Divorce Lawyers in Foley, AL

Divorce opens the door to a new future for you, whether you are leaving a marriage because of basic incompatibilities, trust concerns, or wrongs committed by either party. While this season of life is undoubtedly difficult and painful, it is also a time of significant growth. As you get ready to begin the divorce process in Foley, AL, it’s important to learn more about your legal options and find out how you can protect yourself.

Ready to learn more about Alabama divorce options and take the first step toward a fresh start? Call Coumanis & York today at 251-990-3083.

Why You Need Your Own Divorce Attorney

One of most common questions people ask is, “Do I really need a divorce attorney?” Everyone knows a couple that did their divorce on their own without any ill effects and assumes that their divorce can be the same way. However, for every story of a DIY divorce that went right, there are several stories of DIY divorces that left one party financially ruined. It’s not a risk worth taking.

Even if your divorce is amicable, it is highly recommended that both parties have their own legal representation. Before you really get into the divorce process, you likely have a vague idea about the issues you’ll face with your ex-partner. However, you may not yet know the full scope of the issues you will have to agree on.

As these discussions unfold, you may run into points of tension that make communication difficult between yourself and your ex-partner. At any point, either of you can make the decision that you are no longer willing to work together. If this happens, you will wish that you already had legal representation lined up.

You may get lucky, of course—your divorce could remain amicable and low-tension the entire way through. Even in this situation, you should have an attorney looking over your agreements and making sure that you know exactly what you are agreeing to. When making important decisions with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, you may not be aware of the full implications of each agreement you make.

For example, your agreement may not account for a change in custody schedules when your young children begin attending school full-time. It may not specify when one parent can bring a new partner around the children. An attorney ensures that you consider all of these issues and that your agreements are fair to you.

Helping You with the Important Divorce Issues

Throughout your divorce, we have one goal—representing your best interests. On your own, this can be difficult. Emotions run high in divorce, and it is often very difficult to make sound decisions for your future.

It is even more crucial to have assistance when your ex-partner has retained legal counsel. They may only have an attorney to double check the paperwork and ensure that everything is fair to them, but make no mistake—if any type of disagreement occurs, they will consider their client first and foremost. You need someone who will do the same.

Your Foley, AL divorce attorney will walk you through all of the important issues that come up in divorce, including:

• Child custody. Are you interested in 50/50 custody or are there extenuating circumstances that would make another custody split preferable? What type of visitation schedule are you looking for, and which holidays do you want to spend with your children?
• Child support. Child support is the right of the child as they should be financially supported by both parents. We’ll help ensure that any child support agreements are fair to you and to your child.
• Division of assets and debt. Whether the marriage is ending with tons of assets or none at all, what you do have must be fairly divided. The same is true for debt. Using the Alabama standard of equitable division, we will push for a fair division.
• While not awarded in every divorce, alimony is expected in some marriages. It is common after the end of a long marriage or one in which there is a massive income disparity.

The Timeline of a Foley, AL Divorce

Once you’ve made the decision to divorce, you probably want it over as quickly as possible. However, there is no specific timeline that fits all divorces. One important factor is whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.

The fastest option is an uncontested divorce. In these types of cases, both parties know a divorce is necessary and are willing to compromise on property division, child custody, and other issues. These can often be completed in a matter of months, allowing both individuals to breathe a sigh of relief and move on with their lives.

The process can take much longer if the divorce is contested. When one or both parties drags the process out, you could be stuck in negotiations for months or even years. This is one reason you need an experienced family law attorney; they will have the knowledge and skills needed to move the process along as much as possible.

If speed is the top priority for you in a divorce, know that you may have to give a little in other areas. When your ex-partner is not in a rush to get matters settled, for example, you may be able to get things moving by giving up a bit more than expected.

Turn to Coumanis & York for Help with Your Divorce

No matter what the circumstances of your divorce are, you have a lot to lose if things do not go your way. That’s why you need a Foley divorce attorney whose only priority is your best interests. The team at Coumanis & York will explain your options to you, negotiate with the other party, and fight for an agreement that is fair to you. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working for you. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 251-990-3083 or contacting us online.