Divorce is a big step, but if you have come to the difficult decision that it is the right move for you, you have some work ahead of you. Every divorce follows its own unique path, but there are some divorce basics that universally apply and that it is useful to acquaint yourself with. The most important step in the divorce process, however, is working closely with an experienced Saint Paul divorce attorney.
Every divorce includes essential components (as applicable), and these include:
If you and your divorcing spouse can hammer out mutually acceptable terms related to each of these, you can bypass needing the court to intervene on your behalf (related to these issues).
The assets that you and your spouse acquired together as a married couple are generally considered marital property and these assets will be divided between you in a manner deemed equitable (rather than equal) in the course of your divorce. Obtaining a just division of your marital assets can obviously be critical to your financial future, so this issue must be carefully addressed.
If your divorce involves children, their well-being is likely your top concern. Custody is divided into legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s ability to make important decisions on behalf of his or her children, including decisions related to education, religion, health care, and extracurricular activities. Unless there is a compelling reason not to do so, the courts generally find that it’s preferable for both parents to share legal custody.
Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to which parent the children live with, and the courts tend to also assign joint physical custody. In the majority of cases, however, one parent will be the primary custodial parent – the parent with whom the children primarily live – and the other parent will have a visitation schedule.
Both parents remain financially responsible for raising their children after divorce. Because the primary custodial parent is already fulfilling this responsibility, the parent with the visitation schedule generally pays child support that is based on state guidelines to the parent with whom the children live primarily.
Alimony (or spousal support) is never a certainty, but it can play an important role when there is a significant financial discrepancy between spouses. If one spouse isn’t financially capable of meeting his or her own financial needs (at the level enjoyed during the marriage), the court may offset the discrepancy with alimony payments. If you are entitled to alimony, it’s an issue that you should not overlook.
Divorce is complicated, and obtaining terms that support you and your children’s best interests is critical. The formidable divorce attorneys at Atticus Family Law in Saint Paul are committed to skillfully advocating on behalf of your rights and for terms that work for you. We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
I hired Atticus Family Law after I could not get my case moving forward. This was the best decision I could have made. Once Alexandra Reynolds was put on my case, she worked consistently and aggressively on ensuring
The worst thing I have ever experienced in my life, my divorce, felt like a never-ending maze of financial and emotional torment. Alexandra Reynolds was there to guide me through the process. Her ability to break things down
Alexandra and the entire team at Atticus Family Law have been nothing short of amazing during what is no doubt one of the most challenging times to navigate! Her incredibly poised and professional approach with opposing counsel and
Matthew Ludt and his team were wonderful to work with. Exceptional in communication, making sure I understood every step of the process. From attentively gathering all the details, and laying out road maps of how to proceed, to
Atticus Family Law gives its clients' a positive experience during some of the most trying times in their lives. They are professional, well established, and really care about their clients. I recommend them to anyone seeking advice or
Matt was an awesome collaborative lawyer! Worked hard to make my experience easy with little worry. Getting divorced was the easiest thing I’ve done in 2020. Matt made sure it was low stress! Highly recommend.
If I was asked to rank Atticus Family Law on a 10 scale, I would give them an 11. Choosing to end my marriage was a difficult and personal decision, and Atticus made the process seamless from beginning
110% Recommend Matt and his team! They were all so great to work with and easy to get a hold of. Each one responded quickly and answered all my questions. Thank you for all your hard work Matt,
Best service in the Twin City area!
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