Working through a divorce can be a tremendously emotional event and spouses may not know what to do or where to turn for help. In a recent online article in BusinessWoman magazine, our own Attorney Paula S. Silverstein discusses the importance of understanding what options for divorce are available when a marriage begins to break down. Every couple will have a different situation and the choice to pursue a contested divorce, or more amiable solutions such as mediation, will greatly depend on each family’s circumstances.
Methods for divorce can include:
- Contested divorce: Divorce proceedings can often bring feelings of anger and betrayal to the surface, hindering the ability of spouses to agree on key issues. In these situations, it may become necessary to settle disputes in court. Pursuing litigation can be costly and time-consuming, but when spouses cannot reach agreements and must move forward, a contested divorce may be the only option.
- Uncontested divorce: When couples are open to discussions and are able to work together towards dispute resolution, an option such as mediation can be a comparatively quick and cost effective alternative to a courtroom battle. Here, an impartial third party known as a mediator helps a couple talk through issues in order to negotiate the terms of a divorce. A mediator does not act as a judge but works to create an atmosphere where spouses can reach agreements on their own.
There are many aspects which can influence the method of divorce a couple pursues including the division of property, child support, and visitation agreements. For example, child custody is often a central issue of contention. When decided by the court, the choice will be taken out of the families hands and the children themselves may have little say. The older and more mature a child is, the greater impact their opinions and preference will have on courtroom decisions. Generally, a judge will determine custody based on what is in the best interest of the child.
By knowing each option available, you can best select the method which fits your family’s situation. When deciding to pursue litigation it is important to consider the impact on your family. For those seeking an uncontested divorce, consider the ability the work with your spouse to come to agreements. A knowledgeable attorney can be invaluable in helping you and your family decide on what option is best for your situation.
Contacting a York Divorce Attorney
At Ilkhanoff & Silverstein, our York divorce lawyers possess an in-depth knowledge of family law disputes and if you going through a divorce, we can help you to understand your options. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience helping to protect our clients’ interests and are dedicated to providing compassionate legal advocacy at the time when you need it most. If you have any questions about your divorce, do not hesitate to contact us today.
Schedule an initial case evaluation with our firm and find the answer you need.
