One of the most difficult and emotionally taxing decisions a person can make is to get a divorce. To help you navigate this challenging period and safeguard your rights, a Cleveland, Ohio divorce attorney may be of great assistance. Picking the correct lawyer may alleviate a lot of worry and, ultimately, save you money. Referrals from trusted friends and family members are your greatest bet while searching for a Cleveland, Ohio, divorce attorney. Their feedback can shed light on the attorney’s communication style, including the speed with which they responded calls and the clarity with which they addressed inquiries.
The reputation and level of expertise of a divorce attorney are important factors to consider when choosing one. An excellent divorce lawyer will have been practicing for a minimum of two years and will be a member of an established professional organization like the American Academy of Family Lawyers or the National Association for Certified Family Law Specialists. In addition, they will have experience with the specific family laws of the area, such as those pertaining to child custody, alimony, and property distribution. Make sure to choose an attorney who has plenty of positive client reviews and a high satisfaction rate.
Think about the divorce process you wish to follow as well. You have the option to seek a divorce based on whether one party is at blame or not. Spouses can utilize grounds like infidelity, severe cruelty, or bigamy to file for a fault-based divorce and get their marriage dissolution decreed. Conversely, in a no-fault divorce, no party is held legally responsible for the dissolution of the marriage. Instead, incompatible couples might use this as an excuse to file for a divorce in certain cases.
By finalizing a separation agreement and a shared parenting plan (in cases where children are involved), many couples resolve their divorces out of court. Both sides can settle their differences without having their claims resolved by a judge, and it’s usually cheaper than going to court.
Some married couples desire space to think about whether they can work things out in the future rather than dissolve the marriage. A formal separation might be the best course of action here. While still maintaining their separate residences, the parties can negotiate a property settlement.
Keep in mind that a divorce attorney cannot serve as counsel for both parties. This goes against the attorney’s ethical obligation to their client and constitutes a conflict of interest. To safeguard their interests during the divorce process, each party should hire an attorney.
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