When people decide to say “I do,” they rarely assume that the happily ever after will end in divorce. Sadly, though, that is the reality we live in, and divorce rates continue to rise. According to a study done by Southern Methodist University in Texas, about 39% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. If you find yourself in this position, you will need the help of a Jacksonville family law firm to permanently dissolve a marriage.
1. How Long Does the Process Take?
Most of the time, people want to get divorce proceedings over as soon as possible. One thing that you should discuss with your attorney is how long the process will take. This can vary based on a lot of factors, including if your spouse is cooperative and how assets will be divided.
2. How Will Payments Be Made?
Divorce is a joint effort between people who are typically not getting along. You need to find out if all of the divorce costs will be your expense or if your spouse will be held responsible for his or her half. Court costs can be expensive as well, so make sure you are financially prepared for the toll a divorce can take.
3. Can I Get My Name Changed?
Some women may be concerned about getting their name changed back to their maiden one. You should discuss this with your lawyer upfront. In some cases, the lawyers can make the name change a stipulation of the divorce. This can save you a lot of hassle from trying to change your name after the fact.
While divorce is not easy, it does not have to be quite as challenging when you have a good legal team on your side. For more information, contact a family attorney to find out the next steps to take.