| Before you start filing for a divorce, there are specific | | | | There are basically three types of divorce available, |
| agreements that need to be made between you and | | | | litigation, mediation and collaboration. |
| your spouse. If you aren't able or willing to concur on | | | | 1. Litigation involves going in front of a judge with or |
| distribution of assets and liabilities, child custody and | | | | without a lawyer and having him/her determine the |
| child support, visitation rights and naturally alimony, | | | | outcome. |
| things are going to get messy. | | | | 2. Mediation, a much more popular form of divorce, |
| It's best to attempt mediation before you end up in | | | | whereby a third disinterested party helps you and your |
| litigation. If you end up in litigation, you will see your | | | | spouse, represented by attorneys or not, come to an |
| pocketbook/wallet be depleted quickly! Try coming to | | | | agreement and submit to the judge for approval. |
| an agreement, put it in writing, and pass on to the | | | | 3. Collaboration, a hiring of attorneys is involved and |
| judge for final approval. | | | | they will assist you in coming to an agreement before |
| Divorce...Separation.. Study this before filing for a | | | | going to trial, or they will discharge themselves and you |
| divorce. Before you begin really filing for a divorce, | | | | will have to start over. |
| should you look at filing for a legal separation? Most | | | | Finding a Lawyer should be on your checklist when |
| states acknowledge a legal separation, which, in the | | | | filing for a divorce. Before you go the lawyer route, try |
| long run, may lead the path to an uncontested divorce. | | | | your local courthouse, library or stationary store. |
| A binding agreement may be agreed upon with | | | | Sometimes they are a good source of information. |
| reference to financial responsibilities, support, spousal | | | | If you feel you necessitate being represented by a |
| and child alike. | | | | lawyer when filing for a divorce, here are a few tips |
| Also, child custody should be addressed as well as | | | | on choosing one. With the high costs of litigation and |
| disbursement of assets and liabilities. If these items are | | | | courts these days, try searching for one who |
| incorporated into a legally binding agreement as | | | | specializes in family law. Try to find someone who |
| grounds and agreements of a separation, should there | | | | attempts settlement conferences or mediation rather |
| come a time for divorce, virtually all of the groundwork | | | | than one who just lets the court decide. |
| has been laid. | | | | |