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From Experienced Charleston Family Law Attorneys

How To Prepare When Considering 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.

How An Attorney Can Help

Your lawyer can help you prepare for the divorce process in a way that sets you up for future success. Before you take any legal steps, they can help you get your financial papers in order, make strategic decisions and help you consider life after the separation. Being prepared for divorce allows you to approach the process with greater confidence and protect what is important to you.

Once the divorce process begins, you will make many choices that can have a profound impact on your future. The outcome of your divorce can impact your financial health, your time with your children and other aspects of your life. An experienced attorney can give you the information and support you need to make the right choices for your situation and also avoid costly issues.

Most of all, an attorney will make your voice heard. From negotiating fair settlements on assets and debts to addressing custody and visitation rights, attorneys can help you reach a fair solution that reflects your priorities. Having an attorney by your side can ensure that your rights and interests are protected at every stage.

At Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC, we offer compassionate and skilled guidance as our clients navigate this important life change. Attorneys Lyne Ranson and Nicholas Gordon give each client personal attention and create personalized strategies that address their specific needs at every stage of the divorce process.

Reach Out To The Attorneys Of Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC

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.