When two spouses want a divorce but fail to agree on critical points, they usually have a contested divorce. In Alabama, contested divorces take significant time and could go on for months or years. If you are in a similar situation and want to move ahead in life by finalizing the divorce sooner, you need to take specific positive steps. Here is a quick list.
- Hire an attorney: Working with a Madison divorce lawyer can be the most effective step for protecting your rights and interests. Attorneys know precisely what happens in a contested divorce and are aware of the usual mistakes that clients make. They can help you better and advise on important issues.
- Consider mediation: If you let the court decide everything, you don’t know whether the outcome would be close to what you wanted. Mediation is a great step in contested divorces, where couples get to resolve issues without getting to litigation. Mediation is not just cost-effective but also gives both parties a degree of control over the proceedings.
- Keep your private life separate: People often make the mistake of going ahead with new relationships or introducing their dates to kids and the family. Ideally, you shouldn’t be dating until the divorce is done, but if you are, make sure to keep things discreet and away from social media.
- Let go when feasible: It often happens that one spouse is too blinded by their ego and wants specific things from the divorce. Do not make that mistake. For instance, if you cannot pay the taxes of the family home, there is no reason to fight for it. Choose your battles wisely, and don’t be stubborn without reason.
- Communicate as required: Whether you choose to talk to your spouse directly or want your attorney to do that through their ways, it is imperative that you communicate. If you decide to go to court and take things before the judge, the process only gets more demanding and complex.
- Be honest with your lawyer: This is, again, something that should come naturally to clients. If you are dating someone or have information that could impact the contested divorce, such as assets in a different country, your lawyer should know everything. Being transparent allows your legal team to take steps to protect what’s possible and strategize accordingly.
Find a local lawyer near you right now and visit their office in Madison to get to know them better.
