Top Smiths Station, AL Divorce Lawyers Near You
650 N College Street, Suite 100, Auburn, AL 36830
When you need Divorce help in Smiths Station, contact Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, an established Alabama law firm.
Free Consultation
Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
457 South 10th Street, PO Box 231, Opelika, AL 36803-0231
Dean & Barrett helps clients in the Smiths Station area handle cases involving Divorce.
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Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
127 S 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
Divorce Lawyers | Auburn Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
225 N Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830
Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
709 Ave. A, PO Box 2345, Opelika, AL 36803-2345
Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
508 Fox Run Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801-5965
Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
114 N 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801
Divorce Lawyers | Auburn Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
363-A E. Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
Divorce Lawyers | Opelika Office | Serving Smiths Station, AL
3120 Frederick Road, Suite B, PO Drawer 2268, Opelika, AL 36803
Smiths Station Divorce Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Divorce attorneys in Smiths Station and checks their standing with Alabama bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria- Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
- Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
- Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
- Client Commitment Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
Are You Considering Getting a Divorce?
If you are considering ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership, arming yourself with information is your best first step. A skilled Smiths Station divorce lawyer can show you what will occur during a divorce proceeding and legally who is entitled to what.
The Divorce Process
Filing for divorce is the first step, but there are other options throughout the process. Most divorces have many questions as to the division of property and, if you have children, child custody and child support.
Some couples are able to reach an agreement through mediation, others may have to depend on the judge to make the final decision. While the divorce process will vary by state, you will have to file with a family court in your jurisdiction to obtain a final decree of divorce as well as to request child custody and child support payments. Divorce can be messy, so make sure to arm yourself with a divorce attorney.
How do you file for divorce?
Your state likely has requirements for filing for divorce. For example, some states require you and your spouse to live apart for a certain amount of time before filing. In general, you or another party will serve your spouse with divorce papers, and you will need to file a copy of your paperwork at your local court that handles these matters. Your divorce attorney will be able to walk you through the entire process and address all the details.How much does a divorce cost?
The final cost of your divorce ultimately depends a great deal on both you and your spouse’s approach to the proceedings. If you can negotiate all of the terms of your divorce without any extended courtroom batters, you will spend much less money than if either of you insists on taking the divorce to trial. The use of outside experts, such as child psychologists and financial experts, will also affect the final cost.How long does a divorce take?
Again, this depends on how you and your spouse approach the divorce proceedings. If you can easily work out everything, due to no-fault divorce laws, you may be able to complete the process in a few months. Every dispute that needs a judge’s or mediator’s supervision, however, will take time. Court appointments are typically not available on short notice.Why would you get a legal separation instead of a divorce?
Some couples choose to get a legal separation instead of divorce because of religious beliefs. Others do it for financial reasons, even though they do not intend to get back together. You should be aware that in some states, a legal separation could mean having to deal with property division, child support, and alimony payments. A family law attorney can help you understand your options.What can you not do in a divorce?
During divorce proceedings, a family court judge may instruct you to refrain from certain actions, such as posting on social media about your spouse. If there are children involved, it’s also a good idea to not use your children as pawns or try to pit them against your spouse. You also may not hide any assets to keep them secret during the property division or alimony determination process.What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?
Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.
Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
- What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
- What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?
An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.
Common legal terms explained
Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.