A divorce is a very painful, emotional time in your life. Because of the turmoil you are experiencing, you need logical, unbiased advice on how to handle the financial realities of splitting up marital assets and alimony issues. If minor children are involved, then custody and visitation issues make the divorce even more complicated. You need an experienced local attorney to advise you on the best way to handle your case.
When a couple is divorcing, both sides should get legal advice on the issues involved. One of the requirements of divorce is that both parties have to prepare financial affidavits and make complete financial disclosure. After this financial disclosure is done, then the parties are required by the judge to set the case for mediation before a trial date is requested. At mediation, a neutral and impartial third party (each side usually pays half of the fee) meets with the parties and their attorneys to try to reach a fair settlement. Many times cases settle at mediation.
However, if a case doesn't settle at mediation the parties must set the case for trial. It takes time to get a trial date because of the judge's busy dockets. Sometimes during this time period, the case settles rather than risk the uncertainty of a trial. For cases that don't settle, a judge will hear the case and decide the issues in the case.
Call 337-3535 for a consultation or contact me online to learn how I can assist you in your divorce.