Going through a divorce is never fun, but some separations are harder than others. If you anticipate a tough divorce, it’s important to find the right family law attorney near me for your case. With the best representation, you can ensure that you get a fair deal while remaining as amicable as possible with your former spouse.
How to Find the Right Divorce Lawyer
Here in North Carolina, you and your partner must be living physically separately for at least one year before you can officially file for divorce. However, you can start working with a lawyer as soon as you decide to separate. During this time, even if you aren’t officially divorced yet, you can start making decisions about how to divide assets, where your children will live, and more.
The best family lawyer for your case will have experience with divorces that are similar to yours. That’s part of what makes our team of attorneys so effective: we specialize in family law, so we have worked with a wide range of clients. We’ve dealt with incredibly simple divorces governed by prenups, as well as complicated divorces with no pre-existing marital contract. Our family law attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience.
Additionally, look for a legal team that is professionally recognized. Here at Morgenstern & Associates, US News & World Report ranks us as a Tier 1 family law firm in metropolitan areas. Our founder, Barbara Morgenstern, has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America in family law and family law mediation for the past 25 years. In other words, we have a track record of excellence in family law.
Our philosophy is simple. We seek to get the best possible outcome for our clients by setting realistic expectations and doing as little harm as possible during the divorce. If this sounds like the right option for you, contact us today to learn more about setting up a consultation.
How to Make a Hard Divorce Easier
If you’re going through a tough divorce, the right legal team can make it easier. Beyond hiring the right representation, there are a few things you can do to keep the divorce amicable:
- Don’t sign anything without fully understanding it. Your partner’s divorce attorney may try to meet with you and may even present you with documents to sign. This will only cause issues later as you continue to work toward fair solutions. Never sign anything you don’t understand.
- Make child custody decisions that will cause as little disruption as possible. The best case, when possible, is typically to have the child remain in their home so they can continue life as closely to normal as possible. However, every case is different and has different factors to consider. We’ll help you find custody solutions that makes the most sense for your family.
- Seek help from a professional. We don’t just mean lawyers. Speaking to a counselor or therapist can be extremely helpful, especially if you are dealing with a former partner who is toxic. They can give you tools and communication skills for dealing with your ex, even during emotional proceedings, such as determining child support and property division.
- Take steps to understand your finances if you were previously not the person who handled these matters. You’ll be better able to advocate for yourself if you understand the full financial picture.
- Ask for clarification when you need it. As our client, you never have to be embarrassed if you have questions or don’t understand something. We want to explain everything to you in easy-to-understand terms. If something isn’t crystal clear, just ask. We’re happy to help.
You can also help make your divorce easier by avoiding the mistakes we’ve listed here.
FAQs About Hiring a Family Law Attorney Near Me
Most people don’t know what to expect when taking the first steps toward getting a divorce. That’s why it’s so important to find a family law firm you can trust to guide you. Here are a few frequently asked questions we get about finding the best family law attorney near me.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of your divorce will depend on a number of factors. Very complex cases that involve forensic investigation, multiple children, several properties, etc. are always more expensive than fast divorces with few assets and no children. We are sensitive to your budget and can talk about expected fees and outcomes during your initial consultation.
What if my ex and I don’t agree about child custody and care?
There are two types of child custody. The physical custody will determine where a child lives and who will be responsible for the daily care of the child. However, regardless of who has physical custody, either parent (or both) can have legal custody of the child. Legal custody determines who makes decisions about health care, religion, schooling, and more. If you and your ex don’t agree about who should have custody, you’ll work with a mediator, and if you still can’t agree, a judge will decide based on what is in the best interest of the child. You can learn more about North Carolina child custody procedures here.
Am I entitled to spousal support or child support?
You might be entitled to spousal support (aka alimony) or child support in some cases. This depends on a number of factors. We can review your case to determine the likely outcome for either kind of support, as well as explain your options. Call us today or use the live chat feature to learn more about setting up a consultation.