When it comes to divorce, there are many misconceptions out there that can lead to misinformed decisions and hurt feelings. Here we’ll discuss some of the most common misunderstandings about divorce to help you better understand the process and what it means for you and your family.
One of the most common misconceptions is that the divorce process is always long and drawn-out. While this can be true in some cases, typically it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, if you are able to work together with your spouse on important matters such as property division, child custody, and other legal issues then the process can go much smoother and faster than if you had litigated everything in court. If both parties cooperate then it is possible for them to get divorced without having ever stepped foot in a courtroom.
Another misconception about divorce is that one person will always come out ahead financially or with more parenting time. In reality, unless abuse or neglect is at play, courts strive for an equitable division of assets and parental rights rather than skewing things completely in either spouse’s favor; so don’t assume that just because you make more money or have been the primary caregiver that you will automatically receive sole custody or a larger share of property/debts/assets.
People also tend to think that filing for divorce costs thousands of dollars when actually this isn’t necessarily true either; while legal fees can add up depending on how complicated your situation becomes, couples do not have to spend a fortune if they are able to negotiate outside of court or use mediation services. It really depends on what kind of representation you choose (if any), whether or not there are children involved, who is staying in the house, and other considerations. If you retain a local divorce attorney in Decatur, Alabama, then it will be much more expensive than if you did an online divorce.
Finally another misunderstanding people often have surrounding divorce is that they need their spouse’s permission before they proceed with filing paperwork – this simply isn’t true either! You do not require your spouse’s signature nor do they need to agree with your decision – as long as you meet all residence requirements stated by your state then you are free to move forward regardless of how your partner feels about it.
Overall understanding the ins-and-outs of divorce proceedings before diving into them head first will ensure that things go much smoother throughout the entire process!