If you and your spouse are filing for divorce, it’s important that you hire a lawyer to represent you. Divorce is one of the most complicated and emotional branches of family law, and you need a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. You can find a Scheidungsanwalt through referrals from friends and family or by searching attorney websites that specialize in matrimonial and family law. You can also ask for recommendations from other professionals, such as accountants or financial planners, who have worked with divorce attorneys in the past.
The job duties of a divorce lawyer include reviewing client paperwork such as paycheck stubs, tax returns and property value information, interviewing clients and their spouses and listening to their account of the relationship and their objectives, and drafting papers for filing with the court. They may also work on related legal matters such as child custody and alimony.
To become a divorce lawyer, candidates must graduate from college and then complete seven or more years of law school. During that time, they study a variety of subjects, including family law and divorce law, and take numerous internships or clerkships to gain experience in their field. In addition, they must pass the Law School Admission Test and the bar exam in their state.
Depending on the circumstances, divorce attorneys can work on uncontested or contested divorces. In a contested divorce, the spouses do not agree on one or more issues and may need to appear in court for multiple hearings before the case is finalized.
A contested divorce can be very long and drawn-out, but a good divorce attorney can help reduce the time it takes to reach a resolution. He or she will carefully review all of the relevant documents and information in the case and file them with the court as necessary.
In a contested divorce, the wife is entitled to equitable distribution of the marital assets, which includes her share of the husband’s pension and retirement accounts, bank accounts and other assets. In addition, she is usually entitled to spousal support (also called maintenance or alimony) and payment of attorney’s fees.
While only a small percentage of divorces end up going to trial, those that do require extensive preparation by both parties and their lawyers. They must present evidence, call witnesses and provide opening and closing statements. A successful divorce lawyer can make all the difference in a divorce case.
When hiring a divorce lawyer, it’s important to look for someone with a track record of success in family-law cases and an understanding of the unique dynamics involved in divorce. In addition, it’s helpful to find an attorney who understands the judges and courts in your jurisdiction. Lastly, it’s important to find an attorney who will listen to your needs and understands the emotional toll that divorce can take on you and your family.
