Beverly Hills Divorce Lawyers Helping You Find A Brighter Future Ahead

There are plenty of reasons to call it quits on a marriage. When the time comes and the decision has been made, it can feel overwhelming as to what the next step is in the process. When you factor in the many ways a married couple is enmeshed, such as children, marital property, and assets, it only complicates matters more. A divorce attorney is an ideal solution to make this process easier for both parties. From starting the process in terms of divorce forms and answering initial questions to representing clients in final negotiations, divorce attorneys ensure your best interests are a priority during this troubling time in life.

Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

Some couples may be able to navigate the process of divorce on their own, but this is usually a rare occurrence. The fact of the matter is that divorce is often a lengthy, complex, and emotionally fraught event. When you consider that there may be minor children involved, properties and assets, or other legally binding, joint obligations, a reliable family law lawyer is the smartest option to make ending a marriage more manageable. Even in a divorce without children at the center of the fight, divorce cases may still turn ugly between two people out of spite. An experienced divorce attorney can help keep communication civil for a cleaner break. Another sign that you need an attorney is if your spouse has already hired one of their own. You need to make sure your best interests are represented, which is where divorce lawyers come in. Representing your own interests without knowledge of the legalities against a trained, experienced divorce attorney may end up with your spouse getting everything they want in the settlement.

What is the Difference Between a Fault and No-Fault Divorce?

A no-fault divorce is when a married couple cites the reason for divorce as mutual rather than one party blaming the other for the breakup of the marriage. The terms used for a no-fault divorce are pretty common, such as “irreconcilable differences” or other ways of stating that the marriage is “irretrievable.” A no-fault divorce usually means that a couple is incapable of getting along and the marriage is over, but neither party is to blame. Even in a no-fault divorce case citing irreconcilable differences, divorce attorneys are still helpful when dealing with matters such as child-related issues and division of assets.

When one spouse finds blame or fault with the other, this is a fault divorce, which is where divorce attorneys become even more essential for both parties. The reasons for a fault divorce include adultery, abuse, addiction to drugs or alcohol, being arrested for a crime, and other acts that may be seen as breaking the basis of the marriage contract. It is basically a form of misconduct that one spouse sees as a deal-breaker in terms of continuing the marriage. This type of divorce case requires evidence of the misconduct to be presented to the court.

Will a Divorce Lawyer Help with Child Custody?

If you and your spouse are going through a divorce with children involved, divorce attorneys will likely assist in negotiating child custody as part of the divorce settlement. Since divorce attorneys still practice under the umbrella of family law, they will be able to handle negotiating both legal custody (the right to make decisions about medical, educational, and welfare matters on behalf of your child) and physical custody (where the child will live). Whether seeking sole or joint custody, divorce attorneys will work to arrange this with your spouse’s lawyer until terms are agreed upon. The divorce lawyer will also assist in financial matters such as child support payments and alimony.

Is a Divorce Lawyer Worth the Cost?

When you consider all of the things a person stands to lose in a poorly negotiated divorce (child custody, properties, and assets) and the possibility of monthly payments of child support and alimony, there is no denying that having an experienced lawyer on your side is a smart move. While some people only look at lawyer fees in the here-and-now sense of money spent for representation, a poorly negotiated divorce case when so much is at stake may have longer-lasting impacts than the cost of the attorney.

Can a Lawyer Help?

Divorce is hardly a simple and quick solution for most couples. We understand the complexities of family law cases, both in a practical sense and the emotional impact, which is why we are ready to fight for you. Contact our law firm at (310) 271-7675 today to find out how we can help.