Divorce
Divorce, worked out one decision at a time
A divorce is really a list of decisions: who stays in the house, how the savings and the debts are split, whether one spouse helps support the other for a while, and, if you have children, how they’ll spend their weeks.
Some couples agree on most of it and need the papers done right. Others can’t be in the same room. I handle both, and at the first meeting I’ll tell you which one your case looks like.
A written plan for each decision
Your fee in writing before we start
Every filing explained before you sign it
What a divorce settles
The judge signs one decree, but it covers all of this.
The house and what’s in it
Who keeps the home, whether it’s sold, and how cars, furniture and savings are divided.
The debts
Credit cards, car loans and medical bills, and who pays which one once the decree is signed.
Support between spouses
Whether one of you helps the other for a time while they get back on their feet, and for how long.
Divorce questions I hear every week
Do we both need lawyers?
No. A lawyer can only represent one of you. Your spouse may hire their own or handle their side alone; either way, I’ll speak with them respectfully.
My spouse won’t sign anything. Can I still get divorced?
Yes. A divorce doesn’t need both signatures. It takes longer when one spouse won’t cooperate, and I’ll explain each step that follows.
What is a legal separation?
It settles property, support and the children the way a divorce does, but you stay married. Some families choose it for health insurance or religious reasons.
We married in Mexico. Can we divorce here?
Usually, yes, once one of you has lived here long enough. Bring your marriage certificate, even if it’s in Spanish.
Talk through your divorce before you decide anything
A first meeting gives you the steps, the likely timeline and the fee, in writing.