There are different options in the legal process. Any
prior legal act of marriage requires legal action to dissolve
the marriage. Disagreement on any one of a number of issues
can result in stressful and expensive litigation. Fully
understanding the legal process for your locale will make you
a better consumer and provide the ability to control your side
of the process. Mediation, a less adversarial approach
to divorce settlements has emerged in recent years. Mediation
has become a viable option in many divorce cases as it allows
for a mutually acceptable resolution to be achieved between both
parties, without excessive legal costs and protracted emotional
exchanges. Our research indicates that this section should
explore relevant topics on the different legal options available,
selecting the appropriate legal support, knowing the laws for
the location in which you live, and your rights within the system.
Selecting the right attorney - How to find a well-qualified, reputable divorce attorney; the questions to ask when you interview attorneys; identifying and understanding some common missteps; what you pay for; how to avoid running up an extortionate bill.
Understanding the mediation process - What mediation really means; how to decide if it’s right for you; how to find a good mediator; questions to ask when you interview mediators.
Resources to find requirements in your state and/or local court system - Laws differ by state, including residency requirements, division of the marital assets, alimony, child support, child custody and visitation, grounds or reason for a divorce.
Know your rights - Access to resources to fully understand your rights in all aspects of the legal divorce process.