Bringing a marriage to an end is often one of the most difficult decisions a person will ever make. While it can be challenging on every level, most people find themselves in a better place moving forward once this process is completed.
When you are facing the dissolution of your marriage, now is the time to speak with a dedicated family attorney. You have the opportunity to protect your rights, but only if you take immediate action. You may benefit from a call with an Ellsworth County divorce lawyer.
Before the court will grant a divorce decree, some specific qualifications must be met. The most important of these issues is the residency requirement. In order for a judge to have jurisdiction to dissolve a marriage, at least one of the parties must have lived in the state for a minimum of 60 days before the filing of the petition.
Only one of the spouses must reside in the state during this period, and it does not have to be the person filing the petition. There are also exceptions that allow someone serving in the military to pursue a divorce even if their formal residence is elsewhere. Disputes over this issue are uncommon, but they can come up in some cases.
Additionally, there is a waiting period to be aware of. From the date the petition is filed, a judge cannot formally bring the union to a close until 60 days have passed. A divorce attorney in Ellsworth County could assist with wrapping up any disputes as soon as possible, so the case is ready to proceed once this period expires.
Every marriage is different, and every pair of spouses will have their own matters they must address before their divorce becomes official. A lawyer in Ellsworth County could assist with any of the following conflicts.
Not every married couple shares children, but those who do frequently are at odds over issues of custody and support. These rights are important, and the ruling of the court can impact a person’s relationship with their children for years to come. When it comes to determining who has custody or owes support, the judge will make their decision based on what is best for the child.
Also known as spousal support, these monthly payments are made from one former spouse to another. They are typically short-term arrangements that either last while the divorce case plays out or for a period of time after the split so that one party can get a degree or find appropriate employment. Under rare circumstances, a judge might award long-term alimony. This is usually limited to situations involving disabilities.
Dividing marital property is another potentially contentious aspect of a divorce. This impacts assets that are owned by both of the spouses, and they are typically obtained during the course of the marriage. Individual property owned by one party does not have to be divided between the two.
Bringing an end to a marriage might be the best outcome for all parties, but it is still important to protect your rights during this process. An Ellsworth County divorce lawyer could assist you every step of the way. Call today for a private consultation.
