How to Find the Best Child Custody Lawyer

Emotions are running high. There’s a custody battle looming on the horizon. You’re ready to lawyer up for your kid.

Take a breath and allow yourself a moment to feel what you’re feeling right now.

Ascertaining custody isn’t an overnight process. In this article, we provide some valuable information to help you find the best child custody lawyer for your case.

The process is to find, investigate, and interview potential representatives with these four easy steps.

Step One: Finding the Best Child Custody Lawyer

Focus on custody attorneys who are familiar with family law.

A local choice is better—your location matters, and a lawyer with domestic experience is preferable for many reasons.

Ask friends and family for their recommendations, or seek advice from court clerks at the court office. Inquire of other parents, strangers, and whoever currently has cases rolling at the child support office.

You could also peruse the referrals from the state bar association. Some states maintain a network of attorneys for release to the public.

Step Two: Investigating a Potential Child Custody Lawyer

It may seem tedious, but it’s worth doing your homework if you want the best child custody lawyer available.

Once you’ve gathered a sizeable list of options, you’ll want to investigate each candidate carefully.

First, check the state directory. Does the attorney have a reliable standing with the state bar? If they have a suspended license, they cannot legally practice.
Second, do not be afraid to ask around town. Find divorced or separated parents in smaller communities that may have used that attorney’s services. You’d be surprised how willing strangers are to share this information with you.

The research may also present names and referrals that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Step Three: Interviewing the Best Child Custody Lawyer

Interviewing a potential attorney is essential in a child custody case before you commit to their representation.

Know what you can afford before finding an attorney.

You are “shopping” for the best lawyer within your budget, as you would for any other service.

You’ll need someone you get along with and who is a good communicator. An in-person meeting is essential—you don’t want to hire someone who has no emotions vested in you or your case.

Observe the attorney’s interpersonal skills.

How well does the attorney get along with other people, both professionally and personally? Empathy, cordiality, and tact are paramount in practicing family law.

Remember, a great attorney functions as an expert communicator.

Find Similarities

Choose a lawyer who has won cases similar to yours. Ask them about the past cases they have won and consider the aspects that were similar or contrary to your own case.

How did the attorney win? How long did it take? What was the result of the custody battle?

Also, include questions about the location, country, and state, as this often comes in handy later.

The attorney may not be able to disclose some of the information regarding past cases but inquire about any ideas they currently have that can benefit your case.

Be sure to disclose all information about the special needs of the child. It may give the representative more specific information to build a strong case.

Be Clear About Financial Obligations

Inquire exactly how the attorney charges. Do they work by retainer or bill per hour? What were the costs involved in their previous cases?

Would they be willing to offer a free consultation for you to conduct an interview? If not, ask yourself how they compare to other options?

How highly recommended does this particular attorney come?

Step Four: Firing A Child Custody Attorney

A custody battle can go on for a long time. Be ready and willing to fire your attorney down the road.

If your attorney is not meeting your needs effectively, fire them. You need the best custody hearing if you’re going to be successful in your fight for your family.

Child Custody is complicated. Keep a clear head and find a great attorney to represent you in court.

How to Get Full Custody of a Child

Are you ready to commit to what could be a long and taxing battle for the full custody of a child? Most judges avoid granting full custody, so it’s a tricky topic at best.

It’s worth taking an honest look at why you want full custody.

The question to ask is, “What is best for the child?” It’s also the line of logic you need to prove your case to the courts.

Here are TEN STEPS to follow if you want to secure full custody of your child.

1. Preparation

Do you have a lawyer, stacks of organized documents, and enough evidence on-hand to support your arguments? This is the level of thorough preparation required.

Evidence of preparation equates to a caring and resourceful parent in the eyes of the court.

2. Understand Different Types of Child Custody

In the spirit of preparation, let’s define the different types of custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody is the parent’s right to live with the child.

There can be sole physical custody or joint physical custody. For simplicity’s sake, physical custody means the right to stay in the same location as your child.

Legal Custody

Legal custody means exerting authority in raising your children.

Sole legal custody means that no input is required from the other parent. The doctor, school, or religion to follow is up to the parent who has been awarded legal custody.

Sole Custody

Full custody happens when joint legal and joint physical custody proves to be “bad” for the child. It usually involves a lengthy court battle, and this extreme outcome is rare.

Joint Custody

Joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or a combination of the two equates to a joint custody arrangement. It entails visitation schedules (based on housing, work, and school) related to the child’s needs.

3. Understand Family Court

There are a few matters as important to discern in family court as:

Paternity—establishing the identity of the child’s biological father.
Relationship—the quality of each parent’s relationship with the child.
Distance Between Parents—how far the child will have to travel to visit each parent.

4. Compose Yourself in Court

Appearances matter.

Don business-professional attire for court days and let the image carry over to your demeanor. Emotional outbursts, interruptions, or a focus on revenge will not help you convince the judge that you hold your child’s best interest at heart.

5. Prove Other Custody Arrangements are Bad for the Child

It is the crux of your argument.

Iron out a clear and succinct argument on why anything other than full custody is detrimental to your child’s well-being. You need evidence to prove your case.

6. Negligent, Unfit, or Abusive

The following factors tend to convince the court to grant full custody:

Domestic violence
Physical or Sexual Abuse
Mental illness
Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Incarceration
Abandonment
Relocation (Is your ex moving soon?)

7. Cooperate (appear in court) and Show Interest

Consistency is key.

Take dates and times seriously.

Always come prepared.

Don’t back down when your opponent makes a move against you.

8. Put Emotions Aside and Strive for an Agreement With Your Ex

The courts want to see that you are willing to cooperate with the other parent. It reflects that you have the child’s best interests at heart.

9. Provinces and Territories

Read about which provinces or territories are in play, in terms of residence.

The laws vary depending on your location.

10. Request an In-home Custody Evaluation

A wise pre-emptive measure is to request an in-home custody evaluation.

It shows that you are fully prepared for the process with nothing to hide.

Follow these ten tips to get full custody of a child and secure your family’s future. Remember to keep the child’s well-being at the forefront of all discussions and negotiations.

How to Get Temporary Custody of a Child

Temporary custody establishes a vital first move in achieving permanent custody.

At all stages of the custody battle, remember that judges, clerks, mediators, and courts make decisions based on the best interests of the child.

The parent awarded temporary custody typically becomes the parent that enjoys permanent care for the foreseeable future.

Who Can Get Temporary Custody of a Child?

You don’t have to be a parent to gain temporary custody of the child.

There are numerous viable options to act as a temporary custodian—immediate family, extended family, grandparents, and godparents are all common temporary guardians.

Trusted friends and neighbors are an option, as well. It’s best to choose someone with whom both parents have a solid relationship, as trust is paramount.

Why Should You Seek Temporary Custody of a Child?

There are a few viable situations where good reasons for temporary custody win the case.

If you provide enough reason to be awarded temporary custody of a child, you benefit in many ways from continued proceedings. The early stages of separating or filing for divorce can provide enough reason to establish a temporary custodian, for example.

Another effective way to sway the court is to remove the child from an abusive, negligent, or unfit parent situation.

Information to Include for Temporary Custody of a Child

Do not expect the courts or an attorney to make plans for you or your child.

The more firmly you take the reins, the better. You will want to iron out the specifics and have it all in writing.

You’ll want to cover the entire period for temporary custody, detailing the beginning and end dates of custody, for example.

Include specific locations (addresses, cities, and states) and visitation rights—the more detail, the better.

Who is allowed to see the child? When? Under what conditions?

Financial arrangements are also valuable. Is money changing hands? How much and from whom?

Lastly, providing general information about the child’s needs is always useful, like unique medical needs or important upcoming events.

Steps to Achieving Temporary Custody of a Child

Here’s what the court process looks like in FIVE STEPS—from applying for temporary custody to achieving permanent custody.

Step 1: Seek Counsel

Laws vary by state, so seek counsel with a qualified family lawyer who practices in the area.

Step 2: File a Petition

Formally request temporary custody by filing in a petition.

It goes to your county clerk’s office. Here, you’ll provide a sound case (as reviewed by a qualified attorney) as to why you should be awarded temporary custody.

If you are not the biological parent of the child, know that the parents will receive a copy of your filed petition.

Step 3: Plan to Follow Through

Throughout the process, stay on top of all your paperwork.

Attend every hearing and stage of the process without fail.

Step 4: Temporary Custody Hearing

Once filed, there will come a custody hearing.

Attend the date, time, and place as notified by the court. Dress business-professional and stay composed and collected.

You must make a good impression as a responsible parent who is acting solely in the best interest of the child.

Make your case before the judge for why you need to be granted temporary custody. Any mention of abuse or neglect must be backed by sound evidence. Without proof of your claims, true or not, it carries no weight in court.

Step 5. Verdict and Permanent Custody

Once you’ve made your argument, exercise patience. The judge will make his decision at the end of the trial. A future hearing will determine permanent custody.

Temporary Custody is a significant first step in the process for permanent guardianship. Be prepared and remain calm throughout the proceedings.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

The question you should be asking is, “What is in the child’s best interests?”

It has to do with happiness, security, and the parent who can provide the most promising future. It will depend on whatever the judge thinks is best, though.

As frustrating as that may sound, it provides a vital starting point for some of the most important discussions and decisions of your life.

You may attempt to reverse engineer the process. It is an emotional time for parents, but volatile thoughts are best put aside to focus on the well-being of the child.

Below, our experts discuss other critical factors in the child custody issue that might shed some light on the process.

Joint Custody Vs. Sole Custody

Most courts are in favor of joint custody, which means a discussion on visitation rights.

Sole or full custody is far more challenging for a parent to achieve.

Legal and physical custody define what we mean as well.

Legal custody refers to decision-making power over the child—schools and other primary considerations.
Physical custody refers to which parent (usually both) can share a living space with the child.

There may be joint legal custody and sole physical custody for the judge to decide, and this outcome will depend on the best interests of the child.

Key Factors to Determine Custody of a Child

The person awarded custody is known as the “primary custodial parent.”

Usually, parents share custody, but there will be only one primary custodial parent in the arrangement.

It is the person who spends the most time with the child and is most involved in their daily lives. The criteria include being responsible for taking the child to and from school, providing meals, and choosing a home.

There are FIFTEEN KEY FACTORS to determine the PRIMARY CUSTODIAL PARENT:

The wishes of the child and each of the parents
The age of the child and each parent
The distance between each parents’ homes
Which parent resides in the home of origin (where the child was raised)
The work schedule of each parent
The lifestyles of each parent
The ability to provide necessities, such as clothing, food, and shelter
The ability to provide a stable and loving environment
The developmental and emotional needs of the child
The history and quality of the relationship of the child with each parent
How willing and able the parent is to communicate with the other person on child-related issues
How mentally and physically fit the parent is to care for the child
Evidence of physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence between parents, addiction, or neglectful behavior
Criminal activity on the part of either parent
Any other questionable behavior that suggests why a parent may not be the best choice for the primary custodian.

The points above outline an idea of the “best interests of the child” in the eyes of the court.

A family lawyer in your area familiar with similar cases, and the local judges, can better pinpoint a definition for your unique situation.

How the Parent Decides Custody

The decision is primarily determined by the actions of the parents.

The one who seeks counsel, attends all the hearings, files and completes all necessary paperwork, and maintains a professional and collected demeanor has the upper hand in achieving custody.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Non-Divorce Cases

In some states, the unmarried biological mother of the child retains primary custody regardless of the situation.

Judges are still inclined to award a form of joint custody if they see it as beneficial for the child. It presents a more complicated ruling for the judges if the couple is unmarried, though.

Child custody is never a straightforward issue, so seek expert advice and remember to focus on the best interests of the child.

How to protect your 401K in a divorce

Divorce proceedings are as much a financial upheaval as an emotional one, and money may be at the forefront of your mind during this time. Even if it isn’t a concern, it is wise to protect your assets as much as possible in a divorce to ensure a healthy future for yourself and your family.

How do I protect my 401K?

It is a common concern among those undergoing divorce proceedings. A prenuptial agreement in place before tying-the-knot is the ideal situation. Unfortunately, it is not the case for many people.

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding agreement that is set in place prior to getting married. It is a practical solution to deciding what assets are to be considered “separate property” in the event of a separation, and which are “marital property” to be divided up during the divorce proceedings. You can cite your 401K in this agreement as “separate property.”

If you don’t have a prenuptial agreement, though, your 401K will be considered part of the marital assets and divided accordingly. The best way to protect it following the initiation of divorce proceedings is to stop making voluntary contributions to it as soon as possible.

TIP: The law varies among states as to when you are legally allowed to stop making contributions, so you will need to check with a local divorce attorney before taking action.

Another possibility is to investigate whether state law allows you to exclude any contributions you made to your 401K before you married from the divorce settlement. The laws vary on this between jurisdictions, and you will need to consult a local divorce attorney for a clearer picture.

Outside of these possibilities, it is likely that your attorney will draft a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) and send it to the divorce court. Once signed by a judge and accepted by the plan administrator, the division of assets will become official and can be enforced.

Typically, the judge will deem any post-marital contributions and subsequent earnings as a result of these contributions, to be marital assets, and divided as such. The QDRO will give you the option to roll over your portion into your own plan, however, penalty-free and tax-free.

Know your plan

Each plan comes with its own rules and stipulations. Where some divide earnings by percentage, others divide them by shares. Some plans allow you to pay out your ex-spouse’s portion at the time of divorce, where others may require you to wait until retirement to draw on the funds.

You are the best person to research your plan. It may seem like a lengthy and arduous task, but you can be assured that you have your own best interests at heart.

Whatever your individual plan specifies, it is more than likely that your spouse will be entitled to a portion of your 401K in the absence of a prenuptial agreement. There are a few common settlement options available, including:

Keeping your 401K and giving your spouse alternative marital assets of comparable value.
Splitting the 401K assets between you and your spouse.
Liquidating the portion of your account that meets the QDRO and agreeing on a lump sum settlement with your spouse.

These tips are a brief overview of the options that may be available to you. The best way to obtain a complete picture in your unique situation is to consult with a local, knowledgeable divorce attorney regarding your 401K. Do some background research yourself as to what your particular plan permits to give yourself better insight into the situation.

For more advice and state-specific information, contact one of our professional divorce attorneys today.

How to talk to kids about divorce

For any couple with children, the decision to file for divorce holds extra gravity. Concerns about how your child will cope will more than likely be at the forefront of your mind. The situation will be life-changing for everybody involved, and a turning point in the lives of your children.

Children are incredibly resourceful and adaptable, though. If the situation is handled correctly, they can navigate their way through the upheaval and come out of it in a good place. The role you play in guiding your children through the divorce process is pivotal in ensuring a healthy emotional outcome for them.

While each situation is vastly different, there are a few tips that are considered good practice when it comes to telling your kids about the divorce.

Tips for speaking to your kids about divorce

1. It’s not about them

The most important thing you can do is make sure your kids know that the divorce is not about them. You can’t reiterate enough how both parents still love them. Children will need reminding of this affirmation regularly throughout the process and into the future.

2. Choose your timing

Kids can have varying responses depending on how the news is delivered. It helps if you’re in a position where you can both sit down with your child and deliver the news together. It gives the impression that, although you may be separated as a couple, you are still united in your role as their primary caregivers.

3. Discuss the practicalities

Unexpected changes and uncertainty about the future can be the primary source of anxiety for kids. Taking the time to go through the practicalities of how their lives will change might ease their worries considerably and afford them peace of mind.

Discuss the living arrangements, how often they’ll get to see both their parents, the holiday season, birthdays, schooling, and so on. Encourage them to ask questions now and in the future.

4. Ask for their input

Offering them the chance to give their opinion and feedback will give back a sense of control in a potentially overwhelming situation.

5. Avoid any ugly details

Don’t talk badly about the other parent, play the victim, or say anything that may indicate to your child that you want them to take sides. The middleman position can have devastating effects on their wellbeing and ability to cope, both short-term and long-term.

Children love both their parents, and they must be allowed to continue a healthy and progressive relationship with each one over the years.

6. Open communication

Highlight that open communication is vital and that it’s okay for them not be okay. Communication is always important for a healthy family unit, but in adverse situations such as divorce, it’s essential.

7. Let them be children

Remember, children are not mini grown-ups, and they won’t communicate in the same way you would expect of an adult. Lengthy discussions and complex planning will not engage them. It may even cause them further anxiety.

Keep chats short, informal, and child-led. Allow them the space to change the subject if they need to and read between the lines. Sometimes kids communicate their feelings better with art or activity than words.

8. Know what’s normal and what isn’t

Each child will react differently. You know your child better than anybody, and you know what reactions are normal for them and which ones need more attention.

Some children may scream, shout, or act out. Others may internalize things and appear quieter than usual. There may be other cues to emotional distress, such as bed wetting, night terrors, sleepwalking, or reports of behavioral changes with their peers in-school or creche.

For advice and consultation in a time where positive support is crucial, contact one of our experienced divorce lawyers today.

How to tell your spouse you want a divorce

Deciding you want a divorce is a huge step, but finding the right time to tell your spouse can be an equally imposing hurdle. The timing will never seem right, and each discussion will be as unique as the individuals involved. Before you voice your decision to your spouse, it’s beneficial to be reflective and make sure it’s what you really want.

Are you ready for divorce?

The one goal of a divorce is to end a marriage legally. It is not a tool to begin healing a broken marriage. Nor can it be viewed as a platform to voice your unhappiness in a relationship.

There is a big difference between telling your spouse you want a divorce and telling them you’re unhappy in the marriage. Before you use the “D” word, ask yourself a few questions:

Are you ready to emotionally detach from your spouse?

The purpose of a divorce is to allow both parties to move on, financially, and emotionally. Ideally, by the time you’re telling your spouse you want a divorce, you’re already “emotionally divorced” from them in your mind. If there are still attachments and feelings, even negative ones, then perhaps you’re not ready to file.

Are you prepared to facilitate change?

Divorce proceedings will involve upheaval in all areas of your life, from finances and living arrangements to your children’s schooling. You will need to actively participate in facilitating these changes to proceed with a divorce successfully.

Having the Conversation

There is no good time to have this conversation, but there can be a “better” time to have it. A well-planned discussion in a neutral environment will have far better implications for the road ahead than an emotionally charged argument. Here are some considerations:

Time of day

Traditionally, all romantic and emotional events happen in the evening. Emotions tend to run higher in the evening, though, when exhaustion levels soar, and you are preoccupied with the events of the day. While it may seem harsh to have this conversation in “the cold light of day,” a neutral, emotionally calm environment will help set the tone for a more practical, and less reactive, discussion.

Free from distractions

It’s best to choose a time and place where you aren’t likely to be distracted by kids, relatives, colleagues, or other events. It may be tempting to have distractions as a handy excuse to exit the discussion and avoid awkwardness. It’s far better to see this first discussion through to completion to make sure both you and your spouse are on the same page.

Expect the Unexpected

As well as you know this person, you really have no idea how they’re going to react. You could meet with anger, resistance, passive agreement, or denial. You may not even see a genuine reaction for days.

It is unchartered territory, so be prepared for unpredictable behavior from your spouse and yourself. Talking about it may trigger internal reactions that you weren’t expecting or feel unprepared to handle.

Expect to have the conversation more than once

Telling your spouse that you want a divorce rarely marks the instantaneous end to a marriage. It is merely the beginning of lengthy divorce proceedings with many more similar conversations. If you’re ready for a divorce, you will be in a position to respect the emotional reactions of your spouse without engaging in them reactively.

In whatever way you choose to tell your spouse about your wish to divorce, it’s best to remain honest, transparent, and respectful of their reactions. It will set the tone for speedy and efficient proceedings, and a better outcome for everybody.

If you need more advice or information, contact one of our experienced divorce lawyers today for a free first consultation.

How to Find a Divorce Lawyer

The decision to file for divorce is not one that is made lightly. A momentous life decision such as this is often followed by the question, “What do I do next?” The process of filing for divorce can seem daunting, costly, and intimidating to pursue.

Finding the right divorce lawyer for your situation can have a massive positive impact on a potentially tedious situation. In addition to the psychological benefits of having professional guidance, the right divorce lawyer can also save you significant amounts of time and money.

How do I start looking for a divorce lawyer?

Start by asking friends and family

The prospect of speaking to friends and family may seem overwhelming at first. Talking about your personal life aloud to your loved ones often makes the situation feel more “real” and inevitable. While it may seem challenging in the beginning, voicing your concerns with those who care about you can only help your situation.

Seeking any word-of-mouth recommendations for divorce lawyers from people you trust can put you on the right path to expert professional advice and guidance. In contrast, a trial-and-error approach can prove costly and time-consuming.

Know your budget

It’s important not to overspend on an already potentially expensive process by incurring unplanned expenses along the way. It’s a better idea to discuss rates with any potential lawyers over the phone before in-person consultations, for example. This proactivity avoids any awkwardness or wasted time from either party if the lawyer happens to be outside of your price range.

Know what you want before you go in

There are various options available when choosing to separate from your spouse, including mediation, collaborative divorce, litigation, and more. Some options more cost-effective and less time-consuming than others, and they may be the right approach for you. It depends on your requirements and the intended outcome for the divorce.

It’s important to know what your goal is before you begin the process. Keep in mind the factors you have to consider, such as child-care and the dissolution of assets. Knowing this information ahead of any consultation will help keep you focused, less emotional, and better equipped to make a correct assessment of any divorce lawyer.

Any reliable divorce lawyer will be able to talk you through your options with a client-centered approach. They should be responsive to your needs and answer all your questions unambiguously.

Interview potential lawyers

You are hiring them to do a job, so now is the time to ask questions. Seek clarification, confirm their rates, and discuss their track record. Don’t be afraid to look for more information, and never feel pressurized into hiring the first divorce lawyer you encounter.

It’s also a good idea to research three or four potential candidates before you commit. Take the time to meet with them in person and get a sense of how they operate.

Observe them

Many divorce lawyers will offer a free first consultation to give you both the chance to get to know each other. Use this time to assess how your potential lawyer behaves during the meeting.

Are they attentive and client-centered, or distracted, pushy, and aggressive? Do you feel like they’re listening to your needs? Are they behaving professionally and courteously?

Call the Professionals

Your first consultation is your opportunity to observe how they are likely to operate on a daily basis. It can be far more revealing and honest than any advertising jargon. Above all, trust your gut.

Do you like the lawyer? Do you feel comfortable around them? Do you feel capable of their abilities, and does their professional approach match your intended outcomes?

For a divorce lawyer that you can trust, visit one of our seasoned professionals and get to know us a little better—no strings attached. Call us for a free first consultation today.

Why Do People Divorce?

Divorce is a familiar concept across many countries and cultures today. The steady information stream from celebrity gossip columns and social media platforms contribute to the desensitization of divorce. It is no longer perceived as a taboo subject.

In many circumstances, divorce is now considered a healthy and financially viable option for both parties to move on and start anew.

Current statistics indicate:

the average length of first, unsuccessful marriages in the United States is eight years
the divorce rate per 1,000 married women is 16.9
about 15 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce, in contrast to less than one percent in the 1920s

So, are people just unhappier in their marriages today? Or, do they have more financial independence, greater freedom of choice, and more options? While statistics show an overall increase in divorce since the early part of the 20th Century, divorce rates have been on the decline since the early 1990s.

This trend is believed to be driven by the Millennial’s attitude to marriage overall. Where baby-boomers were more inclined to marry young, Millennials are now choosing to complete their education, achieve their personal life goals, and gain financial stability before entering into matrimony. This attitude seems to mirror a steady decline in divorce rates, loosely suggesting that the reasons people divorce may be financial pressures, personal unhappiness, and unfulfilled goals.

Perhaps, the shift in priorities from pleasing your spouse to fulfilling your desires takes the strain out of a marriage, allowing the relationship more breathing room.

Common Reasons For Divorce

The first topics that spring to mind when considering reasons for divorce may be financial strain or infidelity. While these are indeed significant contributors to marital breakdown, sometimes the reasons are more subtle. Relationships can and do fail because of poor communication, lack of intimacy, and a loss of personal identity.

Why Do People Divorce?

Lack of Intimacy: It’s no secret that after some time in a long-term relationship, the spark can begin to fade. The familiarity of domestic life can turn “amazing” into “mundane,” and this can initiate feelings of boredom, resentment, or the need to escape the relationship.

Loss of Self Identity: Time spent in a long-term relationship can “dilute” your sense of self, too. Your likes, dislikes, behaviors, and attitudes can sometimes merge with those of your significant other. It can lead to feelings of smothering, loss of identity, and resentment as you struggle to reassert your individuality.

Different Life Goals: One partner wants to retire early and travel the world; the other wants to work towards a stable life in the suburbs. A disparity in life goals only becomes apparent after the “I dos.” Compromise can assist with this problem, but sometimes the differences seem too insurmountable for reparation.

Financial Strain: Money troubles can put enormous pressure on a marriage. Differing attitudes towards money, overspending, and lack of financial planning can all put a significant strain on the relationship. External factors may come into play, too, with a recession or job loss putting the marriage under one stress test too many.

Infidelity: According to the American Psychological Association, 20 to 40 percent of divorce proceedings resulted from infidelity. Statistics on this topic are difficult to ascertain, however, and it is rarely straightforward, and many marriages continue after infidelity. Over time, they may start to show signs of strain, though, with communication breakdown, a lack of trust, and unprocessed anger or resentment contributing to a marital breakdown.

The reasons a couple may choose divorce are numerous and personal. Whatever the reason, divorce remains a part of our culture and a frequent topic of conversation inside the Court of Law and around the dinner table. No matter how desensitized the subject, divorce is still a significant life event to be treated with dignity and respect.

If you need advice or direction through your divorce proceedings, feel free to call one of our professional divorce lawyers today.

THE TYPICAL CALIFORNIA DIVORCE TIMELINE

Most people don’t know what to expect when they start the divorce process. Divorce is a complicated process that happens at one of the most vulnerable and confusing times in your life. It may be helpful to have a timeline to make you feel a bit more at ease and prepared for what comes next legally. The following timeline is intended as a general overview of what typically happens in the divorce timeline, but your situation may take longer or shorter to resolve.