If you are considering divorce, you may find the process unfamiliar and confusing. Unfortunately, many people make the process of divorce out to be much more difficult than it actually can be. There are many myths surrounding the divorce process that can make the process even more confusing than it already is. So to help clear up some confusion, let’s debunk a few common myths about divorce.
You have to get a divorce in the state you were married. Fortunately, the government understands that most people don’t live in the same place their entire lives. Because of this, you can get a divorce in any state as long as one of the spouses is a legal resident of said state. Typically, a person becomes a legal resident of a state after living there for a certain amount of time, so it’s important to consider that time period when filing for divorce.
If you commit adultery, you’ll lose everything. While being unfaithful may lead to divorce, it will not lead to losing your home, assets, and children. Oftentimes, if a judge is considering conduct during the marriage, it usually deals with economic misconduct. A divorce law firm will often advise against using adultery as a ground for divorce. And it’s important to consider how civil the divorce should be, especially if there are children involved.
A divorce can be denied by a spouse. This may have been the case back in the old days, but today’s divorce laws make it so a spouse does not have to stay in a marriage if they don’t want to. While divorce has gotten easier to achieve over the years, that doesn’t mean it’s easy overall. If one spouse does not want a divorce, they may stall the process and make it harder for all parties involved. This is where a divorce law firm can be beneficial. Experienced divorce attorneys can help make the process go along smoothly and quickly if one spouse is making it difficult.
All divorces go to court. Even though you have to file divorce papers with the court, that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a trail and expensive court battles. Just like how only 2% of personal injury tort cases actually end up going to trial, many divorce cases can be settled outside of the courtroom. If both parties can reach agreement on the issues in question with the help of a divorce law firm, the divorce can be granted without a trial.
Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion about the divorce process. While it can be difficult, it’s important to keep the process as civil as possible. And you can always consult your divorce law firm to answer any other questions you have regarding the process.