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Who Gets the Ring if the Marriage is Called Off?

engagement ring

The answer to this question will vary from state-to-state. In most states if the marriage does not occur the engagement ring must be returned. Click Here to Read More.

Common Law vs. Community Property States

The way marital property is divided varies from state to state. States fall into two general categories as to how they divide marital property: community property states and common law states. Generally, in community property states the courts primary objective is to simply divide the property between the spouses (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington). Click Here to Read More.

Divorce and Debt

It is important to understand that in addition to assets such as stocks or a house, debts such as credit cards and mortgage loans are also marital property. It may make little difference whose name the credit card is in. If the debt was acquired during the marriage and even if only some of the charges were for items for the couple the debt will generally be marital. Click Here to Read More.

Foreign Country Divorces

Many people believe that they can go to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti or another foreign country and obtain a “quickie” divorce without the knowledge or appearance of their spouse. Depending on your state’s divorce laws, this may or may not be recognized in this country. Click Here to Read More.

How Do I Change My Name Back to my Maiden After Divorce?

Each state has a legal process for undergoing a name change. This requires that a legal action to change your name be filed with the court and it can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Luckily, marriage and divorce are exceptions to that process. Click Here to Read More.

WomensDivorces.com thanks Staten Island divorce attorney Christopher L. Yannon for his support of this website.

divorce topics

You owe it to yourself and your family to make informed decisions with the benefit of an attorney who can advise you on your rights and responsibilities, and also, how the law of your state may apply to your unique situation.

The right attorney is probably not just anyone that happens to be a licensed attorney in your state but instead, a family law attorney in whom you are both confident in and comfortable with. The attorney you choose should be someone who takes the time to understand your unique situation and explains your options.

Realize that you can use this website as a helpful tool in locating the attorney that is right for you and to familiarize yourself with some of the basics of family law.

Family law includes: marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, visitation and support, domestic violence and more. If one of these issues affects your life, you already know that it may be one of the most important legal problems you ever face.

What you may not realize is that certain decisions you may make or agreements you may reach cannot be changed.

Divorce

Divorce is the process by which a marriage is ended. A marriage is considered a partnership of sorts. During a divorce, marital assets are identified and divided and a decision is made as to whether spousal support/alimony is required and, if so, for how long and in what amount. If children are involved decisions are made regarding custody, visitation and child support. In those cases where domestic violence is a problem the decision as to whether a protective restraining order, jail or other protections are necessary.

Those cases where the spouses are able to agree on all of the issues that must be decided in their divorce are generally said to be uncontested. All other cases, when the spouses cannot agree, are generally considered contested. In a contested divorce an attorney or law firm will usually represent each spouse. An attorney can provide you advice as to what legal rights and options exist and provide guidance as to what possible outcomes are likely. Your attorney can then communicate with your spouse’s attorney and argue your position based on the law of your state and, if necessary, present your case to the court for a decision.

In some cases, the process of divorce can be time consuming and costly. However, a divorce that is poorly negotiated or hastily agreed to may be much more costly in the long run. Other decisions, in particular those involving your children, obviously cannot be thought of in dollars and cents. The right attorney can make a potentially difficult process easier and be available to advise you through decisions that may be stressful and emotional.