Personal Representation
From Experienced Charleston Family Law Attorneys

Valuable Information About Divorce

For someone considering or facing divorce for the first time, there is a lot you may not know about the process. Information is vital in a divorce, and it is important to get the information you need when you need it. Thankfully, you can get the guidance you deserve from an experienced West Virginia attorney.

At Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC, we have been helping the Charleston community through their divorce and family law needs for years. In the time we have been representing clients, we have amassed a large number of tips and information that can benefit you through your divorce.

What You Should Know About Divorce

Every state has its own laws about the divorce process, including if you qualify for divorce in the state. In West Virginia, if you were married outside of the state, you must have lived there for at least a year before filing for divorce. If you got married in the state, you could file for divorce as long as one of you still lives in the state.

Courtrooms allow for both “no-fault” and “fault-based” divorces. A no-fault divorce is one where neither spouse caused the end of the marriage with bad actions (the viable reasons for this option are irreconcilable differences and separation for over a year) and a fault-based divorce requires one or both spouses to prove there were grounds for divorce (such as cruelty, adultery, committing a crime, insanity, addiction or desertion).

Once you file for divorce, you will need to address matters such as asset division, child and spousal support, custody agreements and parenting plans. We can help you prepare for all matters surrounding your divorce.

What You Can Do Right Now For Your Divorce

Before you file for divorce or meet with an attorney, there are some measures you can take to prepare yourself, such as:

  • Separate your finances – Make sure the income you earn goes into an account only you have access to.
  • Set up a PO Box – Keep your mail away from prying eyes by having your mail sent to a secure location.
  • Gather important documents – Get copies of valuable documents like your mortgage, titles, bank statements, medical documents or anything else that may relate to your divorce.
  • Prepare a place you can stay – Once you file for divorce, you may need to, or want to, stay somewhere outside of your home. While you should not assume you will have to leave your home, it is wise to prepare for it.

The first thing you should do if you are considering divorce is to seek the guidance of a skilled divorce lawyer.

Seek The Guidance You Need

If you are ready to learn more about your divorce, initiate the process or need other help with your family law needs, contact our Charleston office today. Call us at 304-932-0591 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.