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What You Should Consider Before You File For Divorce

At this point in your marriage, you may be going through some trying times and end up thinking about what a divorce would mean for you and your family. The fact is, they are never easy, but they can be made easier when you know your rights and have someone by your side to make sure important information is considered and thoughtful decisions are made.

At Maitland & Stiffler Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you understand the importance of various issues in divorce planning, determine what rights you have in property division and child custody and explain what steps you should take before you even mention your concerns with your spouse.

Questions To Be Answered

When thinking about the potential for divorce, there are many things to think about and questions to ask yourself. It is extremely helpful to obtain answers to a wide variety of questions so they can help you to make informed decisions. For example:

  • Who is the primary wage earner in the household? Your personal earnings will be taken into account when determining child custody or spousal support payments. If you are not able to support yourself, you may need to pursue spousal support payments. Similarly, if you are the only one supporting the family financially, the court may end up ordering payments to support your spouse as well as your children.
  • Do you suspect your spouse has hidden assets or debts? Married couples take on shared rights to property and responsibility for debts. It is important that all financial concerns are discussed with openness and honesty, but not all couples act accordingly. Make sure you have a full understanding of your financial responsibilities before you pursue a divorce.
  • Are there safety concerns related to domestic violence or abuse? No matter what, your safety and your rights are of grave importance. Be cautious as you work through these threatening situations and have a team of experienced attorneys on your side to protect you legally.
  • Would you or your spouse be likely to move away after the divorce is final? Relocation can play a big role in divorce, as people want to put these emotional challenges behind them. If you have children together, take steps to foster a positive relationship between both parents and children.

Talk Through More Divorce-Related Issues With Us

Contact our firm online or call us at 919-944-4757 to get more information about how a divorce will legally influence your rights and responsibilities. Our office is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and we handle cases throughout the area.