Divorce is one of the most stressful and complex events in any person’s life. It is important to choose the right attorney to represent you and guide you through the process.

A Family lawyer near me is an expert in all aspects of family law, from dissolution to child custody and spousal support. They can also help you settle your case without going to court if possible.
Equitable distribution of marital property

Equitable distribution is the legal process of dividing assets that were acquired during a marriage. It takes into account the needs of each spouse, their contributions to the marriage and how long they were married.

However, marital fault or any other type of misconduct usually plays no role in equitable distribution.

When a divorce is filed, each spouse must complete an affidavit detailing all of their property. This includes their home, bank accounts, cars, furniture, clothes, airline miles and business interests.

All of these items are considered marital property, and the court will divide them equitably. The judge will consider factors such as each partner’s financial situation, earning power, their needs after the divorce and whether any underlying issues impacted the division of assets.
Child support

During a divorce, parents have a legal obligation to support their children with food, clothing, shelter and medical expenses. A child support order is designed to ensure that each parent receives a fair share of that obligation.

Child support is calculated based on the combined income of the two parents and a formula that is determined by the court. This amount is called the basic child support obligation and is intended to cover the basics of children’s needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and medical expenses.

Additionally, some states also require noncustodial parents to pay for a portion of the cost of their children’s education. This can include school fees, books, tuition and more.

A child support lawyer may assist you in modifying or adding to your existing support order to reflect changed circumstances. This could be due to an increase in the paying parent’s income, or an unexpected expense affecting the child.
Alimony

Alimony is a type of support paid to one spouse by the other during or after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-income spouse get back on their feet.

There are many different types of alimony, including durational and rehabilitative forms. Both are meant to allow the recipient spouse to get a better job, gain education or training so they can become self-supporting.

Some states also provide alimony for permanent needs, like disability or chronic illness. However, most alimony awards are intended for short-term or transitional needs only.

If your ex is not paying court-ordered alimony, you can take legal action to enforce the amount you’re owed. This is usually done through a “show cause” motion, and you’ll need to show that your former spouse has not been following the terms of the order.
Spousal support

If you have a divorce in progress or one that has been finalized, you may receive spousal support (also known as alimony). This type of financial help is often awarded to the spouse who makes less money than the other party during the marriage.

The court determines a dependent spouse’s financial need by examining an array of factors. These include the ex-spouse’s income, the duration of the marriage, the dependent spouse’s health and employment history, and the parties’ assets and responsibilities.

When a dependent spouse’s circumstances change, they can ask the court to modify or add spousal support. This is most likely the case if they have lost a job, become disabled or suffer an unexpected decrease in income.

Long-term spousal support typically terminates when the supported spouse remarries or achieves financial independence. In those situations, the receiving spouse can request modification of a permanent alimony order only if the receiving spouse can demonstrate a substantial change in their circumstances.