Divorce is a complex decision that requires significant amounts of thought, planning, and emotional fortitude. The process itself can be very complicated if one does not prepare him or herself for the lengthy process. It is important that individuals use available resources in order to effectively plan and navigate divorce proceedings.
Hiring an Attorney
Hiring an attorney may be one of the most important steps any individual can take prior to going through a divorce. A skilled and experienced attorney is invaluable in helping resolve a divorce in the easiest way possible. Still, individuals should select the right attorney. This is true because every divorce proceeding is different and can be resolved differently. Depending on how the individual desires to proceed with his or her divorce–whether it is litigation, mediation, or collaboration–the selection of an attorney becomes even more important.
Individuals should seek an attorney who best fits their needs. Doing so will require careful evaluation of many different attorneys and some independent research as well. It is also important that the individual considers the cost of an attorney. In New Jersey, a court may order a spouse to pay for the other spouse’s attorney’s fees in a divorce proceeding. However, this is up to the discretion of the court. As such, because having the necessary finances for a divorce can be difficult for some, individuals should evaluate attorney’s fees while also…
Organizing Finances
Divorces can be expensive. This includes not only the costs of attorney’s and court fees but also the change in circumstances, potential shift in incomes, and other factors that can increase the overall costs of the entire proceeding. It is, therefore, vital that all individuals thinking about a divorce carefully evaluate their finances and make sound decisions based upon what works best.
Working with a financial expert may be beneficial. These skilled and trained individuals can help those in divorce proceedings understand some of the following:
- Amount and availability of marital and non-marital assets
- Changes to an individual’s cost of living following divorce
- Amount of alimony/support required, if necessary
- Additional expenses arising from the divorce
It is important to remember that, while many attorneys have significant experience in dealing with financials during divorce proceedings, many are not experts in finances.
Consider Child Custody
One of the messiest steps when it comes to divorce is determining custody of children. Individuals wanting to have full or partial custody of children should always consider this prior to divorcing. It is important that parents evaluate the situations that may strengthen or weaken their case for the type of custody sought; this can often be much more readily analyzed with the help of a skilled and experienced attorney.
Call our office at (215) 515-8464 for more information.
If you are considering divorce, you should ensure that you have help along the way. One of the skilled and experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Smith & Horwitz can help alleviate some of the many stresses that naturally arise during a divorce. Call us today at (215) 515-8464 to schedule a consultation.