Filing for Divorce: Definitions and Decisions
Filing for Divorce: Definitions and Decisions
For people who have been through a divorce, the experience can be as stressful as filing taxes, with just as much paperwork involved. For couples contemplating divorce, they should remember that just like filing tax documents, it’s the people who are prepared in advance that can alleviate some of the stress that can seem unavoidable with divorce proceedings.
“As common as divorce has become, it’s still a legal procedure that should not be taken lightly by any party involved. Anyone looking to initiate a divorce should begin by seeking the advice and representation of an experienced family law attorney, who is knowledgeable about the rules and statutes applicable in your state,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.
Similar to marriages, not all divorces are the same either. Divorces are typically categorized as either contested, where parties cannot come to an agreement on at least one issue, or uncontested, where the parties manage to agree to all terms. There is also a fault/no-fault category. Florida, as most states, is a no-fault state, where proof of fault is not required. Some states still require a showing of fault to proceed with divorce, and an attorney should be consulted to determine those requirements.
“Parties considering divorce should keep in mind that the amount of time it takes to finalize a divorce depends on the type of divorce it is and the documentation that needs to be provided and reviewed. People who aren’t sure they want to go through this process may want to consider a legal separation until they’re ready to proceed with a divorce. In either case, an experienced attorney should be consulted to get the best advice for their situation,” Green said.
Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).
