It is not renowned the world over for being one of the most stressful occurrences in life for nothing!
When you got married, it would be unlikely that you were thinking about divorce (hopefully!). So, when it comes to finalizing the stages before a divorce, many people can feel confused or unsure about exactly what is involved in the process.
Is it like in the movies, where the primary breadwinner loses 50% or more of their estate? Does the mother always get custody of the children? These are all portrayals you will see in the media, and many people are surprised to learn that they are not factual.
So, if you are puzzled as to what is involved in a divorce, read on to learn the truth behind some of the most prevalent myths.
Myth 1-Divorce always ends in a bitter, acrimonious battle.
While some divorces can be contentious, many are settled amicably through negotiation or mediation.
In fact, this is the aim of almost every lawyer, as it prevents the process from being dragged through the court system, saving time and money. And there are many other services that lawyers can offer to ease the process, too, that will hasten tempers. You can even get Welsh speaking divorce lawyers in the US now, so aim to find a lawyer that can keep things civil and will go the extra mile to help you.
Myth 2- Divorce is always expensive.
While the cost of divorce can vary widely, there are many ways to keep costs down, such as using mediation or collaboration instead of traditional litigation.
And, of course, if your divorce ends up going through court, this will add to the cost. But most lawyers will aim to keep the costs down, so it may not be as expensive as you think!
Myth 3- The mother always gets custody of the children.
This is not true, and the court’s primary concern is the best interest of the child. If you are divorcing your former spouse, and they have a history of abuse against your child or children, it is extremely unlikely that the divorce process will be in their favor relating to child access.
Myth 4- Divorce is a quick process.
Depending on the state, the process can take several months or even years to finalize. The time it takes for a divorce to be finalized will also depend on whether or not your partner contests it. Luckily, a divorce lawyer can advise you on how long they think the process may take.
Myth 5- Divorce is always the best solution for a troubled marriage.
While divorce can be the best option for some couples, others may benefit from counseling or other forms of therapy before making a final decision.
Indeed, almost every lawyer specializing in divorce will advise couples to go through mediation before divorcing, as well as therapy to try and repair their marriage. However, if the trouble in your marriage extends to abuse, then it is unlikely that you will be advised to go through therapy.
