Suppose you’re a newlywed, congratulations! But with that title comes another responsibility: learning about family law. It doesn’t matter whether you live in the United States or abroad; as soon as you get married, your life becomes more complicated than it was before.
The Basics — Spousal Support and Child Custody
While divorce might be the last thing you would think of as a newlywed, it is essential to learn about the process. There might be many reasons because of which you might need to get divorced from your spouse. When a couple gets divorced in almost every country, the court will consider two main issues: spousal support and child custody.
Spousal support is money that one spouse pays after a divorce. It’s meant to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living. On the other hand, child custody refers to which parent the child will live with after a divorce.
There are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody is self-explanatory — it’s where the child will live. On the other hand, legal custody gives a parent the right to make decisions about their child’s life, such as their education and medical care.
In many cases, one parent is awarded physical and legal custody, known as the custodial parent. The other parent is typically given visitation rights, which allow them to spend time with their child regularly.
Whatever the case may be, if you are about to get separated from your spouse, it is best to hire a divorce attorney for support. Hiring a lawyer will help make the process smooth.
Child Support
In addition to custody, the court will also determine how many children support the non-custodial parent will have to pay. Child support is meant to help the custodial parent cover the costs of raising a child, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Child support payments are typically made until the child turns 18, though in some cases, they may continue until the child graduates from college or turns 21. When a couple gets divorced, the court decides how much money the non-custodial parent has to pay to help support the child.
Parenting Plan
If you have children, the court will also require you to create a parenting plan. A parenting plan is a document that outlines how you and your ex-spouse will raise your children after a divorce. It should include custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and how you’ll handle holidays and special occasions.
Creating a parenting plan can be difficult, especially if you and your ex-spouse don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. But it’s important to remember that you’re doing this for your children, not yourself. With that in mind, try to be as flexible as possible and be willing to compromise.
Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a contract that you and your spouse sign before getting married. It outlines what will happen to your assets and property in the event of a divorce.
Prenups are becoming more common, especially among couples who have been married before or have significant assets. If you’re considering a prenup, hiring an attorney to help you draft the agreement is essential.
While a prenup can’t cover everything, it can be a helpful tool to protect your assets in a divorce.
Get Help From a Family Lawyer
If you’re getting divorced, it’s essential to have an experienced family law lawyer on your side. A good lawyer can help you understand the divorce process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also help you negotiate a fair settlement with your ex-spouse.
Finding a good family lawyer doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start by asking your friends and family if they know any lawyers specializing in divorce. You can also use an online directory, such as the one provided by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Once you’ve found a few lawyers, schedule consultations with each one. This will give you a chance to ask questions and feel for their personality. It’s also an opportunity to see how well they communicate and how much they care about their clients.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Therapy
Getting divorced can be a difficult and emotional experience. And it’s not something that you have to go through alone. There are many resources available to help you, including therapy.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek out a therapist specializing in divorce. They can help you deal with your emotions and learn how to cope with the changes in your life.
When tying knots or starting your family, it is vital to be aware of the implications your new status as a married couple will have. Although it may be the last thing on your mind, preparing for eventualities such as divorce or the death of a spouse is essential. You can never predict what might happen in the future, but you can be prepared for anything by learning about family law now.
