It may seem like divorcing parents could handle a simple, amicable divorce on their own. Many of the forms needed for divorce are on Kentucky’s family court website, and so long as everyone agrees, getting unhitched should be as easy as flipping a switch.
For some families, though, a DIY divorce can lead to later unforeseen problems. Custody and support agreements can widen, adding additional complexity. Relocation and visitation across state lines require special permission. The family court’s special rules and processes call for experienced attorneys with a deep understanding of the local laws and court system. A Limaburg family lawyer at our firm could help individuals dealing with family law matters to ensure there are no missed steps or unknown issues to address.
Getting the Details Right in Divorce Is Essential
A divorce decree includes many agreements, including:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Property distribution
- Spousal support (also known as alimony)
Once the decree is final, Kentucky law requires that it cannot be modified for two years. Some circumstances will overcome that two-year wait, including where the child’s mental or physical health is at risk, but overall, the cost of getting details wrong in the divorce decree can be high. Even after the two-year wait has expired, modifying a divorce decree is difficult. A family attorney in Limaburg could use their experience and training to help divorcing parents avoid later problems.
Divorcing couples may feel familiar with the process from friends or family who have been down the road before them. Those couples may not know many of the special rules for family court, though. Often, what might seem like a single issue of domestic relations, like child custody, can become more complicated. That can be especially true if one parent needs to relocate to another state. Relocating to another state or taking a child out of the commonwealth without the court’s approval could result in future limitations on custody.
Family Lawyers Could Help Parents With a Wide Variety of Issues
Family law is an area of law that consists of many different legal processes and procedures. For example, questions about how much of a married couple’s total assets—including the house, vehicles, and retirement accounts—each individual is entitled to is the legal process of property distribution. This is an entirely separate issue from questions about the payments one spouse receives from the other to help put them on their feet after a divorce, which is the legal process of awarding alimony.
Similarly, for some parents, handling child custody and addressing child support may seem to be the same issue. Yet, some details involve physical custody—the where, when, and how of childcare—while others involve legal custody—the rights and responsibilities to make decisions for a child’s welfare, such as discipline and schooling. Child custody sometimes raises issues of parental rights, especially when a parenting agreement has been established. A Limaburg lawyer with years of experience handling family law matters could guide individuals through all of these legal procedures and important decisions.
Avoid Costly Mistakes by Using a Limaburg Attorney Experienced in Family Law
When it comes down to it, the cost of missing important details in a divorce is too high to rely only on yourself. Many families need help understanding the special rules and navigating the unique processes of the Kentucky family court. Our dedicated attorneys could work alongside spouses to avoid any legal roadblocks or mistakes that could unnecessarily lengthen their proceedings. A Limaburg family lawyer could use their legal knowledge and skills to determine when to fight for your rights and when to negotiate to get the best results. Call today for a free consultation.
