Divorce Attorneys in Woodbury

Divorce Attorneys in Woodbury

Divorce is a difficult transition in anyone’s life, and the terms of your divorce will significantly affect your life going forward. There’s a lot to consider, but it could also be one of the most emotionally tumultuous times you’ve ever experienced. A dedicated divorce attorney in Woodbury will help you better understand your options, will help you make decisions that are right for you, and will skillfully advocate for divorce terms that protect your rights and best interests. 

The Major Components of Divorce

Your divorce will be unique to you and your situation, but the major components of divorce apply across the board, including (as applicable):

• The division of your marital property 
• Your Child custody arrangements
• Child support
• Alimony (called spousal maintenance in Minnesota)

If you can come to mutually acceptable terms regarding each of these elements (with the assistance of your respective divorce attorneys), the court will very likely accept your arrangements and include them in your final divorce decree. If one or more elements become a sticking point, however, the court will make those decisions for you. 

The Division of Your Marital Property

That property that you and your spouse acquire while you are a married couple is considered marital property, which is divided in a manner deemed fair under the circumstances (equitably) in the event of a divorce. Those assets that you brought into the marriage with you and that you kept separate will remain your separate property. The division of marital property can become very complicated, and because the financial effects can reverberate into your future, it’s important to address the matter carefully. 

Your Child Custody Arrangements

In Minnesota, child custody is divided into both legal and physical custody, and both can be either joint or sole. Legal custody refers to who will be making important decisions related to education, health care, extracurriculars, and religious education on behalf of your shared children. Physical custody, on the other hand, relates to whom the children reside. Even if one of you has sole physical custody, the other parent will likely have a visitation schedule that can range from quite generous to quite limited (based on the court’s belief that children’s best interests are better served by maintaining a relationship with both parents). Further, even if you both share custody, you won’t necessarily divide your time equally with the children. In other words, there is a lot of wiggle room to make arrangements that work for your family. 

Child Support 

Both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially, and child support payments help balance this support between both parents. Child support is calculated in accordance with each parent’s financial ability to pay.

Alimony

Alimony only plays a role if divorce will leave one spouse with a financial deficiency that the other spouse has the financial means to help mitigate.  

You Need an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Woodbury on Your Side

The formidable Woodbury divorce attorneys at Atticus Family Law have the experience, resources, and compassion to help you find your best path forward through divorce. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.