Your Future Is Uncertain.

 Your Choice Of Legal Representation Shouldn’t Be.

Your whole world is changing, and it can be scary and confusing. Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, especially if the parties have been married for any significant period of time.  The parties may have children together and may have acquired many assets during the marriage.  When the parties agree on the division of assets and custody of children, the divorce can go smoothly.  However, when the parties are not in agreement, an experienced family law attorney is needed to address such issues as the valuation and division of the marital estate, potential alimony, and child custody.

Agreed Divorce

An agreed divorce is one where both parties agree about the resolution of all issues in their case.  This includes the division of ALL property, assets, and debts, the terms of which will be drafted into a legal document called a Marital Dissolution Agreement.  Both parties must sign the Marital Dissolution Agreement in front of a notary public in order for it to be valid.  Once the Marital Dissolution Agreement has been signed by both parties, the parties have effectively entered into a contract with each other and are bound by the terms that they have set forth therein.

In cases where children are involved, both parties will also have to be in written agreement about a Permanent Parenting Plan.  A Permanent Parenting Plan sets forth how the parties will co-parent their children.  This includes the number of days a child will spend with each parent; how the holidays will be spent with each parent; how much child support will be provided for the child; and who will be the primary decision maker for the child.

An agreed divorce can be finalized in as little as sixty (60) days for persons who do not have minor children and in as little as (90) days for persons who do have minor children

Contested Divorce

Unlike an agreed divorce, a contested divorce can be very costly, time-consuming and challenging. When there is no agreement between the parties as to ALL issues in their case, they are looking at a contested divorce.  During a contested divorce, it is still possible that it may be converted to an agreed divorce if both parties reach an agreement on all financial and custody issues at anytime prior to trial.  If no agreement can be reached, a trial will be held before the appropriate judge or chancellor.