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Alabama Divorce Lawyer

Alabama Divorce Lawyer

 

The Best Alabama Divorce Lawyer

 

One of the worst things a human being has to go through is this: divorce. And likewise, sometimes there are some issues in divorce that no one would want to deal with. Unfortunately processes don’t always go smoothly in divorce, in this case when it involves divorce in Alabama, which will then lead to the appropriate decision for either a Plaintiff or Defendant:

 

Hire the best possible AL divorce lawyer.

 

More often than not, issues will arise in a divorce that an experienced Alabama divorce lawyer will have to handle. So no Plaintiff or Defendant needs to go into it alone. The fact is this: no Plaintiff or Defendant should.

 

An experienced AL divorce lawyer is crucial to making sure that a divorce proceeding goes smoothly. There are important steps to take in finding the best Alabama divorce lawyer for the job, though….

 

Here Are the Steps to Finding the Best AL Divorce Lawyer

 

Recognize this, before we move along, though: these won’t be easy steps. Finding suitable Alabama divorce lawyers can be a lengthy process.

 

But think of it this way: the harder a client works in finding experienced AL divorce lawyers to choose from, the harder the final attorney hired for the job will work in making sure everything is set right and fair in a divorce petition.

 

So let’s get to work:

 

• The Correct Research

• Free Consultations

• Consider Rates and Fees

• And Then Make the Final Decision

 

That’s basically it. And if it seems too simple, know that when a client’s in the thick of all these steps, the work will really show – and quite frankly Alabama divorce lawyers will appreciate a client that makes sure every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed.

 

The first step to this process follows:

 

The Research Matters

 

Finding AL divorce lawyers isn’t an easy job. But for starters, a client can look in the phone book.

 

The purpose, though, for finding a good shortlist of Alabama divorce lawyers isn’t to simply pick from the litter. It’s to gather contact information. The Yellow Pages is particularly good for that, because all the listings practically spell it out for you in alphabetical order.

 

Simply look for “Attorneys” in the book, find listings under “Attorneys” for anything that says “Family Law.” Typically, the Family Law niche in the legal industry deals with all sorts of issues with families, such as divorce.

 

What a client’s going to do when setting up the shortlist, though, is to not blindly jot down every possible contact on the page. Rather, a good shortlist should be five, maybe six possible AL divorce lawyers in the area. And typically, these listings will have only the basic necessary information.

 

No 1-800 numbers, bold words, capital letters, language that ‘sells,’ or exclamation points. Truly experienced Alabama divorce lawyers won’t try and ‘sell’ themselves to a client.

 

Now if the Yellow Pages come up short on a client’s list, the next step is to check the internet. In fact, even if the shortlist looks good, go ahead and research on the internet anyway! A client can find valuable nuggets of information on the Alabama attorneys already on the list by looking through everything from attorney web sites to forums listing attorney reviews to even the State Bar Association web site to make sure all the attorneys on the list are actually licensed.

 

Furthermore, a client can even ask friends and family for relatives or friends in the legal field that may be able to represent, possibly at a discounted price. Plus, obviously, especially with a divorce petition, the loyalty with that kind of attorney on a client’s side will definitely be there; and that contributes to making sure a divorce petition goes particularly well for a client, Plaintiff or Defendant.

 

The next step, though, can be probably more important:

 

It’s Called the Free Consultation

 

Unless a client has found an attorney within the family or one that happens to be a trusted friend, getting that free consultation is essential. Why?

 

Because it allows both the attorney and client to better know what’s going on – the details of the case and the experience of the lawyer. Typically such meetings may last an hour or two, but it’s worth it. Depending on how the meeting goes, it may drastically reduce a shortlist to two, maybe three, lawyers, or it can give a client a better idea of who will be at the top or bottom of the list.

 

Some common questions clients can ask would include:

 

• Where did you get your law degree?

• How many clients do you represent?

• How many of your clients have won their cases?

• Do you represent husbands or wives?

• Do you represent Plaintiffs or Defendants?

 

And, of course, probably the most important question….

 

• How much do you charge?

 

Which Brings Us to the Next Step: Considering Payment

 

There are three forms of payment typically used among practicing attorneys:

 

• The “Retainer” Fee

• The Hourly Rate

• The “Contingency” Fee

 

Because a “contingency” fee is generally a percentage of a settlement awarded after a case is closed, a client can nix that one off the list. Typically, settlements aren’t an issue in divorce cases.

 

“Retainer” fees and hourly rates generally apply. And some lawyers even charge both ways.

 

A “retainer” is simply a large down payment for services even before the casework begins. The basic bottom line with this form of payment is a client will need to save up some money before considering this.

 

The hourly rate, though, can be easier to handle – but if the case is especially severe, those hours can add up.

 

Either way a client looks at it, this can help prepare a client to make the right decision….

 

That’s the Last Step: the Decision

 

For most divorce cases, honestly a Plaintiff or Defendant can go into a courtroom without a lawyer. But if a client’s case is especially difficult to handle, know this: it’s important to have one in the state of Alabama.

 

So be sure to hire one. It may make a divorce petition go from a pain to at least a working process that hopefully will turn out okay in the future, with no massive headaches.

Guide to Finding Nevada Divorce Lawyer

Guide to Finding Nevada Divorce Lawyer

 

Divorce can be a painful process for all involved. Couples who can agree on the terms of their separation will have an easier time dissolving their marriage without the help of a Nevada divorce lawyer than those who are at odds. Unlike many American states, Nevada has unusual laws allowing for a relatively rapid end to bad marriages. Whether you choose to involve NV divorce lawyers or complete the paperwork yourself, here are some things you should know if you are filing for divorce in the state.

 

Types of divorces

 

When two married people are no longer able to continue their relationship and wish to dissolve it, they must turn to the divorce process. Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of divorces:

 

• In a no-fault divorce, both parties agree to dissolve their union for reasons of incompatibility, a breakdown in the relationship or other causes. 

 

• In an at-fault divorce, one person claims they have grounds for divorce such as being the victims of domestic abuse. The other partner may be unwilling to agree to a separation. In this case, an NV divorce lawyer can help you prepare your case in family court.

 

How divorce works in Nevada

 

Unlike nearly every state in the United States, you only need to be a resident of Nevada for six weeks before you can file for divorce. This has made the state a popular destination for those seeking quick ends to their marriage. Understandably, this also means there are many Nevada divorce lawyers. Divorce proceedings generally take place in the family court of whatever county you are in.

 

NV divorce lawyers can enter the process in many ways. In a no-fault divorce, you may not need one’s services at all. Nevada divorce lawyers are more helpful for at-fault divorces than the no-fault variety. If both parties are committed to ending the marriage as quickly and painlessly as possible, it may be possible to complete the paperwork yourself. 

 

Some couples may wish to seek an annulment. This effectively declares that your marriage was never valid to begin with. Grounds for seeking an annulment include:

 

• Dishonesty or fraud in getting one person to consent

• One or both people were intoxicated or otherwise impaired during the marriage

• One or both people is already married

• One or both parties is underage

 

A Nevada divorce lawyer can be helpful if you are trying to figure out the most efficient way to end your marriage. 

 

When you need a Nevada divorce lawyer

 

Before deciding to get legal counsel, it’s important to discuss with your partner how you want to end the marriage. If you both agree on issues such as how to divide property and who will maintain custody of any children, you do not need a Nevada divorce lawyer to be prepared to appear in court.

 

A no-fault divorce where both parties complete the paperwork themselves and agree on everything may not even require a court date. After submitting a joint petition outlining the specifics of the end of your marriage, you may be freed from your marriage in less than a month. While a NV divorce lawyer can be helpful in making sure all paperwork has been completed properly, you do not need one’s services if you are sure you understand all the forms you fill out.

 

If you are both in agreement about ending your relationship as peacefully as possible but cannot agree on the specifics, consider mediation. In this process, NV divorce lawyers help both parties reach consensus on how to dissolve their marriage to prepare a full plan of your divorce to submit to the court. 

 

You may also want to consider collaborative divorce, in which Nevada divorce lawyers advise both sides throughout negotiations. However, if you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, you will need to hire new legal counsel for your court date. Collaborative NV divorce lawyers cannot represent you in family court.

 

Sometimes, both parties will be unable to agree on a settlement. In this case, a NV divorce lawyer can help you in court when it’s time to make your case during contested divorce proceedings. Common areas of dispute include:

 

• How much financial support or alimony you must pay your ex-partner and for how long

• How custody of any children will be divided

• How your property will be divided

 

Hiring a Nevada divorce lawyer

 

Before hiring legal counsel, it is important to figure out what kind of representation you are looking for. Couples agreeing to mediated or collaborative divorce do not need the same kind of NV divorce lawyer as parties who cannot agree on the terms of their separation. Different law firms offer different services. 

 

Generally speaking, Nevada divorce lawyers who help couples who have agreed to craft their divorce terms together charge less than those preparing for a court date. If you are thinking of hiring legal counsel, find out if you will be charged a flat fee for paperwork and mediation. Some Nevada divorce lawyers may instead charge by the hour or in other time units. 

 

Because of Nevada’s popularity for those seeking to end their marriages, it is important to be aware of who you’re hiring. There are many NV divorce lawyers advertising their services online. Not all of these attorneys are as qualified or helpful as their listings suggest. Before engaging any Nevada divorce lawyers, look up their disciplinary records online and check to make sure they are in good legal standing.

 

If you decide to hire legal counsel, be careful about who you work with. Whether you are a resident of the state or not, ask friends and family if they can recommend any NV divorce lawyer who has helped them in the past. The State Bar of Nevada can also refer you for free to an attorney. All NV divorce lawyers you talk to should be willing to answer questions about their experience in your kind of case, what their fees are, and what kind of resolution you can expect for your case.

Guide to Finding New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

Guide to Finding New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

Looking for New Jersey Divorce Lawyer(s)
If you are getting a divorce in the State of New Jersey you may, or may not, need the advice of a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer. New Jersey has special rules concerning divorce that are distinguishable from other states in the Union and in order to reach a fair and quick resolution it is important to have a New Jersey divorce lawyer. When you are seeking a dissolution of marriage there is a certain period of time before you will need to get the services of a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer. Attorney representation in a divorce proceeding is not required and should be retained when it is clear that a divorce is necessary.  New Jersey requires different periods of time for the finalization of a divorce depending on the circumstances.
The requirements for getting a divorce in the State of New Jersey are somewhat simple. The State of New Jersey has residency requirements that must first be met before a petition for the dissolution of marriage can be filed.  In order to get a divorce in the State of New Jersey either one of the spouses must meet a 1 year residency requirement within the State of New Jersey.
There are three grounds for divorce in the State of New Jersey: 
(1) the marriage is irretrievably broken; or 
(2) the conversion of a separation agreement; in New Jersey, known as a bed and board divorce; and 
(3) there is a showing of fault on one of the parties. In the first kind of divorce both spouses agree to divide the property of the marriage, settle custody and child support, and agree on spousal support.  In the second kind of divorce the parties have lived apart and been financially separate for a period of 18 months.  
In the latter kind of divorce the spouse suing for divorce will allege one of seven grounds: extreme cruelty; adultery; institutionalization of one spouse for 24 months; imprisonment for 18 months;  desertion for a year;  alcohol or drug addiction for one year; or sexual abuse.  Each one of these grounds requires a different waiting period for before a divorce may be finalized. A New Jersey Divorce Lawyer should definitely be retained in these situations. If allegations of any of these 7 factors are proven in court then it can drastically alter the monetary obligations involving support, division of property and child custody.
Divorce Lawyer(s) New Jersey
Divorce Lawyers in New Jersey can, not only help you with getting your divorce, but can also help you with the technicalities involved with child support, alimony, child custody, and the distribution of the marital property. Divorce lawyers in New Jersey are very important in the negotiation stages of a divorce. It is in the best interest of the New Jersey courts to have divorces settled by the spouses themselves. It saves the New Jersey  courts time and money and is the public policy of the New Jersey court system to have divorce procedures handled, as much as possible, through mediation. This is where your divorce lawyer in New Jersey will be very beneficial. When negotiating the terms of a divorce including division of property, spousal support, and especially matters involving the children of the marriage; it is important to have a New Jersey divorce lawyer who can negotiate agreements while not having any emotional attachment to the proceedings.
New Jersey uses the equitable distribution model when distributing the marital property. This does not mean that the marital property is divided equally amongst the spouses. The objective is to have the marital property divided based on fairness.  New Jersey divorce lawyers will attempt to show that you have a specific hardship, or in the reverse, that your spouse is financially secure. Factors that the courts consider when determining distribution of the marital property include: the contribution of the spouses to the marriage; economic circumstances of the spouses; who the primary caregiver is; the duration of the marriage; contributions to the education of the other spouse; and contribution, or improvement of marital property.
One of the most important parts of any divorce proceeding is the determination of child support, custody, and visitation rights. In these situations it is imperative that you have a divorce lawyer. New Jersey  law requires that individuals seeking a divorce, where that divorce will involve children, be required to attend mandatory parenting education programs.
Many states will have differing divorce laws defining the division of property and the reasons to file for divorce.  Conditions for spousal support and custody are also determined on a case by case basis.  A New Jersey divorce lawyer will be able to guide you through divorce in New Jersey and achieve a favorable outcome to the case.  You will be able to set up child support arrangements as well as dictate the terms of that agreement so that the outcome is favorable to both your needs and the needs of the child.
How do I know my New Jersey divorce lawyer is legitimate?
Membership in the New Jersey State Bar Association is not mandatory but with over 17,500 members, finding a reliable lawyer that abides by the rules of professionalism and ethics regulations should not be difficult.  Find a New Jersey divorce lawyer that is a member of the State Bar Association, if possible.  There are also county-based bar associations, for a more focused search for a reliable New Jersey divorce lawyer.  The New Jersey State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for the public, as well as awarding pro bono awards for lawyers that work for the public interest.
How do I prepare for my consultation?
When seeking to file a divorce, meet with the New Jersey divorce lawyer to discuss strategy for the case.  You should bring documents such as a listing of shared assets, agreements between the spouses and in cases involving spousal support, documents detailing the incomes and assets of the other spouse.  Spousal support generally keeps the spouse receiving the support at the same standard of living enjoyed by the spouse prior to the divorce.  To maximize the spousal support to be paid, ensure that the New Jersey divorce lawyer is aware of all assets and potential sources of income so that when the case goes to court to determine spousal or child support, your lawyer will be able to achieve the optimal level of support to be paid to you, especially if you are the custodial parents of any children in the marriage.
How does child support factor for divorces in New Jersey?
Although the ultimate determination for the level of child support is in the hands of the court, there is a formula that accounts for contributions to daycare, insurance and gross monthly income.  This formula can develop a guideline for child support.  
With this formula a non-custodial parent with one child, an income of $60,000, no other alimony arrangements and contributes $500 to group health insurance, will pay a significant amount of support to a spouse with $20,000 gross income, no contribution to insurance, but significant childcare contributions. 
A New Jersey divorce lawyer can work with this formula to adjust the amount of payments to best suit your needs.  The New Jersey divorce lawyer can also help defend the current level of child support in the event of a reassessment.  Reassessments occur if there is a significant change in the financial status of either parent, or if the income paying the child support is derived from public support payments.
What are some grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
New Jersey state law allows for an absolute divorce on the following grounds:
Adultery
o Intimate relationship with anyone other than the spouse
Desertion (12 months)
o There is no cohabitation or sexual relations
Addictions (12 months)
Institutionalization (12 months)/Imprisonment (18 months)
Deviant Sexual Conduct (against the will of the spouse)
Extreme Cruelty
There may also be a no fault separation in New Jersey if there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation.
What will I pay for the services of a New Jersey divorce lawyer?
Legal fees are almost always variable and New Jersey divorce lawyers will post fees as a range, rather than a set figure, to reflect the variable outcome and length of court cases.  Factors affecting your case may include a spouse disputing your support claims or right to custody.  Disputed cases are long and as such, will be more expensive.  Some lawyers will also mandate a retainer in addition to another fee arrangement, such as hourly billing.  Ensure you receive all fees in writing to avoid potential overbilling or deceptive fees on the part of the lawyer.
Some divorce services, such as mutual divorces or divorce petition preparation are offered at flat rates.  This is useful for individuals or couples that want to avoid the potentially damaging legal expenses that accompany divorce and are will to try an alternative dispute resolution to achieve an equitable division of assets.  Arrangements made through mutual divorce as just as legally binding as those made in a court of law.
A retainer is a fee that remains in a trust account.  This may become an expensive arrangement as every time the lawyer performs a service related to your case, he charges this account.  Leftover retainer can be returned to the client, but there is also a chance that the attorney will exhaust the retainer and require the client to refill the account.  The retainer does not include court costs, which are also paid by the client.  However, these fees, such as the fees for filing the case, are fixed.
Take advantage of free consultations when they are available to discuss potential fees and payment arrangements with New Jersey divorce lawyers.  The above fees do not consider court costs, which are also paid by the client.  You may be able to arrange low cost and extended payment for legal services at the discretion of the attorney or law firm.
Free divorce or child support lawyers may be available to parents that cannot afford a regular lawyer to deal with custody or an adjustment of child support payments.  Especially in cases of domestic violence or other victimization, free services will be easier to obtain.  State authorities will also have child support enforcement units to locate deadbeat non-custodial parents and force them to honor their obligations.  Additionally enforcement mechanisms include suspension of licenses, interception of lottery winnings and withholding of public or entitled benefits.
What are questions to ask New Jersey divorce support lawyers?
How does my case relate to New Jersey state and local laws?
What are your fees and do you have alternate payment plans?
How is gross income calculated in New Jersey for the purposes of child support?
Do you see any potential flaws in my child support claim?
Can you represent me if I need to sue for non-payment of child support?
You have a number of options when seeking a divorce lawyer in New Jersey.  Some divorce lawyers New Jersey will be specialized in dealing with matters from the perspective of one of the spouses, such as divorce lawyers for men which will fight to ensure that child support payments are reasonable and made to benefit the child only.  This is due to the public perception of divorce being unfair to men.  Other divorce lawyers in New Jersey will specialize in specific aspects of divorce law such as no fault divorces and separations.  For couples looking for a cheaper alternative to divorce lawyers New Jersey, they may opt for flat rate services.  The flat rate divorce lawyer in New Jersey can facilitate an amicable divorce, where the couple agrees to the division of assets and support payments to ensure that the separation is fair and equitable.

Guide to Finding Indiana Divorce Lawyer

Guide to Finding Indiana Divorce Lawyer

 

What is an Indiana Divorce Lawyer?

 

An Indiana divorce lawyer is certified to provide legal assistance in family law.  Divorce is just one subset of family law, so a IN divorce lawyer will sometimes specialize in adoption law, surrogate law, or other form of family law.  Indiana divorce lawyer are well educated on every aspect within divorce law, including:

 

• separation and annulment rights

• child support and child custody

• spousal support

• visitation rights

• divorce settlements

 

There are also a number of laws that are unique to Indiana.  Your Indiana divorce lawyer should be knowledgeable on unique divorce laws, and you should have an understanding of all or most divorce laws before speaking with your attorney.

 

What are the steps for IN divorce?

 

The procedures and steps involved with divorce often span out for long periods of time, and the process is always hard on a family.  The parents fall under stress, the children are torn between parents, other family members may become involved, and coworkers and peers often know of the family’s circumstances.  The process is almost never easy.  

 

Specific steps within a separation or divorce can last longer than other steps, but it all depends on the cooperation of the parents or husband and wife to seek a settlement with as much ease as possible.  The specific steps involved in a divorce within the state of Indiana are as follows:

 

• Establishing grounds for a divorce, separation, or annulment and submitting an official form to the state clerk’s office

 

• Waiting until the case is brought to a hearing in front of a judge

 

• Establishing child support based on a variety of conditions

 

• Seeking and forming an agreement for child custody and visitation rights

 

• Establishing spousal support 

 

• Possibly attending marriage counseling or counseling to help parents maintain a healthy relationship with their children after the divorce 

 

• A final settlement and/or appeal  

 

What are the grounds for divorce, separation, or annulment in Indiana?

 

There are numerous reasons why spouses can seek divorce or annulment in the state of IN.  If a couple wants to seek grounds for divorce, the decision must be based on one or more of the following situations:

 

• Breakdown of marriage and incapability to save the marriage

 

• If a spouse is convicted of a felony during the marriage

 

• Impotent frame of mind during the time of marriage

 

• Permanent and incurable insanity prior to the divorce for at least two years

 

Against popular belief, seeking a divorce on the grounds of adultery alone does not apply within the state of IN.  There must be additional grounds for divorce.  However, if a spouse does in fact commit adultery, the act may cause the adulterer to receive a reduction in assets.  

 

If a couple wants to seek an annulment in the state of Indiana, one of the following conditions must apply:

 

• If you have been compelled or forced into a marriage 

 

• Fraud or misrepresentation 

 

• Consanguinity 

 

• A serious mental illness before the marriage

 

• If the spouse is married to another person in or outside the state of Indiana

 

IN Divorce Lawyer : Child Support and Child Custody

 

A Indiana divorce lawyer often helps establish the wishes for a particular parent concerning child support and custody.  A judge can have either parent pay child support, and child support is usually based on the following conditions within the state of Indiana:

 

• Degree of financial security each parent possesses

 

• Ability to match the child’s mental and physical well-being to that of before the divorce

 

• The child’s age

 

• The child’s education

 

• The child’s form of employment if older

 

It’s important to talk about your wishes for child support with your Indiana divorce lawyer, and he or she will usually work their best to come to a fast and reasonable settlement.  You should also discuss your wishes for child custody with your IN divorce lawyer.  Child custody is usually based on the following within IN:

 

• The wishes of the child, especially if they are at least 14 years old

 

• The sex of the child

 

• The relationship between the child and particular parent

 

• The happiness and wishes of everyone within the same nuclear family

 

A judge will often order joint legal custody if the child benefits from the equal company of each parent.  You should talk with your IN divorce lawyer in order to specify your expectations concerning child custody.  Your Indiana divorce lawyer can work with the other spouse’s attorney in order to come to an agreement that will satisfy both parties.  

 

IN Divorce Lawyer : Spousal Support and Settlement of Assets 

 

Another job of your Indiana divorce lawyer involves reaching an agreement for spousal support and the distribution of assets.  Within the state of IN, spousal support is often established upon the following:

 

• a spouse’s lack of property

 

• the mental and physical condition of the spouse

 

• the education of each spouse

 

• the employment and financial security of each spouse

 

The settlement process involved with the distribution of assets can be an ugly one.  Indiana divorce lawyer will try their best to meet the wishes of a spouse, but if a settlement is not reached, the judge will split the assets.  The distribution of assets is usually based upon the following conditions within IN:

 

• the contribution of each spouse to the property, house, and other valuable goods

 

• whether the assets was acquired before the marriage because of inheritance 

 

• the conduct of each spouse during the time of marriage, including the level of fidelity or adulterous action

 

• the economic condition of each spouse at the time of divorce

 

IN Divorce Lawyer : Unique Divorce Laws in Indiana

 

It’s important that your Indiana divorce lawyer understands and mentions the following laws when advising you on your divorce.  There are certain cases where a spouse can object to a divorce in IN, and the reasons are as follows:

 

1) Condonation- If a spouse gives the other spouse permission to commit adultery or a similar action, that spouse cannot use the presence of infidelity to influence spousal support, child support, or the distribution of assets.

 

2) Connivance- a spouse cannot legally setup the other spouse to commit an act of wrongdoing like adultery

 

3) Provocation- abandonment cannot be a ground for divorce if a spouse was locked out of the house or underwent a similar action.  

Guide to Finding North Carolina Divorce Lawyer

Guide to Finding North Carolina Divorce Lawyer

 

If you are seeking a divorce in the state of North Carolina, you may want to find a North Carolina divorce lawyer to help you negotiate during your divorce proceedings.  NC divorce lawyers specialize in helping divorcing spouses split their assets in a way agreeable to both spouses, and a NC divorce lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights as a divorcing spouse.  This guide will inform you about the ways in which North Carolina divorce lawyers can assist you in the divorce process, and help you to find a North Carolina divorce lawyer in your area.

 

Do I Need a Lawyer?

 

While you can file for divorce on your own, NC divorce lawyers will give you the best chance of coming to arrangements that are agreeable for both spouses.  Emotions can run high during divorce, and having a NC divorce lawyer to represent you will mean that emotions don't get in the way of successful negotiations.  

 

North Carolina divorce lawyers are trained professionals who can negotiate according to your wishes.  If you want aggressive representation, your North Carolina divorce lawyer is obligated ethically to do so (within the bounds of professional courtesy).  If you prefer for your NC divorce lawyer to use a softer touch, all you have to do is ask.  NC divorce lawyers represent you, rather than telling you what to do.

 

Your North Carolina divorce lawyer can even advise you before you have begun divorce proceedings.  Consulting with North Carolina divorce lawyers before asking for a divorce will help you understand how to best protect your assets.  Your NC divorce lawyer can also advise you as to how to find evidence that could help support your claim for child custody or alimony before leaving your house.

 

Spousal support

 

In some cases, NC divorce lawyers can help one spouse to seek spousal support (also called “alimony”).  Whether alimony is given and how much is given depends on many subjective factors, so having a North Carolina divorce lawyer to help you emphasize your need for alimony can greatly increase your chances of receiving support.

 

Spousal support determinations largely rest on your job and opportunities for work you may have given up for your spouse.  Your NC divorce lawyer can help you to build a case for alimony, and North Carolina divorce lawyers have proven experience negotiating spousal support for many divorcing spouses.

 

Child support

 

Determining the amount of child support in most cases is done by a formula.  NC divorce lawyers may offer the option of a child support calculator on their website to give you a rough estimate of your expected child support payments, but nothing substitutes for a consultation with a North Carolina divorce lawyer.  Your NC divorce lawyer can ensure that you understand your rights and options.

 

If you are seeking child support, North Carolina divorce lawyers can negotiate child support amounts that help you and your child continue to live the lifestyle you were accustomed to before the divorce.  Your North Carolina divorce lawyer can also help you understand your options for enforcing child support arrangements.

 

Child custody

 

One of the most difficult parts of any divorce negotiation is figuring out child custody arrangements.  Your NC divorce lawyer can help negotiate custody arrangements using several techniques.  First, you and your spouse can try to negotiate on your own, without the assistance of NC divorce lawyers.  However, if you cannot agree, the state will help you to arrange mediation proceedings with your spouse, your spouse's North Carolina divorce lawyer, you, your NC divorce lawyer, and a third-party neutral mediator.

 

Mediation proceedings can help you and your North Carolina divorce lawyers to come to an arrangement satisfactory to both parties.  Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or visitation arrangements, your North Carolina divorce lawyer can advise you about your options and what kind of custody you are most likely to get.  NC divorce lawyers have extensive experience negotiating difficult child custody arrangements.

 

Your NC divorce lawyer can advise you even before divorce on how to gather evidence that may help you in custody negotiations.   Consulting North Carolina divorce lawyers before you ask for a divorce can help you to prepare as well as possible in advance.

 

In some cases, if your spouse has been turning your children against you, NC divorce lawyers can help you to show the divorce court judge that your children have Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS).  A finding of Parental Alienation Syndrome may be able to help you keep your children.  Ask your North Carolina divorce lawyer for more details on PAS and how it may affect your custody proceedings.

 

Finding North Carolina Divorce Lawyers

 

One of the best and easiest ways to find NC divorce lawyers for your divorce is to ask friends for a NC divorce lawyer recommendation.  If you have friends or relatives who have used North Carolina divorce lawyers in their divorce proceedings, they may recommend NC divorce lawyers that are competent and local to you.

 

If you cannot find a recommendation for North Carolina divorce lawyers and are overwhelmed by the selection of NC divorce lawyers in the phone book and online, you can find a North Carolina divorce lawyer by using the state's Find-a-Lawyer service.

 

This service, available on the website of the North Carolina State Bar, can help you to find a NC divorce lawyer in your area to negotiate your divorce case.  You will be put in touch with a North Carolina divorce lawyer for an initial consultation who will give you an initial consultation for $50 or less.  If you want to look at different North Carolina divorce lawyers, you can get multiple consultations for $50 each.

 

Your First Consultation

 

NC divorce lawyers can tell you what to bring to your first consultation, but you will also want to bring a pen and paper to write down any answers to questions you may have, as well as information about the fee structures for each of the potential North Carolina divorce lawyers you consult with.

 

You should keep in mind that NC divorce lawyers are ethically bound to keep your personal information confidential, so you do not need to worry about revealing personal or sensitive information.  Even if you choose not to continue working with a particular NC divorce lawyer after your consultation, he or she is still bound by confidentiality rules. 

 

If you have questions for potential North Carolina divorce lawyers before your meeting, write them down so you do not forget them.  After finding a North Carolina divorce lawyer that meets your needs, you can negotiate a fee and agree to have representation from one of the NC divorce lawyers working in the state.