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Divorce
1) Should I be represented by a lawyer? YES!
Since property settlements can be very complicated, we can help you
decide which of your belongings are marital property and which are
separate property, and advise you as to how the court will divide that
property. As your lawyer we will also be able to assist you in
drafting a separation agreement in order to document your arrangements
with your spouse. We might also be able to help you plan matters where
timing is important. For example, you might not know that you must be
married for at least ten years in order to qualify for social security
spousal benefits, or that if you wait until you are 55 to sell the
marital residence, you get a tax break. As your lawyer we can
also advise you if an unexpected problem comes up, for instance, if
your spouse files for bankruptcy before you receive money due to you
in a property settlement. We may be able to help you notify your
spouse about the divorce if you are unable to do so. Additionally, as
your lawyer we can advise you on how much money, if any, you
should pay or receive for alimony or child support.
2) How can I prepare for meeting with a lawyer?
It will be helpful for you to gather certain documents in preparation
for your first meeting with your attorney. Locate and copy your
important documents, including:
 | Financial statements, |
| Income tax returns, |
| Corporate tax returns, |
| Partnership tax returns, |
| Bank statements (business and personal), |
| Check registers, |
| Canceled checks, |
| Brokerage statements, and |
| Children's bank account statements.
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In a contested equitable distribution case, these documents will be
very helpful in determining just what your family's assets are. In a
child support or alimony case they will help to determine the amount
of support you will pay or receive.
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Initial Consultation Free! |
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