There are few events in your life that have the potential to be as traumatic and life-altering as a divorce. Depending on whether you are the one who files for divorce or the one who is served the papers, your divorce might be a foregone conclusion or an absolute surprise. Either way, you may be in for a fight. At this point, you should consider prioritizing your mental health and look to hire an experienced Des Moines, IA, divorce lawyer to represent your interests in your case.
How Important Is a Divorce Lawyer?
Hiring a divorce lawyer to represent you against your spouse in your divorce may be the most important decision you make during your entire case. Divorces can get messy, personal, unpredictable, emotional, and quite expensive. Having someone by your side who can keep you from making mistakes, ensure you meet certain filing deadlines, and aren’t taken advantage of can really make all the difference as you navigate one of the most complex events of your life.
It’s safe to say many divorces are not the result of an amicable discussion. Uncontested divorces are regrettably not the norm. Many divorces are contested because they are the inevitable result of a marriage’s breakdown, which can happen due to infidelity, abuse, financial incompatibility, or other personal reasons known only to the couple. Deciding to end your marriage is a big decision, and a lawyer can help you stay on course throughout the process.
Above all, an experienced divorce lawyer’s role in your case is to make sure your spouse doesn’t try to take advantage of you. Your lawyer can provide you with sound legal advice, help you find evidence that supports your side of events, and take charge of your life while you focus on the things that need your attention, such as your kids and healing from the split. A divorce can take a long time to finalize, and you need to focus on rebuilding your life and adjusting to a new normal.
What Will Your Divorce Look Like?
There are only two kinds of divorces that you can try to get in Iowa. It may not be up to you to decide which one you can get. That may be entirely up to your spouse and how willing they are to cooperate. Ideally, you want to get an uncontested divorce. If your marriage broke down due to a lack of trust, respect, or love, this probably will not happen. The other way is a contested divorce, and that can get very ugly very quickly.
An uncontested divorce often happens because two people who care about each other ultimately realize that their marriage has run its course and they have fallen out of love. It’s nobody’s fault, and neither party wants to hurt the other by trying to make the divorce complicated. You and your spouse may work together to figure out the details of the divorce. You may develop an agreement on how to divide assets, an arrangement for child custody, and more.
An uncontested divorce is the end result of two people on the same page working things out like adults and choosing to move on for the sake of their own happiness. You may not even need to hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce. It’s a fairly straightforward process.
Then, there’s a contested divorce, which is not uncommon. Often, marriage is shattered due to one spouse’s betrayal or is the inevitable result of years of swallowed pride and resentment. When it explodes, your marriage might be a casualty. This is when a divorce lawyer can be an invaluable help.
FAQs
Q: How Do I Start the Divorce Process in Iowa?
A: If you want to start the process for divorce in Iowa, it is recommended that you first speak to an experienced divorce lawyer. A good divorce lawyer can walk you through the process and provide much-needed assistance. The process is different depending on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. There’s a great deal of paperwork that needs to be properly filed, and your lawyer can take care of that for you.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Divorce and Legal Separation?
A: The primary difference between divorce and legal separation is the finality. A divorce is a last resort. Once the papers are signed and the judge decrees, you and your spouse are no longer married. In a legal separation, you may live separately, pay alimony, and have divided assets, but legally you are still married. For couples who want to distance themselves from one another but aren’t ready to end their marriage, a legal separation can work as a reliable test.
Q: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Iowa?
A: There is no telling how long a divorce might take in Iowa. Every divorce case is different, with every divorce having its own specifics and details that are unique to each individual case. Factors like significant assets, child custody, and a willingness to reach a compromise are going to influence how long it takes to finalize your divorce. Generally, it takes as long as it takes.
Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Divorce?
A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer to represent you in your divorce. There is no reliable way to tell how your divorce will play out, especially in a contested divorce. You may find yourself unprepared to go up against a seasoned divorce lawyer if you decide to try and handle things on your own. By hiring an experienced divorce lawyer, you are taking steps to make sure your own interests are protected, and nobody is taking advantage of you.
Contact Us Today
Divorces are emotionally taxing processes and carry wide-ranging and significant impacts on all areas of your life. It is important to take the time to focus on your own wellness and care as much as possible. Hiring an experienced divorce lawyer can not only provide you with the legal knowledge to protect your interests but can also provide you with the ability to focus on healing and moving forward.
At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with legal assistance for your divorce and encouragement when it comes to standing up for yourself and your own happiness. Contact us to speak to someone about your case and schedule a consultation.
