce process. If you miss a single detail, the process can go on for a long time, creating an emotional toll for both parties involved.
Find a Reputable Divorce Attorney
Do your research to find the best possible representation for your needs. Reach out to family and friends for referrals. Do some research online to find attorneys with great reviews and reach out to these firms to schedule consultations. It’s important to find a lawyer who truly understands what you’re going through and has the compassion to help you through this difficult time.
Filing Petitions
After you’ve found the right legal representation, the next step is filing a petition. Now, this is trickier than it seems for multiple reasons. First, do both parties want the divorce? If not, one person must file for a divorce petition in their state of residency. In Washington State, for example, one person must have permanent residency to file there. Washington State is considered a ‘no-fault’ state, meaning either party can proceed to dissolve the marriage without blame of any wrongdoing on the part of either spouse. Therefore, there is no need to prove claims of any marital misconduct.
Serving the Papers and Mediation
After a spouse is served with divorce papers, things can become contentious if one party does not want to end the marriage, or if they feel entitled to certain marital assets. In an ideal situation, both parties develop a plan for once the marriage ends peacefully. This is often not possible, thus creating the need for mediation to help sort out the details and help both parties come to an agreement.
Attorneys for either party understand the legality of the situation and can help diffuse emotions between you and your partner. In the case where children are involved, child support lawyers in Washington State can help develop a co-parenting plan. LaCoste Family Law will assist you in putting your children first, so the divorce will impact their lives as little as possible.
What Happens if Mediation Fails?
Some couples have the misfortune of a failed mediation. When this happens, a divorce trial may be necessary. During the trial, a judge will hear arguments from both sides and determine a settlement that works for both parties. If you are forced to go to trial, you must make sure you have the best attorneys possible. A multitude of trust goes into the client/attorney relationship. These legal professionals fight for their clients in court and help them figure out what their lives should look like after marriage. After both arguments are heard, the judge will make a final decision.
There are a few must-know steps in the divorce process. Everyone thinking about ending their marriage should read these steps carefully, because no one can miss a single task. Perhaps the most important task one filing for divorce should check off the list is getting the right attorney. Luckily, LaCoste Family Law is one of the best firms in Washington State. Our team of professionals will help anyone going through this challenging situation.