It’s common to struggle after finding out your marriage is coming to an end. After all, nobody who gets married ever does so with the expectation of one day getting divorced. A divorce can be traumatic, confusing, infuriating, and even terrifying. You may not know what you can do to protect yourself, if anything. You will want the right kind of help in navigating the divorce process. A Columbia divorce lawyer can help provide you with some tips on what you can do.
It’s important that you understand the full reality of your position. Depending on whether you were the one who filed or the one who was served, you may really be struggling with everything that’s going on. During this struggle, you may slip up or forget to file certain paperwork, which can benefit your former spouse’s settlement. Having the right lawyer by your side can change things for you and make a considerable difference.
Hiring the Right Lawyer
The help of an experienced divorce lawyer cannot be understated. You may have no idea where to even start with your divorce. The last thing you want to do is make a costly mistake that could impact asset division or child custody. The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm can provide you with a compassionate and personalized approach to your case. Our team has helped countless individuals across the country work through their own divorces. We can help you.
Recognizing the various divorce and marriage rates throughout your state can be beneficial. It lets you know you’re not alone. According to statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control, Missouri has one of the highest rates of divorce in the country at 2.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. At the same time, the state has a fairly moderate rate of marriage at 5.8 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
As you deal with what might be the hardest situation of your life, it’s vital that you remember there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Divorces can cause lifelong emotional trauma that can affect the way you perceive your future relationships. Talking to the right people can help alleviate some of that trauma. You may want to reach out to a local divorce support group like Divorce Recovery or DivorceCare. It’s okay to prioritize your own health in your divorce.
Protecting Yourself in a Divorce
One thing that a divorce can do is force you to recognize your own self-worth. No good marriage ever ends in divorce. Divorce is reserved for marriages with irreparable problems, resentment, betrayal, and incompatibility. Recognizing those toxic patterns and breaking free of them can provide a powerful boost in self-confidence. Unfortunately, before reaching it, you may feel considerably low. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself throughout your divorce:
- It’s vital that you surround yourself with a strong, reliable support system. You may have people in your life who want to see you emerge from this situation stronger than you’ve ever been. Take comfort in family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances. Reconnect with old friends you may have neglected during your marriage. Be comfortable accepting help from people who care about you.
- Exercise clear and concise boundaries with your ex. Even after getting divorced, there’s a chance that your ex may feel entitled to continue being a part of your life. It’s up to you to decide if that’s okay with you, and if you decide that it’s not, you need to enforce that boundary.Cutting ties with your ex can be especially difficult if there are children involved and you have to co-parent. You don’t have to be anything more than that, though.
- If you have children, you should prioritize their well-being above all else. They may be more confused and angrier about this than you are, but they may not have the emotional maturity to address it without your help. Be present for your kids and let them know that they can talk to you about anything.
FAQs
Q: Is Divorce Always the Right Answer?
A: That’s a difficult question to answer. Everyone’s needs in life are different, especially when it comes to marriage. Some marriages may be strong enough to survive betrayal or ideological differences. If both partners are committed to making real changes, divorce may be avoidable. However, to others, divorce is not just the right answer; it’s the only answer. It’s up to you to decide if there’s something to salvage. If not, you should pursue a divorce.
Q: How Are Assets Distributed in Missouri?
A: In Missouri, assets are distributed in accordance with the equitable distribution model. This model ensures that both parties receive a fair share of the marital assets. It’s important to remember that fair and equal are not synonymous. Many contributing factors will influence the amount you may receive in the settlement.
Q: Who Determines Child Custody in Missouri?
A: In Missouri, the family court ultimately determines child custody based on many different factors, including each parent’s financial situation, any history of abuse or neglect, and how consistent both parents have been in their children’s lives. The court is bound to do what’s right for the child above all else.
Q: Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
A: Yes, you should hire a divorce lawyer. You never know how your case will go until you are already going through it. You don’t want to end up unprepared because you failed to hire decent legal help. It’s likely your ex will hire a lawyer to represent them. Your lawyer can help you avoid making costly mistakes, ensure you don’t miss filing deadlines, and provide you with consistent advice.
Reach Out to a Lawyer Today
Going through a divorce can be a painful and emotionally devastating situation to find yourself in. You want to make sure you do the right thing and retain an experienced divorce lawyer to help you through this. At Stange Law Firm, we can assist you in putting together a strong case, negotiating on your behalf, and advocating for you throughout the process. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about how we can help.