Birth Blogs: Everything You Should Know About Birth Injuries
For most families, childbirth is a joyous occasion. Parents brace themselves for little more than learning experiences and sleep deprivation as they settle into their new roles. They count fingers and toes and hope for the best.
Sadly, this isn’t always the outcome for everyone.
Seven birth injuries occur for every 1,000 children that are born in the U.S. While high-risk populations and those with certain genetic predispositions tend to approach
What Is the Deadliest Vehicle Accident? Your Car Crash Guide
Did you know that more than 38,000 people die on US roads each year? Despite an increase in vehicle safety and road education, this number is still far too high. But do you know what the worst type of accidents are?
Divorce or Separation? A Complete Overview
If you have made a difficult decision to leave your partner, you may be tossing up whether divorce or separation is the better choice. They both seem similar on the surface, but they are entirely different relationship statuses from a legal perspective.
Most newlyweds do not anticipate that they will reach a point where this needs to matter. However, the reality is that many married couples cannot make their marriage work and seek legal separation in a matter of months or years.
If you want a dissolution of marriage, here is how you can decide whether to go for a divorce or separation and why you need a divorce attorney to guide you through the process.
Difference Between Divorce or Separation
In this guide, we will go over the differences between divorce and separation to help you decide which is best for you. Then you and your partner can decide to separate for good or temporarily or cut all ties altogether.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What Is a Separation?
Separation involves two people who want to be separated for the long term or short term. This means that you want to divide your assets and any other responsibilities without going through a divorce.
You will still be married legally with separation, even if you do not live together in the same home. During this legal break, you may be asked to create a separation agreement that will go over how all your bills, visitation, spousal support, shared property, and child custody will be divided.
What makes getting a separation more appealing to couples is that they can legally complete the process without needing a divorce attorney. You may also not need to submit any paperwork in court.
This is because you choose to live separate lives, even if you decide to stay together in the same property. You can either find your own homes or move into spare bedrooms in a shared house.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What Is a Divorce?
When a married couple dissolves their union or terminates it for good, this is when you need a divorce attorney. A divorce means that you do not want to remain married. Usually, if a divorce is uncontested, a couple can divide their debts and assets independently or through a divorce attorney. Then all your paperwork gets submitted in court. Otherwise, your divorce may not be legal.
Couples who get divorced and choose to reconcile later will not be “officially together” unless they remarry. Any divorce papers that have been finalized in court will not be reinstated until you tie the knot again.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Should You Separate?
Separation is the ideal choice for couples who do not know if they want a divorce or not. You may still wish to legally benefit from being married. However, many couples choose this route if they will continue sharing the same health care benefits.
Some people have strict spiritual and religious beliefs that prohibit them from getting a divorce. Then a separation makes more sense because they will no longer be together, but it does not have to be so official.
You may also be filing joint tax returns with your partner and do not want to terminate this relationship permanently, so a separation becomes the better choice.
For others, a separation acts as a trial to see if there can be any reconciliation before going for a formal divorce. During this time, some have a change of heart and get back together, while many eventually head for a divorce.
Couples who choose separation over divorce are willing to keep in touch with each other. This way, you can still take advantage of the legal benefits without the romantic relationship while still living together in your marital home.
Some states also insist on a trial separation period before granting you a divorce. You should always check your state’s divorce laws to know whether you will be permitted to file paperwork or will need to try to work on your relationship during a separation.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Should You Divorce?
Divorce is more permanent. It legally separates you from an ex-partner. Couples choose to divorce if they want to end their marriage long-term and no longer use each other’s health care benefits. You may also not want to file joint tax returns anymore.
A divorce is very “final” but best for those who want to marry someone else. Others ready for divorce have already undergone a separation period and realized that they can no longer fix their relationship, so it is pointless to keep trying.
After getting a divorce, you will no longer have any legal ties to each other. This is when you will dissolve your marriage altogether, and your divorce proceedings will be completed in court. When the court grants your divorce, you will no longer be legally bound to your partner.
Divorces in family law can be contested or uncontested. A contested divorce is when a married couple cannot divide their assets and responsibilities without legal assistance. Then you will need to go through settlement hearings and negotiations in court with your divorce attorney.
An uncontested divorce is a simpler step when you and your partner willingly work together to come to an agreement. This way, you make it easier to separate your assets, child support, custody, and any debts.
Both parties can mutually agree to the divorce and separate peacefully. This type of divorce does not require an attorney because you can be civil with your partner to manage the process.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Ending Your Relationship
Going for a divorce or separation is never easy. This can be an emotionally sensitive time for most people. No one ever imagines that their relationship will not last when they celebrate love with family and friends during their wedding ceremonies.
The legal process can be intimidating to go through yourself. However, the right divorce attorney can help you explore your options and move forward swiftly. Contact us today, and we can help you both move forward while guiding you on what to expect over the next few months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Family Law: 5 Tips for Finding a Divorce Attorney
Looking for a divorce attorney?
When finding a divorce attorney, you have to make sure that you find the right one to avoid future issues. Dealing with divorce will have logistical as well as emotional challenges.
This will be especially true if there are children involved. A divorce or dissolution of marriage, no matter the reason, will affect your kids. While there’s no way around this, being open and communicative with them can help them cope.
This means you should be available to attend to these matters when necessary. The right lawyer will have your best interest in mind and help ease the hassle of going through the divorce. They can guide you through the process and help make it a little smoother.
Read on because here are five tips to help you choose the right divorce lawyer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
1. Decide What Divorce Process You Need
Deciding what divorce type you want to pursue is one of the first things you should do.
Consider how the divorce will pan out. Will there be plenty of conflicts? Will it be generally cooperative? Or do you need some help to resolve everything?
How the divorce pans out will somewhat depend on the amount of conflict in the divorce process. Cases involving high conflict couples can take years to resolve. Going to court might be necessary to get a final decision.
Meanwhile, couples that have an ample degree of cooperation can have a better experience. They’ll be able to pursue alternative dispute resolutions. These include mediation, collaborative divorce, or uncontested divorce.
These options can be more cost-effective and even faster, unlike high-conflict divorce cases. Knowing the likely circumstances of your divorce beforehand is crucial in choosing the right lawyer.
If your case has no conflict, then hire a lawyer who’s good at facilitating cooperation. However, if there is, then you might want a lawyer that’s more aggressive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”li-full”]
2. Consider Your Divorce Attorney’s Expertise
The different areas of law will have their own set of rules and regulations. If you’re getting a divorce, hire a lawyer that specializes in family law and divorce. This ensures that they’ll know exactly what they need to do to help you.
When you talk to a prospective lawyer, ask some questions to gauge their expertise:
Do they specialize in divorce cases, or is it part of their general practice?
If they’re a divorce law specialist, do they have certification?
How many divorce cases have they handled?
How long have they been practicing in the field of family law?
You can then decide based on their responses. A divorce attorney’s expertise and experience may play a role in handling certain issues.
For example, in issues of equal property division, several factors need consideration. One such factor is which spouse will have primary custody of the children. If there are children involved, hiring a lawyer who’s only worked with childless couples isn’t the best option.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
3. Seek Recommendations and Look Up Reviews
Time to do your homework by asking for recommendations and searching online.
Talk to family and friends who’ve had experience with lawyers in the area. If you have a friend or family member who’s had a divorce, consult with them about their experience. Ask them about the family law firm they hired and if they would hire them again.
It would also be good to ask them about the divorce lawyer they were up against. The other party’s attorney might turn out to be a better option for you.
With the internet, it’s now much easier to look up lawyers without needing a personal consultation. Google lawyers in your area, and you can usually find what you need to know about them.
This includes the field they practice in and how long they’ve been practicing. You can also see how long they’ve been in the area and their firm’s resources and associates.
If you don’t know anyone in your area who’s had experience with lawyers, you can turn to internet reviews. Search for both positive and negative reviews online. Be cautious of testimonials on their own website since these are likely filtered.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
4. Try Free No-Commitment Consultations
While you might be able to find a lot about a lawyer online, consultations can still tell you more. Many divorce lawyers offer an initial consultation for free.
You can take advantage of a free consultation to find out what the lawyer can bring to your case. You can also gauge and decide if you can work well together. During the consultation, see if you’re able to build some rapport and if you can trust your divorce lawyer.
In the initial consultation, lawyers usually sketch out your options without going into the details. When you present your case, the lawyer will tell you about how they’ll manage your case.
If a divorce attorney you’re eyeing offers a free consultation, take the opportunity. It can give you a better idea than only researching online. You’ll be able to see what kind of person they are and if they’re a good fit for you and your family.
If you feel uneasy about a lawyer in the initial consultation, then they’re likely not for you. Likewise, the same may apply if you have disagreeing positions and views.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
5. Beware of Red Flags
Speaking of uneasiness and disagreements, you should keep an eye out for red flags. Is the lawyer distracted, or do you feel rushed? The best divorce lawyers will treat your case as a priority and listen to you.
If you feel like the lawyer doesn’t have your best interest in mind, it’s better to move on. Other red flags might include making big promises. This is because no one can guarantee the exact outcome of such cases.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Find a Divorce Attorney Now
Getting a divorce involves a lot of challenges. Choosing the right divorce attorney can help make the process easier for you and your family. They can give you proper guidance and look after your interests.
Research on your lawyers and assess if they’re the best fit for your case. You need to know if they have the expertise and experience to help you.
If you’re looking for a lawyer, SSM Law Group can help. Contact us today to speak with us about your situation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]